First adopted in 1992, the concept of establishing a library in the area received a boost last year with a proposal from the principal of Riccarton High School, Gary Coburn, to site a library on school land.

A detailed study of demographic information, transport patterns, educational institutions and other facilities was done earlier this year and led to a recommendation by Christchurch City Libraries to the Council to progress with the joint community/school library.

Benefits include cost savings, strengthening community links, improved facilities for students and the community, and environmental advantages.

The difference between building the community library as a stand-alone facility on purchased land, and locating it on school grounds is a cost saving of somewhere in the vicinity of $750,000. Operating costs will also be shared between the school and the Council.

The community will benefit because the new library will be located in the heart of the Upper Riccarton community.

It will be in close proximity to Church Corner, shopping facilities, rest homes, tertiary institutions and rental housing and within biking distance from local primary and secondary schools. Research shows that the library will serve up to 30,000 residents.

Facilities for school use during the school day will be available for community groups and individuals out of school hours and during school holidays. The public will have full use of the community library facilities at all times, with its own separate entrance off Main South Road.

The environment will also benefit. One library will be built instead of two. Maximum use will be made of the building throughout the day and evening. Green space surrounds the combined library site, with ample space available for parking.

Christchurch City Libraries Manager, Sue Sutherland, says, “It makes a lot of sense. We’ve done our homework and also looked at overseas examples of joint-use facilities such as this. Libraries are a wonderful, safe place for people of all ages to study, meet friends and take time out to sit and read, access information, learn technology skills.

“They’re also a convenient place to hold meetings and for families to share learning and recreation experiences. We’re delighted to be able to offer all these things to the people living in the greater area serviced from Upper Riccarton. The opportunity to work collaboratively with the school to maximise benefits for all in the community is really exciting.”

The option of co-locating with the school enables a new library to be completed by December 2005, two and a half years earlier than the previously scheduled 2007/8 financial year.