Ashburton Library working on growing usage
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
People will "have to stick to their knitting" until the Ashburton Public Library shifts into its new building.
At a recent council activity briefing, deputy mayor Liz McMillan was impressed to learn of the turn out to a knitting group held at the library, and councillors were interested to know what more the library can offer once it moves to the new library, Te Pātaka o kā Tuhituhi, later this year.
Library membership numbers are in decline, which council chief executive Hamish Riach put down to “a consequence of Covid”.
But he said it was only one measure of library usage, which is now much more than just books.
In her report at the briefing, library manager Jill Watson outlined an increase in usage by a variety of groups, something councillors saw as a growth opportunity with the increased space and opportunities in the new facility.
“More and more people are going to the library not just to get a book out, they are doing other activities,” McMillan said.
One that stuck out to councillors was 112 people attending nine sessions of a knitting circle held at the library.
With some groups and events proving more popular than others, the library is “reassessing as we go” before the move, Watson said.
“E-Sports is another thing that has a lot of youth interest but it’s probably something we can’t do until we get into the new building.”
What more can be offered at the library was being considered, but any review of the operating hours will wait until after the move.
Having attended two of the Tuesday councillor chat sessions in the library, councillor Tony Todd said few people seemed to enter the library after 6pm.
But he didn’t think a review of opening hours was necessary until the library is in its new space.
As it will feature more, and larger meeting rooms, there may be more demand for groups to hold meetings in the evenings, Watson said.
“Until we get to the new building we won’t know exactly what shape that takes.”
Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
-
48.5% Yes
-
49.6% No
-
2% Other - I'll share below
Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
Here's Thursday's thinker!
I am lighter than air, but a hundred people cannot lift me. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Loading…
