Finally, a new home for Martinborough library

Moving and organising 23,000 books was no easy task for Martinborough Public Library staff but now people can access all of the library collection at its new location on Kitchener St.

Yesterday Mayor Adrienne Staples and South Wairarapa District librarian Shirley Nightingale officially opened the new library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebratory cake.

When the previous library building was found to be earthquake-prone last year, the library operated from a portable building.

Mrs Staples said she was pleased the library was finally open and thanked staff for their work throughout the move.

The previous "shed" wasn't ideal and the library's new location allows it to have all of the books on display, she said.

"We anticipate library issues will go up."

After eight months working out of a Portacom, Mrs Nightingale said library users will find the new space much better.

The central location, behind The Village Cafe, was also more likely to attract users, she said.

"With the cafe right there and the free wifi, it's all in one area."

Deputy Mayor Viv Napier attended the opening and said she hopes the public would enjoy the new space.

"Staff have done amazingly well."