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Fully Certified
Te Ara Atea Library
General Information
56 Tennyson Street
03-347 2880
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
Overview
Te Ara Ātea is the manawa of Rolleston’s new town centre – a place of discovery, community gathering and sharing knowledge. Inside you will find a modern library with an extensive selection of books, magazines and reference material, a large video projection wall, tamariki space, a studio, café, workshop area and exhibition and performance spaces. The jewel in the crown, is Te Waka Huia with beautifully curated taonga displays. Spaces can be booked for meetings, presentations and performances. The outdoor sensory garden is alive with spaces to explore and play with accessible raised gardens, edible plants, sound and colour features. Whether you’re looking for a quiet reflective spot, creative hub, a sensory experience or a good read, Te Ara Ātea has it all.Opening Times: Tuesday 9am–6pm Wednesday 9am–6pm Thursday 9am–8pm Friday 9am–6pm Saturday 10am–4pm Sunday 10am–4pm Monday 9am–6pm"
Notes for Cardholders
Standing and Queuing
Te Ara Ātea is equipped to support customers who have difficulty walking or standing within our facility. Carparking is available to the side of the facility so limited walking is required to reach us (less than 50m). There is a variety of seating dotted all over the facility that we encourage you to utilise during your visit. We have elevators for your use to get to the first floor. You may wish to browse the facility yourself, alternatively one of our friendly staff can assist you with selecting and retrieving books while you sit. If you require assistance from our staff and there is a queue, we can either request another staff member to assist to limit your wait time or offer you to sit nearby while retaining your place in the queue. We are more than happy to assist you with your enquiry seated, rather than at the counter if it is easier for you. When attending a programme at our facility, we will make sure that you have a comfortable seat for the duration.
Level Access
Our facility is accessible for those who use wheelchairs. There is wheelchair parking directly beside Te Ara Ātea. There are no steps at the main entrance so it is accessible for wheelchair users. We have two elevators for you to utilise to access level 1. The majority of our resources are wheelchair accessible and our friendly staff are on hand to help you with retrieving books if you require assistance. Our staff are also very vigilant about obstacles that could obscure access, they will ensure that all areas are clear and wheelchair accessible at all times. If you are coming to Te Ara Ātea with an inquiry, we have adjustable desks that we can lower to wheelchair level. We have accessible facilities including a change room for you to use during your visit. In the unlikely event of an emergency, we have an evacuation chair and trained staff who will assist you to get out of the building.
Distances
For customers who have difficulties with distances, the Te Ara Ātea team can support you to have a safe and enjoyable visit to the facility. Our friendly staff can assist you by describing the location of specific resources and facilities, and help you to find your way around the building. Customer Service is our priority and if prefered our staff could walk with you around the facility and help you take books from shelves etc. If you prefer to sit, our staff are more than happy to assist you by retrieving what you need. We have a great range of seating areas within the facility. When attending a programme at our facility, we will make sure that you have a comfortable seat for the duration.
Urgent Toilet Access
For customers that may need urgent access to the toilet, Te Ara Ātea staff will orientate you with the location of the facilities when you arrive. We will enable urgent access to any toilet, with no questions asked. In addition to public facilities, this includes locked staff toilets and accessible facilities for times when privacy is preferred. We have seating areas and tables located nearby to the facilities which you are welcome to utilise.
Disability Assist Dogs
Te Ara Ātea allows and welcomes assistance dogs to accompany their owner into our facility. If your dog is thirsty, please let us know and we would be more than happy to provide a bowl of water. Dogs that are not trained as assistance dogs are not permitted in the facility to prevent interference with assistance dogs. Our staff will let you know the most appropriate place for the dog to go to the toilet.
Essential Companions
Te Ara Ātea is free to visit, and it is free for Selwyn libraries members to borrow items. For those of you who require a companion for assistance in our facility, rest assured you both are more than welcome. Our friendly staff will be on hand to assist you with anything you may need including a quiet space to sit or directions around the facility. If you are attending a paid or booked in programme, your +1 is permitted to attend with you to assist you.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
Customers who have difficulty with visual information are more than welcome at Te Ara Ātea- and we have resources for you to utilise. Our staff will be on hand to verbally describe the layout of the facility to you and come around the facility with you if you would like. We will always ensure that there are no obstacles or tripping hazards around the facility. We can offer assistance finding resources around the facility. Resources could include books (including large print), audiobooks (play aways and CDs), DVDs and our online resources which include audiobooks, movies, tutorials etc. The libraries also offer free access to WIFI and Chromebooks where you can access the internet. Headphones can be provided on request.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
The Te Ara Ātea is equipped to assist those with difficulty with audible information. There is visual information available within the facility for wayfinding. Our staff are trained to look at you while we are speaking to you. We will slow down and speak clearer, enunciating and at a higher volume if we see it is required with you to hear or lip read. Our staff can offer you pen and paper and communicate with you through writing and reading if required. We have several quieter areas in the facility that you can utilise if it is easier for you to process audible information in a less busy atmosphere. For programmes and events, we have a hearing loop installed throughout the building.
Hidden Disabilities
Te Ara Ātea is a place for all. If you have any relevant accessibility needs, our team is happy to support you. Our staff will ask you what we can do to help and will follow your lead. We are more than happy to assist you, so please tell us anything that we need to be aware of to ensure you have the best possible experience in our facility.
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