Upper Hutt’s much-loved Central Library is reopening its doors from 9.30 am on Monday 11 March. The opening will be preceded by a blessing.

The Library building was closed in February 2018 after a report received by Council found parts of it were structurally unsound. Council moved quickly to close the building for the safety of staff and customers, establishing an alternative ‘Pop Up Library’ in CBD Towers. Remedial works have been ongoing and an increase in scope extended the building work to increase its resilience rating.

Much of the work that has been done will not be visible to customers at the library, so staff are working on a display that will tell the story of the changes to the building and give details of the work that has been undertaken.

Library management has also taken the opportunity to adjust the floor layout. The new layout will incorporate customer feedback to make navigation around the library easier whilst retaining the serendipitous discovery philosophy—and with lots of display spaces to encourage people to find different and new material to read.

“We are delighted to be reopening the Central Library building once again,” says Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy. “The upgraded facility will be one of the most resilient in Upper Hutt. It’s great to have the assurance that it is now safe to occupy and use—and I look forward to our established service being back up and running to its full capacity.”

Temporary reduction in service

Transferral of books and items from the Pop Up Library will take time so the Pop Up Library will close from 6.00 pm on Tuesday 5 March to allow staff to move stock back in to the Central Library. This means that there will be no library service in the city centre for five days from Wednesday 6 March through Sunday 10 March. Customers can continue returning items to the returns bin at the back of the Central Library. Pinehaven hours will also be extended during this time. Pinehaven Library will be open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm from Wednesday 6 through Friday 8 March, then 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 March. Pinehaven Library will return to normal hours from Monday 11 March.

The Mobile Library bus will also be running to its normal schedule that week. Customers are welcome to use this service at its public stops which are detailed on the Upper Hutt City Libraries website.

We are still finalising plans for Library programmes and events that will be affected by the closure. Details on this will be communicated through the Libraries’ usual channels. We will continue to offer JP services from the HAPAI building on Thursday 7 March.

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