Locals push for library upgrade

Dozens of supporters joined Tauranga Library Friends president Kate Clark at Greerton Library yesterday to fight for the future of the $3.4 million project. Photo/George Novak

Tauranga's new Labour candidate has joined the fight for the $3.4 million Greerton Library upgrade, urging councillors to "invest in people" and commit to the long awaited project.

Dr Rachel Jones and Tauranga Library Friends president Kate Clark have speaking rights at tomorrow's Tauranga City Council meeting, where councillors will choose whether to put the library upgrade on the 2014/15 Annual Plan, defer it to the 10 Year Plan or drop it yet again.

The development would cost a total of $3,455,550 and would include a rate funded loan of almost $1 million which would be partially covered by the sale of council-owned land neighbouring the library.

The remainder of the cost would be covered by development contributions of almost $2.2 million and $489,910 of renewals, a council report shows.

Dr Jones said council should consider the economic and social aspects of the upgrade before making a decision.

"It would be short-sighted to run down a community facility in an already marginalised area, especially one with a growing population," she said.

"Libraries matter in communities, especially in low socio-economic areas where elderly people on fixed incomes rely on them for free reading material, job seekers for internet access and newspapers, and students for study resources and space.

"Those who argue that libraries are outdated in the internet age don't understand the economic and social realities of low income households. Not everyone can afford to hop on a bus to town, own a kindle, or buy books."

Dozens of supporters yesterday rallied outside the Greerton Library, determined not to give up the fight.

"This is the community saying we want it," Mrs Clark told the Bay of Plenty Times.

"We have waited 21 years for this, we have been put off time and time again but they cannot keep forgetting about us."

Mayor Stuart Crosby is pushing for the library development to go ahead, saying it has been put off "long enough".

"I made an election commitment and I will be standing by that," he said.

"This project is important and needs to go ahead."