Walking out of Christchurch Airport into a hail shower led me to follow my own rainy day travel tip and head for a library. It was October 12 and opening day at Turanga – Christchurch’s new central library on Cathedral Square.
Turanga is described as ‘a unique bicultural interpretation of a ‘storehouse of knowledge’, and Maori design and art works feature throughout the five storey building.
Depiction of Tawhaki on the stairs at Turanga – Christchurch Central Library
While the library is still home to over 175,000 books there’s a lot of electronic technology here too including a digital touch screen wall on the ground floor. The wall can take you on a virtual tour of Christchurch’s history, you can also send a digital postcard from it which 750 people did in the opening month.
175,000 + books at Turanga – Christchurch Central Library
Adding to the technology theme, classes and courses are offered on level 4 including Music Production, Video Editing, and Introduction to 3D Design and Printing.
It was great to see so much for children in the library and the Imagination Station (all things LEGO) has moved to the library permanently and there is also a PlayStation gaming area.
PlayStation gaming area at Turanga – Christchurch Central Library
Adults requiring coffee and lunch have two options – Foundation Cafe on the ground floor or the smaller Foundation Espresso Bar on level 1.
Foundation Espresso Bar – Turanga – Christchurch Central Library
I was a little underwhelmed by the Roof Gardens but it’s good to have an open space to get some fresh air four levels up from the street.
Roof Garden at Turanga – Christchurch Central Library
One of the seating areas on level 1 will give a bird’s-eye view of the ChristChurch Cathedral rebuild once work gets underway.
Window seating at Turanga – Christchurch Central Library
So that’s an overview of Turanga, a recommended rainy day stop in Christchurch, or any day really, there’s all those books and a vast magazine collection. Turanga is open 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
PS. Another new opening in Christchurch and also a good rainy day spot is EntX, a 7 screen cinema complex with a dozen or so eateries. Find EntX on the corner of Colombo and Lichfield Streets and opposite the Bus Exchange (5 minutes walk from Turanga).
Take the stairs at Turanga
Turanga – Christchurch Central Library, next to Novotel Hotel on Cathedral Square
2016 – Turanga on the way up
I love this library! Everyone always wonders why I recommend coming here but libraries have definitely evolved over time. Our kids love the imagination station but as they get older I bet being able to learn video editing and all the skills there, they’ll love it
Hi
I agree, it’s a great library and worthy of writing about I reckon. I was back in Christchurch a couple of months ago and it’s so good to see so much new activity and new places opening in the the central city, lots for you and your family to explore.