Library hubs – coming to a suburb near you

Published on 07 August 2018

7 August 2018

Whanganui District Libraries want to expand by creating local library hubs over the next four years. The hubs would allow people to take out and return books in already established venues in partnership with community organisations or businesses.

Pete Gray, Libraries Manager, says the library is looking for businesses or organisations which could accommodate some library shelving and equipment and have staff or volunteers to provide basic assistance to customers.

“We are interested in hearing from organisations or businesses who have the right kind of space to have a ‘mini library’ on site. This could be at a café, a shop, a church or community organisation, as long as it works for the host.

“The benefit to the host organisation is that it may draw more customers or clients to the business or organisation because of the addition of the library.

“It would also help give suburbs more of a village feel by bringing people together to share their love of reading as well as to make it easier for people who may not be able to get into the city centre to access library services.”

The venue would need to be open for at least four days per week for at least four hours on those days.

The library would provide library hubs hosts with a self-issue and return station, shelving for up to 1,600 books, a touch screen and wi-fi. Books would also be replaced and recirculated by library staff.

If you are interested, please send an expression of interest to Pete Gray, Libraries Manager by Friday 28 September 2018.

Tagged as: