Opening of new library and community centre celebrated
The Gore Library is finally in its new permanent home.
Today the Gore District community were joined by invited guests to celebrate the official opening of the $7.7 million James Cumming Community Centre and Library.
The event not only marked the end of two years’ construction, but four years since library staff were forced to relocate from their building in the heritage precinct.
Gore District Mayor Ben Bell made sure it would be a memorable day for library users in more ways than one by announcing there will be no loan fees for books, magazines, DVDs or audio books for the next three months.
The mayor said this one-off gesture was the Council’s way of thanking library users for their patience during the rebuild.
Mayor Bell was also keen to ensure the new library was accessible for all young people.
“With a new facility comes a new start for everyone to enjoy it, particularly our tamariki.”
Gore District Librarian Lorraine Weston-Webb said staff were excited about welcoming customers into the new, spacious building.
Set over two floors, the new library has dedicated areas for children and youth, a children’s craft area, a new lift and two fenced north-facing terraces.
Upstairs are the non-fiction collections, as well as a genealogy/research room named Te Puna o Tūtemākohu, and a meeting room, Hokanui Rūma Hui. These names were gifted by the Hokonui Rūnanga.
“This is not only a place to borrow books. It’s a meeting place, somewhere to study, to learn, to connect to the world, to discover and to share.”
A feature of the building is a series of tukutuku window designs and backlit mahika kai panels (traditional local food resources) that can be viewed on the first floor, she said.
Mayor Bell acknowledged the significant investment from the Crown, local businesses and the District’s ratepayers.
“The library has been a controversial issue over the past few years, but seeing it finished it’s hard to argue it is anything short of an accomplishment and credit to everyone involved.
“It will be a facility to be enjoyed for many years to come by those young and old – a community asset I hope to see my children enjoy one day.”
The building was officially opened by Regional Development Minister, the Hon Kiri Allan.
The Government was a major funder of the redevelopment, contributing $3 million from its Shovel Ready scheme.
The project also received $958,000 from Mataura Valley Milk. It’s chief executive Bernard May was among speakers at the opening.
The James Cumming Community Centre features three meetings rooms. These have been named after tributaries of the Mataura River.
They are:
• Ōtamatea / Otamita room
• Waimeha / Waimea room
• Waikākahi / Waikaka room
The library opens to customers on Monday (27 March) at 9:30am. The community centre will be available for bookings after Easter.
