Have you ever wondered about all the services the Motueka Library offers? Well, Fourteen members of the Nosey Parkers group went to find out earlier this month.
The Motueka Library is part of Tasman District Libraries, and a close relationship is maintained between them. We were greeted by the head librarian Janine Gillions, who had quite a sense of humour. She gave us a tour of the library and a look behind the scenes.
The new library decor looks stunning with a layout that caters for all ages; quiet spaces for study and reading, places for children, teenagers, and of course, the great book selection for loan. Around the walls were Māori motifs, TV screens advertising activities that the library offers, art works for sale by local artists. From the ceiling hung eye-catching decorations: Māori poi, wooden fish, and a fishing net, encouraging youth to follow their dreams.
Attached to the outside of the library were two verandahs which open up to Decks Reserve. One of the verandahs is designed to allow the front railings to be removed so that it acts as a stage.
But what about the services offered? Our library card allows much more than books to be borrowed. The library has a whole range of CDs and DVDs, as well as ebooks available. Jigsaw puzzles can be borrowed, and the library asks that borrowers notify them of missing pieces. There is also a room which is available for groups to carry on activities of every kind; scrabble, writing, unmet friends, repair shop, digital drop-in, to name a few.
It is used by community groups and can be booked at www.tasmanlibraries.govt.nz
What about staffing the library? The library runs smoothly thanks to a dedicated team of staff members, each with their own speciality from children’s and young adult’ services to housebound services and digital assistance.
It was a very worthwhile visit, and Janine answered all our questions and really gave us a new insight into the work of the library.
We came away from the visit thoroughly impressed. Thank you, Janine, for your hospitality, your knowledge, and for reminding us just how much our local library has to offer!
