Point Chevalier’s $1.9m temporary library will last only seven years

The $1.9m temporary Point Chevalier library is expected to last for an “absolute maximum” of seven years, says Albert-Eden Local Board chairperson Margi Watson.

“It’s to fill a gap while we work on a much bigger plan for what is needed in Point Chev,” Watson says.

The temporary library was opened after a three-year closure, during which the council tried to fix the old leaky building before deciding to demolish it.

“We had a poorly designed building that had over half a million dollars worth of work done to try and stop it leaking. It continued to leak, so it was no longer viable.”

Watson says the new library is an interim solution “while we work out what the future will be, and how we’re going to fund it, and what it’s going to look like”.

She says as well as the library needing an upgrade, the community centre “doesn’t really meet the needs of the community”.

The board is looking into something much bigger that matches the area’s growth.

Point Chevalier Library manager Joanne Crummer says the temporary space is still enjoyed by a wide range of age groups.

She says it’s important to have shared spaces, calling libraries the “lounge[s] of the community”.

“Our library is an inclusive space for everyone to enjoy - whether you are using the free wifi, reading or entertaining tamariki.”

Despite its small size, the temporary library offers the same services as all other Auckland Council libraries.

It has free wifi, a range of books, and events and services for all ages.

Elizabeth Osborn has been a member of the Point Chevalier Library knitting group for more than seven years.

She says she has been part of the group in the old library space, the community centre during the closure, and now in the new library.

“We were pleased that we were still considered, and then coming here we didn’t know what it would be like, but we’re very happy with this space.”

Osborn says she really enjoys coming to the library to work on her knitting.

“You just walk out the door feeling quite uplifted.”

The library is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.

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