Libraries get back to business

Most libraries in Christchurch have resumed full operation, but some services have been changed in response to the February earthquake.

Fines and charges for overdue books have also been reinstated.

Open libraries are: Akaroa, Bishopdale, Diamond Harbour, Halswell, Hornby, Little River, Lyttelton, New Brighton, Parklands, Redwood, South, Spreydon, Shirley.  Linwood Library has opened in temporary premises at the Linwood Service Centre at 180 Smith Street. Known as “Linwood Mini”, it offers a small collection and some public computers.

The Mobile Library is back in full operation, and is focusing its support on the hardest hit areas.

Extended hours have been put in place for Bishopdale, Hornby and New Brighton; study support sessions are available at Linwood Mini, New Brighton and Shirley libraries and South Learning Centre.

Fendalton, Papanui and Upper Riccarton libraries are closed to accommodate Christchurch City Council staff. However, books can be returned there (although may take longer to discharge), and service centres at these libraries are operating.

Central Library remains closed because repairs to the building will be needed and there are issues with a neighbouring building.

Some libraries are providing holds collection points for neighbouring libraries. Borrowers can use Bishopdale to pick up items on hold for Bishopdale, Fendalton and Papanui; Hornby is holding items for Hornby and Upper Riccarton customers; Linwood Mini is holding items for Linwood and Sumner; South has items for Central and South. As other libraries open, this list will be reviewed.

Other services

Other services are being reinstated. Small browsing collections of Chinese, Japanese and Korean world language titles are now available at Bishopdale Library & Hornby Library (these were previously at Fendalton, Upper Riccarton and Central Libraries).

Most online and electronic services such as databases have been restored, including the new social-media inspired catalogue Bibliocommons.

Fines and other charges have been reinstated. Where items have been lost or are inaccessible as a result of the earthquake, customers should contact the Library to make arrangements to ensure that they will not receive overdue notifications. Library customers can claim contents insurance on library items that are lost.

Carolyn Robertson, unit manager for Libraries and Information, says staff are doing all they can to maintain service to customers in spite of the disruption and aftermath of the earthquake.

“We apologise to those residents affected by closures and appreciate their tolerance of the changes we have needed to make,” she says. “We will return all libraries and services to full operation as soon as we can.”

Updates on libraries’ status are listed at christchurchcitylibraries.com/News/Alerts/