We will be closing the Rangiora Library for two weeks in March.

The Rangiora Library, including the Chamber Gallery, will be closed from Sunday 16 March – Sunday 30 March. During this time, we will be installing new shelving units and service area, as well as refreshing some of our spaces, specifically our children's area.

During this closure period, we will be operating from a pop-up library next to Rangiora Library on weekdays between 12 – 2pm. We will have a small collection of items available, including children’s and fiction books, magazines, newspapers, puzzles and Chromebooks.

We understand this temporary closure may cause some inconveniences, so we’ve put together the below information to help you plan.

Loaning and returning items:

• We will be adding extensions to any loan items that have due dates during the closure period.
• If you have any items you need to return during the closure period, we ask that you hold onto these until the Rangiora Library is open again. If you can’t hold onto these items for whatever reason, you are able to drop them into the returns slot.

Planning ahead:

• It is important to note, we will not be doing holds from Rangiora Library during this time. This is because we will be placing our books into storage while we install new shelving units.
• If there is an item you wish to loan from Rangiora Library, come in or place a hold at least one week before our closure to pick it up.
• You can access a wide range of books, audiobooks and children’s books through our eLibrary. If you need help accessing the eLibrary on your device, come in and see our library staff ahead of time to help get you set up.
• Most of the programmes we run from Rangiora Library (Storytimes, Babytimes, Toddlertimes) are duplicated at Kaiapoi and Oxford Libraries. See our events and programmes online.

You can follow our updates about the Rangiora Library on our Waimakariri Libraries Facebook page. View Waimakariri Libraries contact information on our locations and hours page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changes are being made to the library during this closure?
Our shelving will be replaced throughout the whole library during its closure. The new shelving units will be better suited to the needs of the community, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities.

There will be some improvements to the layout of the space, including a refreshed service area, and the children’s area will also become modernised while allowing more space for the growing number of people that pass through the doors each day.

Why are we making the changes now?
With increasing visitation and demand for library services, our existing shelving and some of the furniture is no longer fit for purpose. This is the first major refit since the library opened in 1996, and the existing shelving is now at the end of its serviceable life. The new shelving is more robust, is compliant with seismic standards and will make it easier for our community to find what they need. It is also more ergonomic for our staff and volunteers to shelve books.

Where will all the books in Rangiora go?
All the books on the shelves in Rangiora will be packed away into storage. If you’re wanting a book within that group, place a hold at least one week prior to closure or come and visit the library before we close. Books showing in Rangiora on the catalogue will be inaccessible during the closure period.

Where is the nearest Metro Agent?
The nearest Metro Agent is Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre.

What hours will the pop-up library be open?
Weekdays 12-2pm.

What services will be available at the pop-up library?
We will have a small collection of items available from our pop-up library during the closure, including children’s and fiction books, magazines, newspapers, puzzles and Chromebooks.

Where are alternative study spaces?
There are plenty of cafes in Rangiora Town Centre, or you can go to the Kaiapoi or Oxford Libraries.

I need to use a computer. Where else can I go?
You can still visit Kaiapoi and Oxford Libraries.

I need to do some printing. Where else can I go?
You can still visit Kaiapoi and Oxford Libraries.

Can I pick up my Take and Make Craft Pack for March?
Take and Make Craft Packs for March will be available to pick up with your February Pack. A limited number will be available from the pop-up library. Take and Make Craft Packs are also available at our Kaiapoi and Oxford Libraries.

What programmes will run during the closure?
None of our regular Rangiora programming will run during the closure period. Most of our offerings are available in other locations.

Babytimes:

• Kaiapoi 11am Fridays.

Lego Club:

• Kaiapoi 3:30pm-4:30pm Mondays.
• Oxford 3:30pm-4:30pm Tuesdays.

Games for Grownups:

• Kaiapoi 10am-12pm Mondays.

Device Advice:

• Kaiapoi 10-11am Mondays.
• Oxford 2-3pm Thursdays.

Shared Reading Group:

• Kaiapoi 2pm on 26 March.
• Oxford 10:30am on 27 March.

Tell a Yarn Craft Group:

• Kaiapoi 10:30am on Fridays.
• Oxford 1:30pm on Thursdays.

Where is the nearest Justice of the Peace service? 
You can visit the Citizens Advice Bureau at 209 High Street between 9am – 4.30pm weekdays for information. You can also search for a local Justice of the Peace at justiceofthepeace.org.nz.

Where are the nearest public toilets during the closure?
There are public toilets available at Victoria Park or in the Rangiora Service Centre.

Can I become a member of the Rangiora Library during this time?
Yes! You can sign up online for a temporary membership which is valid for two weeks and/or visit either Kaiapoi or Oxford Library and ask for your home library to be Rangiora. If you need to update your details during this time you can call us, email us, or visit an alternate location.

Can I return my book to Rangiora during this time?
Yes, through the after-hours return slot. However, we would prefer if you held onto your book until we are back open.

But what if my book is due back before the Rangiora Library is open again?
You can either return to Kaiapoi or Oxford Library or renew it. You can renew books online via the catalogue, via the library app, or call the library and we can assist you over the phone.

How does this impact holds?
Holds can still be placed online but there may be delays. Please request your holds to Kaiapoi or Oxford Library instead.

Can I still access the Chamber Gallery during this time?
No. All spaces within the Rangiora Library will be closed to the public during this time.

I have an existing booking for the library meeting room that falls within the closure period, will I still be able to access the room?
No. All spaces within the Rangiora Library will be closed to the public during this time. Please contact the library to reschedule your booking.

Where is the nearest AED while you’re closed?
The nearest AED can be found at the Rangiora Service Centre on the wall opposite the customer service counter.

Will the APNK Free Wi-Fi still be available outside of the library?
Yes. However, there will be no Wi-Fi on 19 and 20 March.

Can I still collect my interloans during this time? 
Interloans arriving during the closure period can be picked up from Kaiapoi Library.

What library services usually available at Rangiora are available at Kaiapoi and Oxford Libraries? 

• Free computers
• Free Wi-Fi
• Printing
• Scanning
• Photocopying
• Laminating
• Book a Librarian
• Device Advice
• Metro Card services (Kaiapoi only)
• Wheelchair(s)
• Free period products
• Study spaces
• Skinny Jump
• Craft packs.

Where is the nearest location where I can view electoral rolls? 
Kaiapoi Library.

I’ve put through a request for 3D printing, will I be able to collect it?
Not from Rangiora. If you have selected Rangiora and are happy to pick it up from another location let us know and we can safely transfer your design. Your design will be available for pick up from Rangiora once we’re open again. Other Tinker Zone equipment will not be in use during this time or available to the public.

I think I may have left some of my belongings at Rangiora Library, will I be able to collect them if found?
Call us to organise collection e.g. through the pop-up library or pickup time, or Service Centre.

Will I still be able to pick up Books in Homes during this period?
Our Books in Homes customers will have their delivery dates scheduled before and after the closure period so that the service will not be affected.

Where’s the castle going?

Over recent years, we have seen more and more people visit the Rangiora Library, which is great. However, moving around our library is tight, and our castle takes up a lot of space!

Our beloved castle is now 28 years old and is no longer fit for purpose, so it’s time to put it into storage. The hot air balloon will also be going with it. The removal of the castle will make space for our new and exciting tamariki |children's space at Rangiora Library.

Want to share your memories of the castle?

Email your pictures to library@wmk.govt.nz and we'll stick them up on the castle or come to Rangiora Library and write a message on a post-it note and stick it to the castle using the blu-tack available.