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There has been a library serving Orewa’s book lovers since 1984, but according to its longest serving librarian, Raewyn Bielby, the opening of the current facility in 1995 was an important milestone.
Next month Orewa library will mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of its Moana Ave building with a special afternoon tea that is open to all.
Raewyn, who has been with the Orewa library service for 31 years, including 10 as a volunteer, remembers how wonderful it was to have a purpose built building with public toilets and room for hundreds more books.
Before the former Rodney District Council had the new library built, at a cost of $1.1 million, the service had operated from a house relocated from the Moana Caravan Court and before that it was in a shed attached to Orewa Community Centre.
The current building, designed by Peter Davidson of Brewer Davidson and built by D L Hook of Warkworth, received accolades from other sources as well as staff – a year after it opened it received an Institute of Architects Award.
One aspect of the design that caught the attention was the series of curves on its roof, described as “gull wing-like”.
Raewyn says the original architect’s plans also included a planned extension over what is now the carpark behind the library.
One thing about the facility that didn’t suit its customers though was the heavy swing doors that were difficult to manoeuvre prams or wheelchairs through. The introduction of automatic door openers in 1996 was welcome enough to rate a mention in the local paper of the time.
Raewyn says that changes in technology have been reflected in every aspect of the library’s work – including how it functions and the services it offers.
The original system of paper pockets inside books where due dates were noted and the days when librarians personally phoned customers when books were overdue are long gone, replaced by self-service scanners and automated calls or email.
Although the efficiency of these methods is appreciated, Raewyn seems a little sorry that this means less personal interaction with customers.
She says one of the best things about the library is its community focus and meeting people, including talking with them about what they like to read and helping them find books.
“There is less need to approach a librarian these days, as people can look up books for themselves on the library computers or from home,” she says.
Orewa Library celebrates the 20th birthday of its building in the week Dec 1-4. It includes an afternoon tea on Friday, December 4 at 3pm. All welcome.
