The Alexandra Library renovation project is on track to be completed by Christmas.

Work to refurbish the library at 43 Tarbert St started in June, a project that was estimated to take about six months to complete.

A spokesperson for the Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) library and property teams said progress was tracking well “thanks to the support of our contractors, and sub-contractors”.

The balustrade/mezzanine floor before it got its facelift. PHOTO: CODC

The area after, showcasing what a difference the space will offer to staff and visitors. PHOTO: CODC

“We are approximately halfway through the project. Painters are working tirelessly to complete the paintwork, with the final areas underway. The new toilets have plumbing in place and are framed up, and the windows are being double glazed.

“The balustrade/mezzanine floor is now complete and shows how the refurbishment is already making a dramatic improvement to the aesthetics while maintaining safety in the library space.”

Contractors have noticed a range of people, of all ages, taking a peek through the window to track the progress, but they will have to wait until December before they can enjoy the new space and everything it has to offer.

“The goal of this upgrade was to create a modern space that provides for the traditional and evolving role of library services. We anticipate the library space to become a hub that offers a flexible space for our community to not only read, but to come together and connect.”

Until it reopens, people can visit the pop-up library established at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery.

A range of programmes, including Home Services, wi-fi, printing and computer use has remained available at the pop-up library.

And, if it’s a good book you are after, a wide range of the library’s collection are displayed on the shelves, including the most popular titles, hot picks and new editions.

Everything else is in storage but is easy to retrieve if anyone requests something that isn’t immediately available.

Central Otago library services are popular throughout the district.

There were 55,884 people through the door of the Alexandra Library in the last financial year, and a total of 149,754 across Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Maniototo and Roxburgh.

Read more: Alexandra pop-up library open for business