Summer is coming and so are three new staff and longer hours at the Wairarapa Library Service (WLS).  

Libraries in Featherston, Greytown and Martinborough will open for longer hours from Monday 30 September from 9.30am to 5pm every weekday and 9.30am to 12 noon every Saturday.

“This is fantastic news and we are looking forward to welcoming the community during these longer hours,” says Louise Dowdell, WLS Library Services Manager.

Above; Children enjoy school holiday activities at Martinborough library in the South Wairarapa

Opening for longer hours enables all four libraries managed by WLS (which includes Carterton) to grow the literacy services they offer, both in print and digital resources for all age groups.

“Libraries provide more than books. They mesh the community together, providing a sense of belonging to people by providing a place to connect with others outside the home, as well as utilising the services we offer,” says Louise.

Those services include a far wider range than traditional libraries of the past, she says.

“A lot of people come in to use the wifi, printing and scanning services at our libraries as well as to read hard print and access digital materials, which supplement the physical library’s offerings. Connecting with others in a space that welcomes everyone is also important to many of our users.”

The increased staffing and hours allows the libraries to grow community services, school holiday programmes, community workshops, author talks, digital literacy support and events for all ages.

“One of the fastest growing services at the libraries is the Libby App. This gives 24/7 access to ebooks, emagazines, and audio books. The WLS app is also increasingly popular, giving patrons access to their account details, the ability to renew items, and to also reserve items online. Patrons are notified when their reserved item is ready for collection.,” says Louise.

“Libraries provide a strong connection for a lot of people to meet, touch base and have an interface with someone outside their home and use all the services we offer,” says Louise.

“There is space for everyone at our libraries.”

• WLS hours will increase from Monday 30 September.