The 2014 Your Library, Your Voice campaign generated more than 2,400 ideas from Christchurch residents about the kind of library they wanted and the services it should provide.
People said they wanted a mix of vibrant family-friendly areas and quiet places to read and study. Access to new technology, community and meeting spaces, comfortable furniture, a children’s play area, a cafe and bike and buggy parking were also on the “wish list.”
Based on that feedback the new library includes the following features:
- exhibition and performance spaces
- a 200-seat community arena for author talks and public debates
- an innovation zone for trialling new technology
- areas to relax indoors and out
- quiet spaces for reading and study
- rooms for meetings, group courses and activities such as craft sessions
- computer laboratory and up to 100 computers
- media walls with digital displays about events and activities
- music and film/video editing studios
- cafe, espresso bar and retail area
- public lockers
- buggy and bike parking
- earthquake resilient
More photos from the launch of Your Library, Your Voice on 21 March 2014.
More information
- New Central Library Christchurch City Council
- Information on the Your Library Your Voice consultation
- The previous Central Library on Gloucester Street b
- Temporary Central Libraries: Central Library Manchester and Central Library Peterborough (both now closed.)
