Library Building “Inadequate”

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30807, 20 July 1965, Page 1

Library Building “Inadequate”

A sub-committee has been set up to report on the implications of the rebuilding and possible moving of the Canterbury Public Library, the City Council was advised last evening.

The library committee reported that it was concerned at the inadequacy of the present buildings, having regard to the existing patronage and the inevitable growth as the city expanded. Now was the time to formulate some plans for replacement. “The site of any new library has been considered likely to be associated with the civic centre block in Victoria square and the committee feels this proposal may

require much more detailed investigations before ’ any move from the present site is definitely decided upon,” the report said. Some of the buildings were more than 90 years old and no longer capable of fulfilling the demands, Cr. H. G. Hay, chairman of the committee said.

The area of the library and the shelf space were smaller than those of any of the other main cities, but the library was putting through more

issues, he said. Staff space was quite inadequate. The library was costing ratepayers more than £60,000 a year, he said, and cost must be an important consideration when reports were made. Siting was important but it had been envisaged that a public library would be part of the civic centre.

If a move was made, the present library land of half an acre, which was bought in 1862 for £262 10s, would be valuable, Cr. Hay said.

Legislation would be necessary for a sale. The council had only taken over the land in 1948 and had spent a lot of money on it since, the Mayor (Mr G. Manning) said. “When you look at the issues that are made, you will realise that we just can’t go on," Cr. L. Christie said. “It is a credit to the council and the staff that the library has grown and made such progress as it has.”