Fight for Greerton library continues

Friends of the Library campaign manager Kate Clark.

Applause erupted in the Tauranga City Council chamber today when the Friend of the Libraries put forward its case for a better financial solution to fund the $3.45 million replacement library at Greerton.

Friends spokeswoman Kate Clark said the keystone to finance the project was the sale of the Chadwick Rd Subway property in order to allow the neighbouring Plunket property in Greerton Rd to be retained.

It could then be used for future expansion of the library or a community centre.

Ms Clark said selling the Subway property meant there would be no library service cuts to pay for a $900,000 loan.

fThe Subway building was bought for the expansion of the Greerton Library and selling it would provide ample funds to complete the project and it could be sold immediately, she said.

In comparison, the Plunket site would only provide 50 per cent of the additional costs and could not be sold until after the new library was built.

"By not selling the Subway property, the council is making it harder for this library to be built and imposes unnecessary cuts on library services," Ms Clark said.

Nearly 50 supporters, filled the public seats in the council chamber.