November has already been a big month here at the library with lots of changes happening before our eyes.
Although behind schedule, due to taking longer then expected the rear extension part of the library (by Petrie car park) is really taking shape now. No longer looking like a ’shell’ of a building, with the external linings being fixed into position. This should be completed by the 27th November.
The main priority, the builders are saying is to close the building in by continuing with the wall framing, linings, windows and roof repairs. Internal cladding will start to be installed from next week.
The upper level work is on schedule with linings being fixed and the ceiling installation about to commence. The concrete has also been poured for the first floor stairs

It is amazing how quickly things are happening and how we all have learnt to adapt to the different working conditions. Here is a picture of Lucy in her new office which was once where the Waimea South Collection was housed. 
This space is so much smaller then what Lucy had in the children’s area, but she has managed to adapt and make room for everything she needs.
With work continuing upstairs and no upstairs staff room, a tea room has been set up downstairs, although much smaller then upstairs it still has everything we need with an urn, table and chairs and a microwave. Next to the tea area, the server room lino is due to be installed either Monday 30th November or Tuesday 1st December, this will require the comms cabinet to be moved to where the tea trolley is. This means we will have nowhere to sit while this is done. So there may be a few trips to the local cafe that day!Here is a picture of Marinda and Catherine having a lunch break in the new space. 
The biggest change this month is the new Queen street entrance, which was open for the first time today, Tuesday 17th November. Getting this ready has taken much preparation, with moving books and shelves to make a clear walkway from and to the entrance. Here is a picture of staff working hard at moving the books and shelves before opening.

The first customer through the door, pictured below was awarded a gift for being the first through the new doors. Her and her daughter are regulars to the library and used to attend Tiny Tots before the renovations began. She was so pleased to receive a gift and her daughter was delighted to be chosen!

As can be seen in the above photograph, there clearly is some more work to be done, as the wooden beams are still exposed. The steel cladding has been ordered and will take a few weeks to arrive.
So we are all getting used to the new doors now. It is amazing how much lighter it is in the library, with the glass door design. However we did have some comments from customers about the noise of the new doors and so the drivechain has been replaced with a quieter one, so we will see how this one goes.
Work has now also began in the old entrance way, with the concrete already being removed with the help of a little yellow digger!
At this point the builders are still confirming end of May for completion.
Remember to check out the new photos in Flickr and the G Drive
Chrissy