- Latest
- By authority
- Changes by local authority
- List of UK volunteer libraries
- List of Library Trusts and prospective Library Trusts
- Fine free libraries
- List of Staffless Libraries in the United Kingdom and beyond
- Literature Festivals with library involvement
- Governance
- Volunteer-run libraries
- 2010-2014: From Community Library to Community-run library: a look at the impact of volunteers
- Pros: reasons for volunteer “community libraries”
- Cons: reasons against volunteer “community libraries”
- Practicalities
- “The reality is very different”: A volunteer library manager speaks
- Are volunteer libraries statutory or non-statutory?
- Four views on volunteer libraries: Sue Charteris, AnneMarie Naylor, Marylyn Haines-Evans of the WI and Ian Anstice
- The Risk Exposures of Volunteer Libraries
- A crude strategy but here to stay: Biddy Casselden on volunteer public libraries in the United Kingdom
- Council assistance for volunteers
- International
- Further reading
- Trusts
- Efficiencies
- Increasing income
- Volunteer-run libraries
- Why libraries?
- Fighting for libraries
- Archives
- Old lists arranged by UK library service
- What do public library staff do?
- Transcripts of library related programmes
- Guest posts
- Indigenous Knowledge Centres: Queensland Public Libraries finding a niche
- 3D Printers & Maker Spaces
- A Library is not just for Christmas
- The CCC/Tsutaya library miracle in Japan: combined bookshop libraries
- Maker Spaces in Libraries – The state of the art December 2013
- A glimpse of Tokyo library life, by Sue Charteris
- Relative Poverty: A display designed especially for libraries
- Nick Poole on what can we learn from the past to inform the future of public libraries
- A home for the homeless: Rachael Rivera and the Auckland Library Streeties
- Dancing Darth Vaders And Talking To Astronauts: Liam Cookson talks MozFest 2017
- A little less conversation: Nick Poole from CILIP writes about the problems with public libraries and action needed
- The Amazing Grace of Public Libraries (or aromatherapy for local living)
- Angry about cuts to Newport Libraries
- Libraries Taskforce Kathy Settle sets the records straight
- Thema: Graham Bell describes Thema, the new subject classification for the global book industry
- Glossary of common library terms
- LS&S (formally known as LSSI).
- Political
- Carillion and libraries
- Useful
- Advertising
Devonport Library (Te Pataka Korero o Te Hau Kapua), New Zealand
I come across some marvellous stuff while doing Public LIbraries News. This new library in New Zealand caught my eye, not least because of the specially installed cat flap. Sadly, I was not able to get to the other side of the world to see the lovely new building but Auckland Libraries have very kindly answered my queries and allowed me to use their photographs. I still want their cat though.
Where was the funding obtained from the new library and what happened to the old one?
The Devonport Library project was a $7.8 million Auckland Council-funded project. Auckland Council is a largely ratepayer-funded local government organisation. Some elements of the project were funded by supporting organisations, such as Te Rongo Kirkwood’s glass artwork in the foyer and the lights that hang in the Matariki (Pleiades) formation in the library which were funded by the North Shore Libraries Foundation. The old library was demolished.
Is it normal to have such add extra aesthetics – artworks, lovely ceiling etc – to a library in Auckland?
Auckland Council is a champion for quality urban design in the Auckland region, it sees good urban design as critical for enabling Auckland to become the world’s most liveable city. For this reason, council-led projects must lead by example and Devonport Library is no exception. The brief provided to the architects required innovation, efficiency, carefully selected materials, quality design and finishing, a controlled air conditioning system and flexibility to cope with future changes in technology or building use.
The Council’s public art approach is also based on best practice – it looks to integrate artwork into the development of projects, rather than retrofit spaces with unrelated pieces. For example, Judy Millar’s Pattern Her Mind with Broken Time is a hand printed silk screen that serves as a functional security barrier to enable community use of the building when the library is closed. Barry Brickell’s Harbour Ferries collection of 18 terracotta relief tiles were first installed in the old library in 1979 and have been designed into a special space in the new building.
Collaboration with Māori is also a priority for Auckland Council. Five tribal groups identify the Devonport area as their ancestral lands and have worked with council to tell their stories throughout the building. A pare (lintel), with tribal carvings from each group, hangs over the main entrance; the design of carpet tiles has been derived from locally relevant Māori patterns; lights have been hung in the Pleiades constellation formation, known to Māori as Matariki and symbolising the Māori new year and the building has been ‘gifted’ a Māori name – Te Pataka Korero o Te Hau Kapua.
Has there been an increase in usage?
Yes! In the first eight days, 13,532 people passed through the doors and an estimated 30,000 visited in the first month. This is more than twice the number of visitors the old library received.
Any problems with having a cat (health and safety, asthma etc?)
No! Benjamin has been part of the local community for many years, after making himself at home at the library one day – quite of his own accord! He arrived in 2002 and we think he’s around 14-16 years old.
Community consultation on plans for the new building provided plenty of feedback that we must make sure Benjamin is provided for, so when creating the design for the new library, the architects made provision for Benjamin by including a cat door in the staff workroom door.
During the day, Benjamin can come and go as he pleases. At night time he only has access to the staff workroom via his cat door and the security system is pet sensitive.
How is the Minecraft group going? Is that a common thing in your libraries?
The Minecraft group is going well with around 20 children attending each session. Sessions are facilitated by one of the librarians and there is a Minecraft activity if children would like to do it. In general, teenagers and children are loving the teen section. Often the port hole window is occupied with teenagers sitting in the window seat, reading or chatting.
Many libraries in Auckland Council’s group of 55 libraries have Minecraft clubs or meet-ups. A typical session is held on a week day afternoon, after school and offers children the opportunity to get together with other young Minecrafters and play together in a safe environment. They bring their own device and use the libraries’ wifi. Those without devices can join in the Minecraft paper craft activities.
All pictures are copyright Auckland Libraries and are used here with their kind permission. More pictures from the library are available at the Auckland Libraries Facebook page
Leave a ReplyCancel reply
Subscribe
Contact
Please send any news, comment or thoughts to ianlibrarian@live.co.uk.Recent Comments
- Dave - Libraries Hacked on Aberdeen getting worse but otherwise we’re getting Beta
- Erwin Lagustan on Ideas and innovations in public libraries
- Jeanette Jones on The joy of work
- Barbara Carol Band on No words
- Sue Wickstead on A warm Christmas
Thank you
Warren O'Donoghue of Rabbitdigital Design has been wonderful in designing and creating this website, maintaining it and basically being there for the one hundred and one web problems that seem to surface all the time.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
about 9 years ago
What a beautiful library. Designed with compassion and I love the reflection of local culture throughout. I too would want to sit by the porthole window.