Libraries decision shelved temporarily

Press, 30 September 1983, Page 5

Libraries decision shelved temporarily

A decision on providing more workroom space for the Waimairi district libraries has been held over for consideration by the new council. Councillors could not agree if the workroom, costing about $500,000, should be built.

On Wednesday evening at the final council meeting before the local body elections, the size of the facility was described by Cr H. M. Tait as empire-building. She said a recommended loan of $472,000 for its construction would be a burden to the ratepayers. Far too many loans had been raised by the council including one for the “Jellie park monstrosity,” she said. Cr F. S. Blogg agreed. “We are getting far too ambitious with our library vote.”

Cr M. E. Murray, chairman of the library subcommittee, said the present workroom was the most crowded room in the dis-

trict. Cr M. P. Hobby said he had never seen such “tight working conditions.”

Cr P. M. Carter said he was unhappy that some councillors were seeing the plans for the first time and being asked to “push” through a decision at the meeting. The workroom was needed but economies might be possible in its design. The District Engineer, Mr A. J. W. Lamb, said the building was 34m long and 9.5 m wide. It provided office facilities, a workroom, book storage, and a meeting and staff room. Parking for reserves and library vehicles would be provided under the building. The District Chairman, Mr D. B. Rich, said the library workroom had been established as a priority. Councillors had had adequate time to make a decision on the building, he said. Cr R. W. Skjellerup said the council should think more carefully before it

committed itself to spending about half a million dollars. Cr Murray said alternatives had been discussed already. Cr I. G. Clark said “it is badly needed and it has been needed for years and years and years.” Reading was the most popular recreational pursuit in New Zealand and it should be properly provided for, he said.

Cr I. Calvert said Waimairi should not lag behind in providing facilities. Book storage was urgently reqpired. The council should also look at mechanising book issuing. “If we are not careful we will be a long way behind other libraries,” he said. The council split evenly on a vote to raise the library loan. Mr Rich said he had no choice but to use his casting vote to refer the matter to •the new council. His vote should not be used to decide a policy matter, he said.