Mount library remedial work completed

After nearly 12 months, the fences around the Mount Maunganui Library have come down.

The grounds outside the library were fenced off following the discovery of asbestos in the soil in December 2015. The asbestos was successfully removed in March.

The fences remained to allow necessary seismic upgrading to be carried out in June, which saw plywood installed against the library's internal walls to prevent them from falling inwards in the event of an earthquake.

"It has been a disruptive period for both staff and library users," said libraries manager Jill Best.

"Although the library remained open during the work, we did notice a drop in visitor numbers, so it will a great to be back to full capacity."

To celebrate the completion of the refurbishment work there will be a week-long, fun-filled programme of events.

Mount Library Lovers' Fun Week will include a summer cooking demonstration, B'Dazzled Balloons, Scottish country dancing, a big book sale, and much more.

"A celebration is just what the library needs. We pride ourselves on being a community hub and events like these are a great way to connect with the community," Ms Best said.

The library was initially built in 1967 by the then Mount Maunganui Borough Council, and a 450sq m extension was added in 1988.

With local government amalgamation in 1989, the library came under the control of the Tauranga District Council.

This has been the first sizable refurbishment work completed since the library was extended. All the same services that the library previously provided will still be available.

For more information, including the full programme of events, visit www.library.tauranga.govt.nz.