Jill Watson has been working at the Ashburton Library for 49 years.

Out of all those years, this last one has been the best so far thanks to the "buzz" created by a new building.

In January 2024, Watson moved into the new library, Te Kete Tuhinga, in the $62.1 million Te Whare Whakatere, Ashburton’s library and civic centre building.

The new building has sparked a doubling of visitor numbers to the library and pushed up borrowing rates.

Watson started at the Ashburton Library in 1975 when the old public library building was only eight years old.

When construction on the new building started in early 2021, the library manager said opening the new library would be the highlight of her career.

“It certainly has lived up to expectations.

“It has been exciting showing the community through their new library and seeing their delighted reaction.

“We’ve been able to add so many new activities and programmes, too. It’s a joy to come to work here.”

The beautiful design features and the sense of space are the most striking things about the new building, she said.

“Its public spaces are two and a half times the size of the old library.

“We now have a computer learning lab, recording studio, meeting rooms and a makerspace room for design projects. And a café.

“There’s always a nice buzz about the place.”

The buzz is because visitors to the library have almost doubled she said.

There have been 196,882 visitors to the library between January 22 and end of November, compared to 99,007 in the old library for a similar period in 2023 [January 1 to November 30].

It’s much more than a library, but reading remains the main reason for visiting, with much higher borrowing levels, she said.

The makerspace - with the vinyl and laser cutters, 3D printer, sewing and embroidery machines and Lego robotics - is also proving popular.

More programmes and activities will be added to the library offerings next year, she said.

“We encourage suggestions from the community, especially from enthusiastic groups who would like to run sessions here to share their activity with others.”

Watson’s favourite part of the new library is the inner courtyard, which contains a garden and children’s playground.

“It’s full of life and a great combination with our quieter spaces.”

It has all made for a big year, and next year’s milestone 50th year at the library could be even bigger.

In the meantime, the former library site she had spent 48 years in was sold for $1.1m to CBR Properties, who unveiled plans to redevelop the building into a boutique hotel – called the Library Hotel.

“I would love to see the old building being used for such a sympathetic development,” Watson said.

By Jonathan Leask