Book lovers and library-lovers in Hastings could be set to enjoy $500,000 of new items - all thanks to a mystery - and now deceased- benefactor.
Hastings District Council's community development committee this week was told a bequest had been made by Mr Peter David Arthur, a former lifelong resident of Hastings who passed away in September 2016.
The donation was made to Hastings District Libraries through his estate. A final settlement has yet to be made, but it is likely to be in the order of $510,000.
A staff report to Hastings District Council's community development committee said the terms of the will request that the gift be used for the provision of large print and talking books.
Community Development Committee chairman, councillor Malcolm Dixon said the gift would be greatly appreciated but added that not much was know about the man behind the gift.