Library opening next week

Just in time for the school holidays – the freshly extended HB Williams Memorial Library will be open for business, from Tuesday next week.

The re-opening will mark 51 years since the library was originally opened in April 1967, which is an exciting prospect for Council’s cultural activities manager Pene Walsh.

“It’s great to be so close to the finish, and everything looks fantastic.”

A dawn service and a private opening ceremony are being held on Monday 16 April for community funders and guests before it’s officially opened to the public on Tuesday 17.

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions from the JN Williams family trust, Eastland Community Trust, Eastern and Central Community Trust, NZ Community Trust, bequests from Stanley Green, Hannah Dunlop, Jessie Iris Jeffrey’s and contribution from Council.”

“Although we’re giving our generous partners the first look through the building, I can assure you, the public will find it worth the wait,” says Ms Walsh

The extended HB Williams Memorial Library boasts modern features such as an external court yard with constellation filled star map, multimedia spaces, youth spaces and more.

“And that’s only the inside of the building.”

Outdoor features and art

As a tribute to the late Murray Ball, The Ball family will formally welcome Footrot Flats icons, Wal and Dog to their permanent home.

“The bronze-cast statue created by Weta Workshop has been on display alongside the Taruheru River near the Rose Gardens since 2016 but he was always intended to be on display at the new library,” says Ms Walsh

“The new entrance on Bright Street features 4m tall toki (the adze that creates pathways) designed by artist Derek Lardelli which feature tools for communicating.

“There’s art and meaning on just about every part of the new building.

“For the first week we’ll have some friendly ambassadors on hand to take people around on mini tours and show them the sites,” says Ms Walsh

The HB Williams Memorial Library will operate under new hours from 9.00am – 5.30pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Opened later on Tuesdays 9.00am – 8.00pm and Saturdays 9.30am - 1.00pm.

ENDS

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