Library in queue for repairs
One of Christchurch’s busiest suburban libraries will close for about 18 months.
South Library in Beckenham was damaged in the 2011 earthquakes and while temporary strengthening work was done the following year, long-term repairs are yet to be completed.
The work, approved by Christchurch City Council in 2016, had been planned for 2018 once the central library Tu¯ ranga opened, but the council deferred the project until after the new $36 million Hornby library, service centre and pool facility opens early next year.
Council head of libraries and information Carolyn Robertson said a decision on when the earthquake repairs would begin had yet to be made.
While the South Library was damaged in the earthquakes, it is safe to occupy and has remained a popular and wellused community hub, she said.
It is the third-busiest suburban library, behind Fendalton and Shirley, with 4552 weekly visitors. Of the council’s suburban libraries it has the highest number of items issued this financial year, with 8918 each week.
Robertson estimated the work was likely to take 18 months.
The council has budgeted $12.6m for the work, $4m more
than it planned to spend when approving the repair in 2016. Back then the work was expected to cost $8.6m and take 10 to 12 months.
The Warren and Mahoneydesigned South Library and Beckenham Service Centre was built in 2003 at a cost of $6m.
Robertson said temporary library facilities could be set up, but the council would assess the need closer to the time.
South Library staff would work from other library locations while the work took place, she said.
Groups that regularly meet at the library will either need to relocate to another library or venue, or can use the temporary facility if one is established.
South is the last library in the council’s network to undergo earthquake repairs.
In July 2012 the library was closed after a detailed engineering evaluation showed the building had a seismic capacity of between 10 and 20 per cent of the new building standard.
It reopened in December of that year after work was done to strengthen the building while long-term options were considered.