Library access questioned

Waikato District Council is reviewing the arrangement that gives the district’s residents access to Hamilton city’s libraries.

Every year the council pays more than $300,000 for residents to access such library services and it wants feedback on whether the arrangement should continue.

The council wants views on whether residents use neighbouring councils’ libraries or if they’d prefer another option.

Council Customer Delivery manager Angela Parquist said the contracts to access other council’s libraries were put in place more than 10 years ago.

“It’s assumed that this service is still valued by our customers but we can’t be sure without talking to our residents and finding out what they want,” she said.

The district council has libraries in Raglan, Ngaruawahia, Huntly, Te Kauwhata, Meremere and Tuakau.

In addition, residents in the former Franklin area, Whatawhata and Rotokauri, are more likely to use libraries run by other councils.

The district council is considering four options: keeping the status quo, cancelling the agreements, introducing a mobile library service and e-book collection, or working together to get new ideas.

Letters have been sent out to all ratepayers and library members in the district and feedback forms will be available in district libraries and offices. Information about the current contracts and the four proposed options are on the council website.

Feedback needs to be in by 8pm on November 3.

“Libraries have changed a lot over the years so it’s important that we re-look at what we’re doing and how we’re doing it,” said Parquist.

“We’re asking residents to tell us if they use neighbouring councils’ libraries, if this is money well spent, or if they’d prefer another option.”

In November, councillors will discuss whether the council continues with the existing contracts or whether it does something different.

CLICK here to make a submission and follow the link.

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