Library opening date released

The new Greymouth Library will open to the public on Friday, 3 July.

The first members of the public to be shown through will be the winners of five Golden Tickets – a fun take on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Two tickets will be given away through:
• A chocolate factory-themed voting booth
• A poetry contest

Three more tickets will be announced each Friday – stay tuned to the library Facebook page, or ask library staff. Every person in the district will be eligible.

The winners, along with one family member, will be able to visit the library almost a week before it officially opens.

In the weeks leading up to the opening, the Richmond Quay development will be blessed, and some school groups will visit while the library is being commissioned.

An official opening will be held in mid-July.

Council is working with local businesses and organisations around the opening.

The Regent Theatre is planning special movie screenings and promotions, while the Left Bank Art Gallery will help decorate the library grounds for the opening.

Group Manager – Community, Penny Kirk thanks the community for their understanding and patience while we close, move and reopen in the new library space.

“The new space is incredible, and to quote Willy Wonka himself: ‘If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it’.

“The team is excited for welcoming you on Friday 3rd July. “

The Richmond Quay Development, which includes the library, has a total cost of $24.23 million. It has a café on the top floor and an indoor children’s playground.

There will be bookable meeting rooms and a creative space, as well as a parents’ room with space for strollers and baby feeding, and a new and improved teen area.

Members will also be able to use self-checkout kiosks for the first time.

The existing library will close for over a month from 22 May while approximately 30,000 items are transferred. Staff are working on initiatives to stay connected with the community during this period, including pop-up sessions.

Updates will be provided.