Napier City Council backtracks on proposed library closure
Photo:
Tom Kitchin
After facing public backlash over a proposal to close Napier Library, the council has decided to keep it open.
In a bid to save ratepayers, the council
proposed shutting Napier Library for two years
until the new library was built.
However, after
widespread push back from residents
, the council has backtracked and will keep the library open at least five days a week.
"The submissions were clear that people think the library is an important community asset, and they were willing to pay slightly more rates as a result. Reducing its days of opening will still help keep the rates increase low," Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said.
Local independent bookstore owner Gareth Wardini is one of many who wanted to see the library stay open, and told RNZ he was thrilled with the outcome.
"I'm delighted it is going to stay open because I think it's a core resource and a place for many people to teach themselves to read, teach kids to read and enjoy books," he said.
Gareth and Louise Wardini.
Photo:
Supplied / Florence Charvin
Napier City Council received 1007 submissions on its annual plan, the highest feedback in 10 years, and 67 percent of respondents wanted the library kept open for as long as possible.
Wardini said it was evident the council had listened.
"A lot of the community signed petitions and made it clear they wanted to keep the library - fair play to the council as they've listened and done what people wanted," Wardini said.
The proposed interim closure of Napier Library would have meant a saving of $620,730 for 2025/26 rates.
But the future of the National Aquarium is not so clear - the council's preferred option is to demolish the old aquarium and build a new one to the tune of about $28 million.
The council said this facility would be cheaper to operate, however, only 17 percent of submissions supported this move. An alternative option is for the council to hand the aquarium's operation to a third party, and the council will now develop a business case for another round of public consulation.
Decisions will be final when the council adopts its 2025/26 annual plan in late June.
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