Opening of Spreydon Library delayed a month

13 December 2007

A hold-up in the manufacture of the steel ring to lift the roof has delayed the opening of the refurbished Spreydon Library to 18 February next year.

The ageing facility closed at the end of August to undergo a major refurbishment to better meet changing community needs and comply with health and safety standards.

At this stage it was anticipated this work would take three months to complete, says Christchurch City Libraries Manager Carolyn Robertson.

"However, there is always a risk of delays with a project of this nature. In recent weeks these delays have been compounded by a hold-up in the manufacture of the steel ring to lift the roof. This work is pivotal to allow other work to proceed.

"The Christmas/New Year holidays have also been a factor in extending the opening date further into the New Year. These delays are unfortunate."

She says when the library re-opens on 18 February, a week of festivities is planned to celebrate the opening and welcome the local community back to their library.

"The refurbished Spreydon Library will provide the services and resources of a modern community library in a warm, tranquil and relaxed environment.

"Downstairs, there will be a colourful, safe and versatile dedicated children’s area, while the mezzanine floor will house the library’s fiction collection and separate areas for younger adults. Armchairs and coffee tables in this area will encourage customers to browse and linger in the library."

Mrs Robertson says she apologises for any inconvenience caused by the delay and looks forward to welcoming the community back to the Spreydon Library in February 2008.

"In the interim, Spreydon Library customers will continue to have access to the network of Christchurch City Libraries, the closest to Spreydon being South Library in Colombo Street, Beckenham; Halswell Library on the corner of Sparks and Halswell Roads; and Christchurch Central Library in Gloucester Street."

Customers will also have access to the Mobile Library which offers a limited service on Wednesdays (12.30pm to 1.40pm) and Saturdays (12.30pm to 2.30pm) in Simeon Street by Barrington Mall.

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