Community Voices Heard – Napier Library to Stay Open

On February 13, the Napier City Council presented options for cost-saving measures concerning various facilities in anticipation of the public consultation for the 2025/26 Annual Plan. One proposed measure included the early closure of the Napier Library during the construction of the new library building, scheduled to open in 2027. This closure was projected to save ratepayers approximately $620,730 for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

The proposal generated a lot of public interest, resulting in 1,007 submissions, the highest number in a decade of Annual Plan or Long Term Plan consultations with 67% of respondents voted to keep the Napier Library open for as long as possible until the new library opens. Napier City Council has listened to the voices of Napier and has agreed to amend its proposal to keep the library open for a minimum of five days a week, that being Tuesday to Saturday. Mayor Kirsten Wise emphasized that these decisions aim to strike a balance between minimizing rate increases and maintaining essential services.

“The submissions were clear that people think the library is an important community asset, and they were willing to pay slightly more rates as a result. Reducing its days of opening will still help keep the rates increase low, says Mayor Wise. 

Since vacating the Napier Library building on Station Street in 2017, the library has continued to serve the community from the gallery space of the Napier Museum Theatre Gallery (MTG). Last year, the library facilitated 6,114 users accessing internet computers, hosted 716 participants in regular Bounce and Sensory Playtime sessions, and engaged 519 children in holiday programs and workshops, demonstrating its commitment to providing quality service.

Napier and Taradale Library boasts a diverse range of free programmes throughout the school holidays, including escape rooms, family quizzes, 3D printing workshops, storytime and crafts, sewing workshops, and teens evening events just to name a few. To keep tamariki busy during the term, Napier Libraries also offers programmes and clubs designed to foster creativity and learning. Fun for families, Tech Titans gives participants the chance to try out high-end and often expensive technology that might be inaccessible, including VR headsets and robotics kits. The Reading to Dogs programme was launched in 2023 in partnership with Canine Friends Pet Therapy, offers young readers the chance to practice reading out loud to a cuddly pooch, building confidence in a judgment-free environment.

At the heart of libraries mission is the belief that literacy if for everyone and that the love of reading should last a lifetime. Starting at age four, the kids, teens, and adult reading challenges have evolved significantly over the years. Participants are motivated to complete challenges with specially designed collector's cards themed to each program, encouraging them to read widely and collect the entire set! Tweens, teens, and adults have not been left out. With programmes tailored for different age groups, the entire family can take part. To keep the traditional reading programme relevant and achievable in this fast-paced world, the library has embraced technology to make our programmes more fun and engaging.

The importance of libraries as vital community service can be seen by the vocal support of the citizens of Napier.

“Our community has told us very clearly that they want rates increases to be as low as possible. Equally, we heard from many people that they highly value services like the library, and they are willing to pay to ensure it stays open.”