2 Dec 2016

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has paid tribute to the dedication of the volunteers who have kept Redcliffs Public Library going for more than a century at the opening of their new library building.

“My predecessor by over 100 years, Mayor Harry Holland, opened this library in 1914 at the start of the First World War and it is an absolute tribute to the enduring strength of the community of Redcliffs that this library has been open ever since,’’ Ms Dalziel said.

Children from Redcliffs School celebrate the opening of the new library.

Children from Redcliffs School celebrate the opening of the new public library.

“Right through the 2010 and 2011 earthquake sequence, the library stayed open, and it continues to operate six days a week, staffed by its stalwart band of volunteers.

“This is a wonderful facility, a place where the whole community can connect,’’ said the Mayor, who together with a number of key library supporters, cut ribbons to officially open the new library building.

Children from Redcliffs School sang and performed a haka as young and old packed into the library to witness its opening.

The new single-storey building replaces the one lost as a result of the earthquakes. It was designed by Young Architects and built by City Care.

Christchurch City Council worked closely with the Redcliffs Library Committee on the plans for the building, which includes a reception area, meeting room, kitchenette and toilet in addition to the library area.

The Committee worked tirelessly to raise funds for the new building and received financial support from the Council, Protranz, the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal Trust, Vodafone and the Rata Foundation.

Council Capital Delivery (Community) Manager Darren Moses said he was thrilled to see a hugely valued community asset returned to Redcliffs.

“The rebuilt library is a great example of the Council and community working together to create a quite spectacular building – a building that we know will be well-used and much loved by the people of Redcliffs,’’ Mr Moses said.

“This has really been a team effort and I want to thank all those who have been involved.’’