Libraries still vital to growing communities

November 22nd, 2013

The changing role of public libraries in an evolving high-tech world means modern, well-equipped libraries are still vital in growing communities, says Glennis Coote, the Council's Libraries Manager.

Her report, presented last week at TDC's Community Development Committee meeting, emphasises why Motueka needs an up-to-date library to replace the present one which is no longer large enough to serve a growing, modern town.

It goes some way to countering arguments being put forward by some people, including one councillor, that new technology - particularly e-books - will make libraries redundant in a decade, so Motueka should just put up with the library it has.

In fact, Glennis provided statistical samples showing library use in Tasman District was about 30 per cent greater over the past four to five years than the five years before that; and the number of active borrowers or online resource users had grown rapidly over the past two years.

Many other Motueka people have expressed anger that the small present library gets packed in summer with tourists using the free wifi for their computers, making it hard for locals to get decent service or read quietly. This situation will change shortly as the whole Motueka CBD will soon have free wifi.

A working party of TDC managers, ward councillors and the community board has been looking at options for a new library, and particularly a proposal by Vision Motueka for a community hub based on a library as the first step in a staged development. (See our earlier story.)

Glennis Coote's report said that due to the rapidly changing nature of public libraries in recent years, a new national framework has been developed which identifies the five key role libraries will play in New Zealand in future:

Collecting, curating and providing access to knowledge ideas and works of the imagination. The continuing development of TDC's collections, the provision of material in new formats and the provision of access to an increasing range of electronic resources align with this role.
Fostering the joy of reading and supporting the development of literacy in all its forms. This is being implemented through children's reading programmes, book discussion groups and author events.
Enabling independent lifelong learning, research and innovation. This is provided through resources available in TDC's collections, computer training programmes, provision of public internet access, and library reference services.
Providing community-based services for all, in places that are at the heart of the community. TDC libraries aim to provide welcoming library spaces, preschool and school outreach programmes and housebound services.
Collecting, creating and making available local content and history. Council's local history collections, Kete Tasman, their contribution to The Prow local history website and the provision of recording and digitising facilities in Richmond libraryâ€™s Imaginarium all align with this role.

"The environment in which libraries operate has changed significantly in recent years," Glennis said.

"Global, national and local financial pressures; the growing income inequality in New Zealand society; changes to technology and the increasing use of technology for communication, leisure and information seeking have all had an impact on libraries. The challenge for Tasman District Libraries is to continue to fulfil the key roles within this changing environment."

Comment by Jim Butler:
[Posted 24 November 2013]

Yes, the present Motueka library is too small. Though, except in inclement weather, the library is now less crowded, because the banks are now providing similar free online facitities. But the Richmond has had its library upgraded, Takaka has had its library upgraded, so it should be Motueka's turn. But the Motueka Library is on partially leasehold land and some councillors are against spending money on facilities on leasehold land.

This is where your excellent proposal for building a 'Hub' on Decks Reserve with a new library building as its first stage, provides a suitable alternative. We will have to see what comes out in the 2014 / 2015 Annual Plan. I would expect some money to be allocated for detailed planning of the Hub in next financial year and money for the building in future years.

The key for getting the first stage of the 'Hub' underway in my opinion, is whether or not the present Motueka library is a earthquake risk. Unfortunately I think that a single floor building, wood framed with an iron roof supported by central pillars, is unlikely to be a serious earthquake list. We will see.

Comment by William Cleaver:
[Posted 7 December 2013]

Went to the library after work yesterday. You know, that place where they store information on paper. Nice place the library if it wasn't for High School students doing every thing but reading books.

Four girls on cell phones, a couple making out, three had brought their kindle books in and four on Wi fi. There was actually four adults doing what the library was intended for. And some primary school kids talking to the librarian about books. Oh how life has changed.

So Motueka wants to enlarge the library and become part of the Motueka hub. All you need to do is remove the books, install computers and wi fi. A couple more loungers and a cafe and Bobs your uncle you have a mall.

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