Turangi Public Library very popular

The popularity of the Turangi Public Library has surged upwards since it reopened after major renovations in June.

Between July and September, there was a 34 percent increase in the number of books issued and 321 new memberships created.

Feedback from the public on the new library has been positive. Members are impressed with the increased space, the new children’s and teens’ area, the five new public access computers, and the unique window etchings depicting the four warrior mountains, Tongariro, Tauhara, Putauaki and Taranaki.

Children’s services have been increased to include Toddler Time (a weekly musical programme held every Friday), six children’s programmes held during school holidays and a special reading programme planned for December/January.

Plans to work with the Taupo Public Library to establish an integrated district library management system has been put on hold, pending national discussion on creating a nationwide system. This would allow greater collaboration between all New Zealand libraries rather than just local libraries.

Taupo District Library manager Luisa Haines says she is now working the Turangi Library Manager Betty Hura-O’Connor to investigate how best to share resources such as new purchases, staff expertise and the development of one library card which can be used at Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino libraries.