Ōpōtiki library’s Container Book Sale last week was a great success with many locals and visitors walking away with a bargain and more than $1000 raised to help expand the library’s large-print and dementia collection.

Library Manager, Jo Hunt, said that it was such a success that they were keen to do it one more time this week and sell even more books.

“Around 2000 books were sold last week which is amazing and I saw several very happy purchasers coming back quite a few times to find even more bargains.

“It was such a success that we have decided to do it all again this week! We still have quite a few books we’d like to sell so come down to the same place (in the carpark behind the library) and help us clear out more books from their storage in the shipping container. Any remaining after this week will be donated for the Quota bookfest. But obviously, the more that get sold, the fewer we need to move either to the Quota storage or to our new premises,” Ms Hunt said.

The library is clearing shelves and starting the processing of moving to the new Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi building before Christmas.

The key dates to note are:

  • The current library in the old ANZ building will close its doors for the last time at 5pm Friday 19 November
  • Some services (printing etc) will continue from the Digital Hub until 5pm Friday 26 November
  • The library will be open to the public in the new Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi building Friday 3 December

Ms Hunt reminded people that while the library building might be closed, there was still a huge range of digital services available including DVDs, online movies, e-books and audiobooks, reference and resources all available through the library portal.

“Please borrow as many books as you might think you need for the coming weeks. There are no loan limits, no fees, and no fines. Each book you borrow, is a book that can be returned straight to the shelves in the new premises and we don’t need to move it! Anything you borrow won’t be due back until 20 December so stock up now!

“I also know everyone is over covid conversations but knowing your way around the digital resources is also really important in case we see the restrictions again as Delta makes its way around the country. So please take a moment to get familiar and ask for help from our friendly staff if you would like to. We’re here and always happy to help,” Ms Hunt said.