Central Otago District Council is asking residents to share their ideas about the future of libraries across the district.

The council has opened a public consultation on how library spaces and services could evolve over the next 10 to 20 years.

In a media release, the council said libraries had long been places where people read, study, use technology and connect with others in their community.

But it said population growth, changing technology and shifting expectations of public spaces meant it was time to think about how those services might develop.

Library manager Emma Sherie said the council wanted ideas directly from the community.

“This is an opportunity to think boldly,” Emma said in the media release.

“Libraries have always adapted to meet the needs of their communities. But the best ideas actually come from the people who use these spaces every day, and from those who might use them differently in the future.”

The council said libraries already support a wide range of activities, including children learning to read, students studying, people using public computers and jobseekers building skills.

The consultation is aimed at developing a district-wide vision to ensure libraries remain welcoming and useful community spaces as Central Otago grows.

Residents can share their ideas between March 2 and April 10.

The council said people could add suggestions to “100 Great Ideas” boards at local libraries, complete an online survey, or pick up a printed survey from a library or council service centre.

Feedback from the consultation will help guide how library spaces and services develop in the coming years, the council said.

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