The Library at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre — Attraction in Christchurch

The thing I like about the libraries in Chch is that if feeling takes you you can spend a considerable amount of time doing jigsaws. Or failing that you can book in for a technology experience maybe on how to sort out your computer or phone. If that seems tedious & you're a whiz-kid perhaps a session on the iMac drum kit & you could welcome Saturday visitors into the library with "Highway to heaven", which is where the All Blacks go after they've beaten the French 😊. I was bought up to believe that libraries contained books, well apart from the already mentioned stuff Halswell Library has some really good books covering every subject and every age group. Then there are the daily paper's, magazines, books that you get on your phone or tablet, cd's, DVD's & probably a few others that I haven't even thought of. Finally there are books here that have larger print for those with eyesight problems. Right there is really only one thing left to say & that's the staff. Without the staff there wouldn't be much going on & the Halswell Library staff are really great, don't take my word for it, come in & see for yourselves. The library also hosts other groups such as the Tibetan monks who completed a Mandela recently plus there was also a local 'Ted talks' show. The hours are 9am - 7pm during the week & on weekends, 10am - 4pm. Closed on public holidays. Last but not least is a small cafe right @ the entrance to the library & they sell the usual stuff found in cafes together with some pottery &...

It should be a 5 star rate for the most part of the library. But after coming so many times, I found it only worth 3 stars mainly because of the children' books area.

Comparing middle of the library, one huge round couch which hardly see someone sitting on, it's really lack of sitting spaces in the kids area. One couch next to the window always dimmed in the sun which makes too hot to sit especially in warm weather. One round couch on the other side was always occupied by the books displayed by the staff. So at busy times, parents always just stand around the area.

It's lack of consideration when organising the library. Resource wasted in the middle of the library but lack of resources for kids area. Actually you could learn from newly selwyn library. Removing the books displayed on side of the book stands and put some square stools for...

Great building exterior. Neat and tidy inside.Although I was not aware the library was on the left through the doors. Good areas for reading, jigsaws, computers and colouring ins. Shelf arrangement was not to my liking. One of the noisiest libraries to date - someone teaching maths to a youngster - teacher tone your voice down - normal conversation not loud.The biggest let down is access in and out. Turning right into it can be troublesome during peak hour traffic. Same turning right going out. Holds up all the cars wanting to turn left. I suggest you park on the road and not in...