The community crowded in to the refurbished Tuakau Library on Monday (12 July) as they celebrated the opening of the revamped space.
The inside has been totally redesigned and 231 sqm of floor space has been added, as well as an outdoor area.
Two new meeting rooms improve the ability of community groups to gather under one roof.
And the new dedicated children’s area was immediately taken advantage of by the many pre-school kids at the opening.
Prior to the furniture being moved in, the space was blessed by kaumatua George Katipa and kaumatua Miki Graham blessed the site on opening day.
Waikato District Council’s Tuakau Customer Delivery Team Leader Sally Clark and General Manager Customer Support Sue O’Gorman welcomed everyone to the new library.
Ms O’Gorman thanked all involved in bringing Tuakau’s new library to life, including Council staff, builders Mitchell Construction, CityCare, IRL Furniture, architects BCD Group and project management specialists Octa.
“We’re very excited about this new library. I’d also like to thank the Onewhero Tuakau Community Board and the community of Tuakau who helped design this space,” she said.
“And the Tuakau Customer Delivery team have really put their heart and soul into this, putting all the hours in to get ready for today.”
Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson and the nephew of the first Mayor of Tuakau, Bill Ngaweke Tuhimata officially opened the library.
Mayor Allan Sanson acknowledged the great turn-out and the involvement of local iwi for opening day.
“This is an absolutely superb facility. When I look at all the kids who are already making use of their new space, that’s what libraries are all about – learning through books and getting together,” he said.
“To all the staff involved, I cannot thank you enough for the work you’ve put into this.”
One of the top priority initiatives the community came up with for Tuakau through Council’s Local Area Blueprint planning was “support and enhance library services”.
This project has delivered on that.
“You’ve now probably got the best library in the Waikato District,” said Mayor Sanson.
