Pop-in to the Pop-up

A part of Nelson’s central library has reopened as a smaller Pop-up Library.

Strengthening work has been completed for two sections of the Elma Turner Library, allowing library staff to open part of the building as a Pop-up Library.  

Entrance to the Pop-up is through the rear door which opens onto the artificial grass in the youth pop-up park. Some of the fencing around the children's play area in the park has been removed to improve access. 

The Pop-up Library is small but mighty. Visitors will be able to: pick up holds, browse and borrow from more of the library collection, read the newspaper, use a computer, printer, scanner, or photocopier, and speak to a librarian.  

Libraries’ Team Leader Nicola Harwood says the great thing about a Pop-up within the existing library is the familiar space for customers, minimal movement of books required, and the great IT system set-up. 

“Library staff have really missed daily interactions with the public, and we are really happy we’ve been able to open part of Elma Turner Library again within just two months of its closure.” 

Strengthening the rest of Elma Turner Library 

The remainder of Elma Turner Library remains closed. A Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) report has shown there are heavy ceiling tiles widespread throughout the building, and the ceiling grid itself in parts of the building is under 34% NBS (New Building Standard).  

Urgent remedial work was undertaken in the Pop-up area to bring this area up to 67% NBS. Similar options will be considered for the rest of the building. Timeframes for completing future work are not yet known. 

You can read the full DSA report, and find more information about the library on the Nelson Public Libraries website: www.nelsonpubliclibraries.co.nz.

Get to know the new Pop-up library 

When and where can I visit the Pop-up?  

The Pop-up Library is in the Elma Turner Library, 27 Halifax Street. Enter through the rear door facing the riverside Youth Pop-up Park.   

It will be open the normal Elma Turner Library hours:  

• 9:30am-6:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday  
• 10:00am-6:00pm Wednesday  
• 10:00am-4:00pm Saturday   
• 1:00pm-4:00pm Sunday   

The Pop-up Library entrance has artificial grass and a narrower entrance. Large mobility scooters and wide buggies may not fit inside. There is a wheelchair available for customers who need to leave mobility scooters outside. Please call the library if you have questions or want to discuss accessibility: 03 546 8100.  

What about library programmes?  

Several of our regular programmes (e.g. bookchat, knitting groups, Tea & Talk) have relocated and will continue to be run in their new locations. Our Device Advice and Book a Librarian sessions will be at the Pop-up library. You can keep up to date on the Nelson Public Libraries website.  

Will the other library branches still have extended hours? 

The Nightingale Library Memorial hours will remain extended after the Pop-up opens. The Stoke Library hours will return to normal. The Nelson Public Libraries website has the most up-to-date hours for all three libraries. 

Are holds still free? 

Yes. You can request specific items and place a hold through the online catalogue. Holds are free while much of Elma Turner Library remains closed. 

Can we use the blue blocks in the playground? 

Yes! They will be available every non-rainy day for kids to play with. 

The big blue blocks were temporarily unavailable when the Pop-up library first opened. A new fence was installed in September 2022 to keep the blocks away from the library entrance and within a contained area.

How can I ask a question, or speak to a librarian?  

To contact the library, email library@ncc.govt.nz or call 03 546 8100.