New library’s zones will offer four experiences in one

14 June 2005

Customers can expect an exciting new library experience when the new Parklands Library/Te Kete Wānanga o Waitikiri opens on 6 August. The building will pioneer an ever-changing space, offering different activities for different customers at different times of day. It will also offer several zones, each with their own distinctive character and atmosphere.

During daytimes at the library, adults will enjoy up-to-date resources, great coffee at ‘Ditto’ café, and helpful staff. At pre-schoolers time, staff will swap adult chairs for beanbags and cushions. After school, the learning centre will offer the latest technology for help with homework. Saturdays will offer a low-stress environment combining relaxed reading, coffee and cake, music and technology.

The library’s four zones will be:

Flexizone - Te  Manawa (heart)
The lively hub of the library will transform at least once a day to accommodate whatever’s happening in the library, from after-school activities to storytimes. It will be a dynamic space, where change is guaranteed.

Easyzone - Te  Whānui (community)
The sunny, northern end of the building will house the library’s most popular items, including bestseller books, magazines, DVDs and CDs, together with the cafe. Big bifold doors will open out from this space onto the courtyard and garden. With its sofas and tables, it’ll be a great place to stop for a coffee, meet friends or sit and read.

Waitikiri Learning Centre - Te Ako  (learn/teach/discover)
The library’s ‘technozone’, complete with a video wall, headphones and laptops, will be used by schools and groups of all ages for study programmes, workshops and clubs. A staff member will be on hand to provide help and support when the zone is open.

Quietzone - Te Marino (calm/relax/peace)
Ideal for escaping from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the library, and the outside world, the zone is on a raised level and will have big windows overlooking a rock garden. Tucked behind the non-fiction section, the area will have easy chairs for easy reading.

Christchurch City Libraries’ Sally Thompson, says all the elements are coming together to create a very special building for both Parklands and for Christchurch:
“This is a unique project, which will result in one of the most innovative community libraries in New Zealand. It’s going to be a great place to visit and spend time, and we’re sure it will quickly become the hub of the Parklands community.”

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