Work on the refurbishment of Alexandra Library will begin in just under a month.

The library on the corner of Tarbert and Skird Sts will be closed from Monday June, 10 in time for work to start a week later.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has arranged a pop-up library at Central Stories from June 17 to ensure the service remains in place while the work is being carried out.

The refurbishment, which is expected to take six months and has been on the cards for about 15 years, will include a cosmetic internal renovation, new office equipment, shelving and general enhancement.

The project has been made possible by the central government’s Better Off Funding that provided 60 per cent of the total $1,035,000 cost. 

Since February, Central Otago Libraries has also been converting its collection to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) barcodes.

The barcode project was another better off funding initiative, which the council was granted $361,000 to help complete. 

Conversion is tracking well through the collection.

A look at the Alexandra Library refurbishment timeline. IMAGE: CODC

CODC group manager community experience David Scoones said the refurbishment came about thanks to the mahi of “our fantastic Alexandra Library team and our community” who have one way or another fed into the refurbishment of this library.

“A project that, for many, has been a labour of love for 15 years and thanks to the better off funding has been made achievable. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back into the newly refurbished space.

“We’re also thrilled to be able to offer the community toilet facilities within the building – something that had long been identified as lacking in the current space,” he said.

While the Central Stories pop up is in place, people will still be able to reserve the books they want as usual, and all the services will remain largely the same, although some programmes may be in reduced format during the pop-up stage. 

Reservations and returns will be automatically adjusted during the week the library is closed.

“This is a good time to stock up on your reading, and get a few books out,” David said.

Originally, the pop up library was going to be set up in the premises next door on Tarbert St, but the Learning Hub was ending its lease at Central Stories, a space that was more suited to the library’s needs.