After nearly four years and two temporary premises, Gore’s new look library is due to open next month.
The librarians are in the process of packing up the books in the Encounter New Life Church building where the library has been housed since May 2021.
Contractors are shifting the books to the remodelled James Cumming Wing where the library will be sited permanently.
In 2019 the former Norfolk St library was closed because of mould and the operation moved to the James Cumming Wing.
In 2020 Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones announced $3 million had been allocated for a new library.
The library moved to the church in 2021 while the new premises was being constructed.
Library manager Lorraine Weston-Webb said the new facilities were ‘‘awesome’’.
‘‘It’s brought the public space of the library into the modern world for the Gore residents and visitors.’’
The high ceiling and open plan gave a sense of spaciousness.
Making the library an easy to access and use space had been a high priority in the planning stages.
There were separate places in the library for teenagers and children, and two outside patio areas where people could read.
‘‘I believe the people of Gore are going to claim this space.’’
It was planned for the library to open on February 13.
However, that would depend on whether the building work had been signed off.
Staff had started reassembling shelves and were waiting for more to arrive.
A new method of identifying books through radio frequency was to be installed.
Last week Hokonui Runanga staff blessed the building and an official opening will be held in March.
Council contractors are in the process of installing car parks and paths.
Gardens will also be planted.
The library has been closed since before Christmas as the building was close to being finished, but people could still return their books to the box in Jacob St.
