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Fully Certified
South Library and Beckenham Service Centre
General Information
66 Colombo Street, Christchurch, 8022
03 941 7923
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
South Library hours:
Weekdays 9am-7pm
Weekends 10am-4pm
Beckenham Customer Service Hub hours:
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Overview
Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi | Christchurch City Libraries are all about connecting people, inspiring discovery and enriching communities. We provide programmes, facilities and resources, so that you can access a world of ideas and imagination. You can use our spaces to study, create, have fun or meet with other people.
Te Kete Wānanga o Wai Mōkihi | South Christchurch Library is located in Beckenham alongside the Heathcote River. We have a collection of books, magazines and AV materials for all ages that you are welcome to borrow. Find out more about te Tiritī o Waitangi and te Ao Maori in Ngā Pounamu Maori and many other cultures in our wider collections. There is also a suite of free computers. Our team is here to help you use any or all of our resources.
A creative suite including a variety of different technologies and a meeting room are located at the east end of the building.
At the Beckenham Service Centre you are able to access the full range of council services and information. This includes paying your rates, registering your dog, topping up your Metro Card, making a community facilities booking, or obtaining information about your property. The Customer Services team are available Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm. Note the customer service desk is not open during weekends.
Notes for Cardholders
We can offer concession memberships to Hāpai Access Card Holders which include extended borrowing times and waiving of usual fees associated with our Audio-Visual collections: DVDs, CDS and Talking Book items and certain items for hold requests.
Your support person has free access to any paid activity that you are attending.
Standing and Queuing
We always have staff roving in the library and we are very happy for you to simply approach us or to come to you. This is not a quiet library and you are welcome to call out or wave to us for help. There are many seating options around the library including close to our main service areas. A wheelchair is available or you to borrow while using the library if you prefer. We are happy to bring the wheelchair out to you if you call ahead.
Level Access
Two disabled carparks are to the right of the library's main doors in front of the after hours returns slot. Access to the library's automated doors is via a street level footpath from the carpark. The library is one level. The doors do allow access for standard size wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The disabled toilet is on the along a passageway to the right as you come through the second set of automatic doors at the main entrance.
Distances
The nearest disabled car parks are outside the main entrance to the library on the left-hand side of the building in front of the library after hours returns slots. A wheelchair is available for you to borrow while using the library if you prefer. We are happy to bring the bring the wheelchair out to you if you call ahead of your visit.
Urgent Toilet Access
There is one toilet for men and women and a disabled toilet. All toilets are located eithers side of the wall the public computers sit in front and are clearly signposted. The parenting room is located just beyond the men's toilet and has an additional toilet available to use.
Disability Assist Dogs
Assistance dogs are very welcome in the library. If your dog is thirsty please let us know and we will provide water for them. Untrained dogs are not allowed in the library.
Essential Companions
Entry is free, so your companion is warmly welcomed. Your support person enjoys complimentary access to any paid activity you attend.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
We are happy to spend time with you to understand what you need and to introduce you to library buildings, services and information in a way that suits you. There is always a space in the building that is quieter where we can work with you.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
We have time to listen and talk with you in a way that works for you. We are familiar with www.nzrelay.co.nz and some our team learn NZSL.
Hidden Disabilities
We will ask if there is any way we can help you during your visit. We will follow your lead to make sure you have the best possible experience in our library.
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