As we move ever closer to the opening of Tūranga, it can be interesting to reflect and look back on how far libraries have come in the last few decades. Looking at our fabulous digital collections I hit a fascinating and poignant vein of images of Christchurch libraries past.
Particularly poignant is this image of staff in 1982 outside the new - now old - central library on the corner of Gloucester Street and Oxford Terrace. It feels very symbolic of change, and hope, and the unexpected - and was recreated in 2013.
Another image shows behind the scenes views of Canterbury Public Library from the 1950s. Lots of stamping and binding and indexing going on! I'm glad to say that our wonderful Bindery is still going strong, but I think we look a little different behind the scenes these days - still heaps of books, but much more technology.
Two more views show cataloguing and processing in the 1960s and 1950s. We still do a considerable amount of cataloguing and getting items shelf ready, but we certainly don't have tables like that any more, nor do we wear the legendary smocks!
I love looking at photos like this. It's great to look at where we have come from as we plan our move ahead into the future. However, as much as we have changed, some things do stay the same - piles of books and librarians working hard to connect you with wonderful content.
Add a comment to: A glimpse of libraries past