Opening November: Hamilton City Libraries will have a temporary home at Hamilton Gardens while work continues at their Masters Avenue site.
The new space, called Hillcrest Library at the Gardens, will open in the former Wintec building at Hamilton Gardens before the end of November.
Libraries Director Paula Murdoch says the team is thrilled to keep services available for the Hillcrest community.
“We know how important Hillcrest Library is to its community, so we’re delighted to offer this temporary space,” said Murdoch.
“It means people can keep borrowing, attending events, and enjoying everything they love about their library while we work to recover from the fire damage.”
Hillcrest Library at the Gardens will feature a smaller collection drawn from the wider Hamilton Libraries network, along with regular events and programmes. Customers can place holds on any items for free pickup at the Hillcrest Library at the Gardens site.
Murdoch explained the unfortunate reason books from the Hillcrest Library couldn’t be reused.
“Unfortunately, smoke and water from the fire caused major, irreversible damage to the books. We’ve safely disposed of the books and are working on rebuilding the collection.”
Minor building work is underway to prepare the temporary space.
“This is a great example of how we can adapt and keep delivering for our community,” says Murdoch.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Hillcrest Library at the Gardens very soon.”
Updates and the confirmed opening date will be shared on the Hamilton City Libraries website and Facebook page.