Spreydon

Wednesday evening we taxi'd it over to funky little Spreydon Library where they had made great use of a really unusual building.

Unable to extend out due to heritage on a tree they had revitalised the inside and made good use of the small ground floor space and mezzanine area.

A small space so not a lot to say really, a funky accessible lift, cute little children's area and great outlook onto those trees! Staff were very friendly too.

Library Police NZ

Perhaps not library police but certainly fashion police
Given the glorious weather we decided to walk back to the hotel from Upper Riccarton and I got the scare of my life...what was this on the other side of the road??? Oh my ICK!!

I hadn't seen this on the Christchurch website, did they have a second stream of dodgie sub-standard secret libraries? Of course not!

This embarrassment to the library sign, is one of a number of war memorial libaries around the area, run by volunteers and offering limited opening hours. They are sadly in need of a bit of branding and a lesson in curb appeal.

Upper Riccarton

We hit Upper Riccarton at 4.30pm, a perfect time to see the library being shared by all manner of customers. Upper Riccarton is a joint use school and public library, built on the side of the school site.

It was a long building but had a great feeling of light and space and a really good vibe, it also features ESD principles.

The school uses the meeting rooms in the day and the public have the opportunity to hire the meeting rooms in the evening.

There is an exhibition space along one wall, a cafe overlooking the school playing fields and a light and bright reading space at one end.

Great space with a vibrant feeling, being well used by all ages of the community. GREAT SPACE!

Christchurch Libraries

I did actually get to 7 libraries while in Christchurch, I will eventually get around to putting pics up for all of them. They get better & better so stay tuned! :)

Christchurch City Library

Wow, what a lot of books!

What this library needs is less books - this was particularly evident in the fiction with numerous multiples (although I understand that there is a per capita requirement so it is mean of me to say)









City Library is part of a cultural precinct in the centre of town, over 3 leavels and has a funky concierge desk at the entry PLUS open until 9pm!












Signage was consistent throughout and there were at least two staff desks on each floor, although during my evening visit more were unstaffed. Could smaller (more secure) pods be a better option?! maybe

Some areas of the library, like the Children's section feel quite spacious, while other areas are a little crowded but overall a vibrant service with a "City feel" is delivered.



They had a fabulous magazine collection, which obviously fits well with the commuter customers.

The LOTE area was quite large but collections varied in size - some very small - but with fab posters.

The teenage area was small but funky and the nook under the stairs created an unusual space.

My presentation

The presentation is done, it appeared to go really well with over 100 in attendance. I've had some positive feedback already and hope it will drum up extra followers for this blog and that once people have digested my info I'll receive some enquiries & feedback from those who attended.

Lianza 2009

Well I'm here in sunny Christchurch for Lianza this year.
Down in Victoria Park for the Powhiri to open the conference, I'm feeling nervous about my presentation tomorrow but looking forward to the conference.
Last year's conference was a really great first experience and I hope this year is equally engaging. (PICS TO FOLLOW)