Library feedback thorough, thoughtful and gratefully received
The main themes from the feedback were around accessibility and inclusivity; diverse, flexible spaces; integrating local and cultural information and taonga; and ensuring the new facility is comfortable and makes the most of light, views and the environment.
Many people called for the new library to be flexible with adaptable spaces and lots of room for kids to play and learn. There was also a desire for separate zones so reading and study can take place away from the fun and chaos of young learning.
Most people saw the benefit in separate meeting and study rooms, with soundproofing at the top of the wish list. Family friendly spaces also topped the wishlist, with designated kids zones, change and feeding spaces and activities for families on wet days.
Most respondents want to see dedicated space for local history, with requests for displays, archives, records and a continuation of the West Coast Reading Room. A majority have also expressed a strong desire to see space reserved for local artists, either exhibiting, selling or teaching.
The suggestion of a cafe in the library drew a very mixed response, with lots of people loving the idea of having a coffee over their newly borrowed book. However a number of submitters asked that this be on the ground floor (with facilities to borrow or return books) amid concerns about noise, smells and the obvious interplay of food and books.
Grey District Council Group Manager Operations and library project lead Aaron Haymes says the feedback will provide good fodder for the designers to consider.
“A lot of what we heard is consistent with themes for new libraries accross New Zealand – meeting and study spaces, lots more room for kids activities, places to gather and connect. Some of the suggestions are very clever – somewhere to store wet umbrellas and coats is sensible, for example – and many feed into our communal idea of a library as a place to escape, learn and reset. I love the idea of window seats and comfy chairs, and I think that while much of this is already certainly under consideration, our designers will have a lovely time going through and picking out some gems.
“I’d like to personally thank everyone that took the time to provide us with their feedback. We have had some very considered, thoughtful and well-researched submissions and we’re delighted our community is so passionate about this project.”
