Masterton District Library has secured $418,000 from the Lottery Community Facilities Fund Te Tahua Hapori Ngā Whakaurunga to enable further improvements to its refurbishment project without impacting rates.

The funding will enable installation of solar panels and improvements to outside spaces that were not included in the original project budget.

Library and Archives Manager Tiffany Rawlings said she was thrilled to see value of the library recognised and be able to deliver further improvements for the community.

“Our library spaces aren’t just about books – they’re about community, coming together, learning, and connection,” she said.

This additional funding enables improvements that will make the new library space even more attractive, sustainable, and future-proofed for years to come,” she said.

The Lottery Community Facilities Fund invests in places where people can meet, learn, play, and connect. Its criteria focus on improving equitable access to spaces and activities for those who may face barriers, and on increasing community capacity and participation through high-quality, accessible facilities. ‑quality, accessible facilities.

For the new library space, this funding will support:

• a redesigned children’s area that opens directly onto a new outdoor learning space, allowing young people to move seamlessly between reading and hands-on exploration ‑on exploration
• revitalisation of the surrounding grounds into a welcoming outdoor living area
• installation of solar panels to reduce the library’s carbon footprint and long-term operating costs.

Group Manager Community Corin Haines said the additional funding would ensure the library continues to serve the community well into the future.

“This funding allows us to make further upgrades that strengthen the effectiveness of our facility as a community hub for learning and engagement,” he said.

“Grants like this allow us to take planned improvements further, without increasing the burden on ratepayers.

“When using ratepayer money, we always ensure a balance between improvements and cost-effectiveness. Grants like this allow us to take those improvements further without increasing the burden on ratepayers.”

The refurbishment and expansion of the library is expected to be completed by Spring 2027.