Tūranga — Attraction in Christchurch

Definitely needs more solo tables and chairs, most people who go to the library go on their own or just with one other person idk why there’s so many group tables and at weird super low and unusable heights too. It’s pretty annoying to search the whole floor and then other floors just for a seat that isn’t at a group table being used by one person (one person surrounded by 4 empty chairs is a total waste of space). (My fault but,) I got told off for sitting on the floor next to a window because there was no other seats on the entire floor that wasn’t at a group table taken up by one person. Although I completely understand why I was told off and I said that I was sorry and that I couldn’t find a seat (the librarian did not care but whatever) I will probably not come back because that was damn embarrassing even if it was my fault haha (I was one of the few people reading too but that’s besides the point). I still really like the cafe even though I got yelled at for trying to order some fries (I didn’t know the kitchen was was closed as it was only 3pm and the library itself wouldn’t have closed until 8pm that day, I didn’t know the cafe and library had different closing times, my bad) I understood completely why I couldn’t order but the elderly woman didn’t need to yell “NO” several times at me when I already understood, and said “that’s fine” she then followed it up by telling me I should just go to the kfc down the street I awkwardly laughed it off and got a kombucha instead. The other young staff were really friendly though. Really embarrassed and ashamed for being such a huge trouble by asking for fries and sitting on the ground to read but I’m probably just being...

It's a library. Weirdly not as many books as you'd think, especially lacking in reference books on pretty much all subjects (that they used to have). Honestly seems like a poor use of space.

Creative area has some (currently) good equipment, though little support for it. Literally no librarians in the area today (not the first time), which makes it impossible to even ask simple questions, let alone access any of it. From what I saw the only users today were Makers creating commerical content for sale.

It would be great if they could employ some more more advanced makers/creatives - sorry but the librarian with basic skills doesn't do much to support projects (I'm a Maker with my own gear BTW - I'm just checking out their stuff with a eye to maybe use it one-day). Hell, I (and a bunch of makers I know) would volunteer if they asked around.

And the place needs better signage on the Square side. And maybe a big one that actually says "Library" - a local and a tourist asked me where it was - literally right...

Caveat: I am a visitor to Christchurch and not a cardholder, so my review is first impressions. I have always seen libraries as places of quiet refuge. I've lived in many places and held library cards in most of them, so I have a broad base for comparison. I will say unequivocally, that perhaps outside of Rutherford's Den, this library is the crown jewel of Christchurch. It seems surprisingly well-staffed, and the staff and security were surprisingly friendly. Even when I was putting a staff member through some paces with repeated queries of one obscure publication leading to another; I could tell his patience was wearing, but he continued with courtesy. The facilities are beautifully spacious, and on my visits, there was always a comfortable chair in a quiet space available - many with pleasant views. And the cafe... What an abundance of variety and delight! It wasn't until my third visit that I realized something I had been searching around town for was available right under my nose. Please forgive me...