Christchurch's new $92 million central library is on track to open its doors in October.
Tūranga (New Central Library) will be the most modern library in the southern hemisphere, with everything from robotics, to 3D printers, children's play areas and art exhibitions on show.
Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries Carolyn Robertson told Newshub it's "very, very exciting". Final touches are being made on the 10,500 square metre library that is anything but traditional.
Ms Robertson says the venue will be a hub "that everybody knows about," befitting the 21st century with more than 100 computers and photo- and video-editing suites.
Level four is for creativity, where the public will have access to laser cutters, robotics and 3D printers. A huge frame has also been set up, ready for a controversial $1.2 million touch screen to be installed.
"It's essentially an interactive artwork formed of images that relate to Christchurch, the history of Christchurch, and even the present and future of Christchurch," project director John Rossetter told Newshub.
Shelves will soon be packed full, with some books coming out of storage for the first time since the 2011 earthquakes. Ms Robertson says it's a "big exercise in planning and logistics".
It's bringing some of the old and new back to the heart of the city, something that is slowly but surely taking shape.
Newshub.
