Ashburton Library working on growing usage
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
People will "have to stick to their knitting" until the Ashburton Public Library shifts into its new building.
At a recent council activity briefing, deputy mayor Liz McMillan was impressed to learn of the turn out to a knitting group held at the library, and councillors were interested to know what more the library can offer once it moves to the new library, Te Pātaka o kā Tuhituhi, later this year.
Library membership numbers are in decline, which council chief executive Hamish Riach put down to “a consequence of Covid”.
But he said it was only one measure of library usage, which is now much more than just books.
In her report at the briefing, library manager Jill Watson outlined an increase in usage by a variety of groups, something councillors saw as a growth opportunity with the increased space and opportunities in the new facility.
“More and more people are going to the library not just to get a book out, they are doing other activities,” McMillan said.
One that stuck out to councillors was 112 people attending nine sessions of a knitting circle held at the library.
With some groups and events proving more popular than others, the library is “reassessing as we go” before the move, Watson said.
“E-Sports is another thing that has a lot of youth interest but it’s probably something we can’t do until we get into the new building.”
What more can be offered at the library was being considered, but any review of the operating hours will wait until after the move.
Having attended two of the Tuesday councillor chat sessions in the library, councillor Tony Todd said few people seemed to enter the library after 6pm.
But he didn’t think a review of opening hours was necessary until the library is in its new space.
As it will feature more, and larger meeting rooms, there may be more demand for groups to hold meetings in the evenings, Watson said.
“Until we get to the new building we won’t know exactly what shape that takes.”
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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33.3% Yes - we like to be prepared
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50% Nah
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16.7% This is on my to-do list!
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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