Temporary library closure for system upgrade

Invercargill and Bluff libraries will be closed from Monday 17 March to Wednesday 19 March.

Invercargill City Libraries will temporarily close to migrate its computer system as it joins Kōtui, a national consortium of public libraries.

The Kōtui consortium is a service available to public libraries through the National Library Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, providing a common, centrally managed computer system.

Manager Invercargill Libraries Kathy Aloniu said the Kōtui model was a more efficient way to use library resources.

“Joining the consortium gives us access to the latest library management software and while library users won’t notice any major changes, the new system will be easier for our staff to administer, with benefits including dedicated service desk support and greater resilience in the event of a natural disaster,” she said.

Both Invercargill and Bluff libraries will temporarily close from Monday 17 March to Wednesday 19 March for the system upgrade work.

Returns will be accepted in Invercargill through the after-hours slot on Dee Street, but it will not be possible to issue books or access online services while the libraries are closed.

“Library users don’t need to return books during the closure and we don’t charge overdue fees. You can rest assured that items won’t become overdue during the temporary closure.

“While we don’t like to close the library, it will take some time to set up the new system. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we complete this important upgrade.”

Both libraries are scheduled to reopen as usual on Thursday 20 March.