Whanganui District Libraries is expanding into the community with local library hubs.
Whanganui District Libraries is expanding into the community with local library hubs.
Community organisations and businesses could become 'mini libraries' as Whanganui District Libraries seeks hosts for local library hubs.
Libraries Manager Pete Gray says the plan is to expand over the next four years by creating local hubs where people can take out and return books in established venues.
"We areinterested in hearing from organisations or businesses who have the right kind of space to have a 'mini library' on site," Gray said.
"This could be at a café, a shop, a church or community organisation, as long as it works for the host."
Businesses or organisations would need to be able to accommodate some library shelving and equipment and have staff or volunteers to provide basic assistance to customers. The venue would need to be open for at least four days a week and for at least four hours at a time.
"The benefit to the host organisation is that it may draw more customers or clients to the business or organisation because of the addition of the library," Gray said.
"It would also help give suburbs more of a village feel by bringing people together to share their love of reading, as well as to make it easier for people who may not be able to get into the city centre to access library services."
The business or organisation would be provided with a self-issue and return station, shelving for up to 1600 books, a touch screen and Wi-Fi. Books would be replaced and recirculated by library staff.
Anyone who is interested in hosting a library hub should email an expression of interest to pete.gray@whanganui.govt.nz by Friday, September 28.
