Masterton District Library is calling on the community to help lighten the load ahead of its big move to a temporary location — by borrowing books!

The relocation is a key milestone in the Masterton District Library upgrade (Breathing Life into our Wharepukapuka), which will transform the Queen Street library into a modern, inclusive, and flexible space for the whole community.

The library will close its Queen Street doors on Saturday 25 October, and staff are encouraging residents to stock up on reading material before relocation to 45 Chapel Street, where the temporary library will open on Monday 17 November.

“We’d love your help to empty our shelves - just temporarily!” Library Manager Tiffany Rawlings said.

“The fewer books we have to pack and shift, the easier the move will be, so we’re encouraging our customers to come in, borrow generously, and enjoy some great reads while we get set up in our new temporary home. Just don’t forget to bring them back!”

Due dates will be extended during the move. Items borrowed after 7 October won’t be due back at the temporary library until 18 November. Borrowed items will not be able to be returned during this period.

The library generally has around 17,000 items on its shelves, from a collection of 25,000. Normally, 7-10,000 are on loan.

The revamped library will feature improved accessibility, enhanced digital infrastructure, and welcoming areas for learning, creativity, and connection. The project is currently out to tender for the main contractor.

Following the move to the temporary space, an online auction of equipment and furniture surplus to requirements will be held. The auction will start on 13 October, ending on 5 November at: mdcauction.co.nz

The upgrade will to take around two years to complete.