Fendalton Library re-opens

A newly repaired and earthquake-strengthened Fendalton Library has re-opened today (Monday 21 May).

Fendalton Library and Service Centre closed in November last year after a Detailed Engineering Evaluation (DEE) assessment showed it needed earthquake repairs and strengthening. The engineering assessment was carried out as part of Christchurch City Council’s commitment to carry out more intensive engineering assessments of its commercial buildings under its Facilities Rebuild Project. The Council gave approval for this work, which included strengthening the facility to 100 percent of the New Building Standard (NBS), to go ahead in February.

The service centre counter re-opened last month as repair and strengthening work was completed in that part of the building first.

Libraries and Information Unit Manager Carolyn Robertson says today’s re-opening will be a welcome milestone for the community. “This is the first time the library has been fully open since the February 2011 earthquake. Although it partly re-opened to the public in October last year after being used as temporary offices by Council staff, it closed again when engineers highlighted the need for earthquake repairs and strengthening.

“The library is an important community hub in the north-west of the city and we’re looking forward to welcoming back many of our regular customers and, hopefully, some new ones.”

She says the earthquake repairs have given staff the opportunity to look at how the library space can be improved for its customers.

“The walls have been freshly painted and we’ve changed the layout of the library to make better use of the natural light coming in through the large library windows. We’ve also deliberately kept the shelving low so that more light comes into the building.”

New service kiosks, which are being introduced to libraries across Christchurch, will make it easier for customers to issue materials independently. Staff will work alongside customers to help them use the new equipment.

The library is on weekdays from 9am-8pm and from 10am-4pm on Saturday. This is a return to the timetable that was in place before the February 2011 earthquake. For more information about library services visit www.christchurchcitylibraries.com