Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Libraries have had their popular app reinstated about four months after it was withdrawn.

The app, which allowed people to browse, renew and put books on hold - all from their phone - was shut down in December, affecting library users around the world.

At the time, Central Otago District Council (CODC) group manager community experience David Scoones apologised to the community for the issue, which was out of the council’s control.

He said the app was withdrawn without notice by the third-party providers.

However, in an about turn, the provider has reached an agreement with their service provider, which means people who use Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Libraries services can, once again, download the app from the Apple and Android stores.

CODC libraries manager Aimee Pieterse said about 2000 people across Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes had been using the app before it was withdrawn.

The library app, which is back up and running. PHOTO: The Central App

“We received many positive comments about how people had been using the app to place holds and renewals. So, we are delighted it has been reinstated and our patrons can get back to browsing our catalogue and managing their accounts at their leisure.”

The Maniototo Library has also spent the past few months trialing late nights on Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm.

Aimee said attendance was low, averaging about one to two people within that extended hour, over an 18-week period.

The library staff plan to continue the trial, but will move it to monthly, from Thursday, April 4.

“The feedback we received was that a monthly late night may meet the needs of those working who couldn’t visit the library within our regular hours,” she said.

“So, beginning the first week of April, we will have our monthly late-night trial start.”

The library’s usual hours of Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm, remain the same.