Editorial: Library a new chapter

Dozens of supporters joined the Tauranga Library Friends to push for the council to build a bigger library and the plan was adopted as part of the council's annual plan. Photo / George Novak

I love a good book.

I admit if I had a free weekend I could spend several hours getting lost in the pages of a crime or fantasy novel.

For me, it's all about escaping into a different place. You could picture yourself as the main character or you can root for the underdog.

You become attached to the different characters and create a clear picture of them in your mind.

When I was younger, I would spend hours at our local library. It was within walking distance of our house and just about every Saturday I would walk down and get a new selection of books.

There was also a programme where, if I had finished the book and could tell the librarian about it, I would get another stamp on my reading card. I had to work my way up to so many stamps before I got a certificate.

With that in mind, it must have been a great feeling for those who have been campaigning for Greerton Library.

The team has been pushing for the council to build a bigger library and, this week, the plan was adopted as part of the council's annual plan.

A crowd of about 70 people broke into applause and campaigner Kate Clark had to wipe away tears of joy.

Mrs Clark told the Bay of Plenty Times she was "beyond happy".

However, it was a bittersweet day for library supporters, with members also voting in favour of cutting the library budget by more than $1 million.

The cuts mean 25,000 fewer books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and other resources for Tauranga libraries, bringing total stock down to 330,000 or 2.4 items per head, according to a council report.

Despite the cuts, I'm sure there would have been several other people celebrating alongside Mrs Clark.

The council said it would fund up to $3.45 million of construction costs through development contributions, renewals and the sale of property, including the Plunket building and/or the block of shops that houses Subway, on the corner of Chadwick Rd and Greerton Rd.

I know there will be people against the idea, those who say everything is available online, but the reality is there is nothing like flicking through a book. You get to feel the pages and get a sense of achievement when you know you are nearing the end.