Successful first year for Te Awamutu library
16 October 2017
Visitor numbers at the new Te Awamutu library have increased by nearly 60 per cent since it opened in October last year.
Since November 2016, more than 113,000 people have visited the library, around 41,000 ahead of the same period in the previous year. The number of books issued also increased, with more than 30,000 additional items checked out than the previous year.
Community facilities manager Bruce Airey said Te Awamutu and the wider community have embraced the new facility, reinforcing Council's decision to build it. The $4.4 million facility was officially opened in October last year.
In just 12 months Te Awamutu's new library has proved itself as an essential part of the town. Visitor numbers are up largely due to its central location and we are seeing an increase in junior and young adult library users, who visit after they have used nearby facilities like the Events Centre and school bus stops.
Airey said the new community room is also proving to be real asset to the library and the town.
Usage of the community room has far exceeded our expectations, he said. As well as providing space for library-run events such as holiday programmes and regular Toddler Time and Wriggle and Rhyme sessions, this space is well used by the community.
The recent elections, Council information sessions, art workshops and community meetings are just some of the ways the space has been used in the past year.
The library is celebrating its first birthday at 10:30am on Saturday 21 October with the community invited to join staff and other users for cake, balloons and giveaways.
- What: Te Awamutu Library's 1st birthday
- When: 10:30am, Saturday 21 October
- Where: Te Awamutu library, Selwyn Lane, Te Awamutu
For more information, contact: Simone van Asbeck, 027 564 7622