Tasman District’s Mayor Richard Kempthorne opened the new Takaka Library, at 3 Junction Street, Takaka, on Monday 12 May. About 80 people including Councillors, Council staff, library users and staff, and local Community Board members attended the opening. Long serving ex-librarian Berna Soper spoke, as did Lisa Oldham, Tasman District’s Head Librarian, and other previous Takaka library staff members. Berna Soper cut the ribbon to open the Library.
Mayor Kempthorne said in his speech that the provision of libraries is an important community function for Tasman District Council. “Libraries are facilities that are used by all age groups, from children, young adults young families through to the older generation. This new library shows the importance we have placed on encouraging children and young adults with individual areas for them,” he said. He also noted that the people of Golden Bay are the biggest library users in the District and there has been a 27 percent increase in use since this new library opened its doors.
The new library has been in planning and construction for three years and cost about $750,000. The building was designed by Redbox Architects and built by Ian McCully Builders. The project was managed by RDT Pacific Project Managers and coordinated by Tasman District Council property manager Jim Frater.
The new library building opened its doors to the public on Tuesday 8 April 2008 and had more than 550 visitors on its first day. In the two weeks following the opening 4080 people visited the library.
The old Takaka War Memorial Library in Commercial Street opened more than 50 years ago and Council is grateful to the RSA for agreeing to the transfer of memorial status to the new library. Council is now looking for a suitable tenant for the Commercial Street building.
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