Stage two of Thames Library upgrade has begun

A new conference/meeting room at the Thames District Library, which will be available for hire to the public, will be open by early October.

Work on the Thames DistrictLibrary started this week and includes converting the current staff room into a conference/meeting room and the existing staff room being relocated to the mezzanine floor and upgrading the staff area at the rear of the office.

The library will remain open for the duration of the work as, unlike the work for stage one, the work is confined to a small area which should have minimal impact. Users of the library are asked that they tolerate a small amount of noise and dust while the work is being done.

AZCO Builders began work on Monday and so far has had very little impact on Library users. AZCO Builders successfully completed the work for stage one of the project in February this year which included construction of a new toilet facility, front counter and manager's office.

"The new meeting room will accommodate up to 25 people. Currently there is a lack of public meeting spaces in Thames so this will fulfil a need," says Library Coordinator Linda Hayfield. "It will also be used by the library to host events such as children's holiday programmes, author visits and workshops."

Initial bookings for the Conference Room will be taken through the Thames District Library by phoning 07 868 6616.

Picture above: Building during stage one of the project.

Access for all customers

For those who can't get to our District Libraries - we can come to you. Our District housebound service has been operating for many years, bringing books to people who are unable to leave the house to visit their local library for a variety of reasons.

Hunsa Newland is our Thames Librarian who oversees our team of library volunteers who help deliver books to those who are housebound. The books chosen are based on a selection profile created for every housebound customer. The books are then bundled up and delivered every three weeks.

Sometimes, the only person a housebound customer will see in a day is the volunteer making a library delivery. Volunteers often make time for a chat, providing social contact and company to those in isolated or lonely circumstances. Volunteers like Elaine Petty pictured above.

To save the hassle of worrying about when and how to return their books; housebound customers are exempt from fines and do not receive overdue notices. Their books are renewed by the librarians if necessary and collected for returning by the volunteer team.

“Most of our housebound customers are unable to visit the library due to illness or infirmity so they use the service indefinitely," explains Hunsa. "Sometimes a housebound customer is unable to visit the library on a temporary basis due to recovery from an injury or illness.”

Anyone who is housebound can register for this service, and enquiries are welcomed by family members, friends or caregivers of the person concerned. If an individual is undergoing surgery and requires a long period of convalescence, they are welcome to contact their local district library to set up the service beforehand. Local Aged Care facilities use the service too; currently several residents in rest homes are registered housebound customers. Our library team have even been known to deliver to people in hospital.

And sometimes it's not just about delivering books. “If someone is sight-impaired and unable to visit the library, we select and deliver audio books for them,” explains Hunsa.

Thames resident, Waverney Whitehead has been receiving Thames Library’s housebound service for several months. “It works very well,” she says. “I like the fact they come to me. It is such a production to get down to the library and if I do get there I can’t see very well anyway. I like the audio books they select for me. I really like biographies, especially New Zealand memoirs. And I really enjoy a good detective story.”

Along with large print titles, there are dvds, magazines and ebooks available for any housebound customer, ensuring they’ll never be short of information or entertainment.

The housebound service is entirely free, ensuring all customers within our district have access to public library services.

To find out what is happening at your local district library see our websitewww.tcdc.govt.nz/libraries or follow the library on Facebook.

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