Record visitors linked to free net

Rebecca Ryan | Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:26 1 Comment

WIRELESS CONNECTION: Sophie Gaskell, of England, Ruby Wee, of Malaysia, Christine Laurenson, of Brisbane, and Fung Tsang, of Hong Kong, were among the thousands of people at the Oamaru Library last week making the most of the free internet service. PHOTO/REBECCA RYAN

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Oamaru Public Library staff say they could not be happier as record numbers spill through their doors each week.

It is happening at libraries all over the country and, for the most part, can be linked to the free internet access service through the Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa.

Oamaru Public Library manager Philip van Zijl said the service had helped generate increased foot traffic, with tourists and locals utilising the modern-day library in a new way.

Once stereotyped as a silent and lonely place, the modern library had taken on a new role, Mr van Zijl said.

He is trying to promote it as a hub where people can go not only to read, but also socialise and use the free internet.

"Often homes are busy and noisy and people just want a getaway," he said.

"The library is a place where they can meet other people. Not everyone who comes here is lonely, but it is a place where people and staff are friendly."

Their busiest day last week saw a record 1000 people walk through the doors, with other days averaging 700 to 800 people.

He said everyone who arrived was there to boost their knowledge, whether it be through flicking through a book, socialising or using the internet.

The library had "space issues" with the increase in popularity, but the internet service had become fundamental to the community, he said.

"It's a really busy time this time of year. It can get quite stressful for staff, but we love it."

Library staff were doing their best to keep the library up with technology.

"We launched our website and a Facebook page last week. Anything we can to get people in here and excited about reading," he said.

Books would always be fundamental to the library service, but using digital information was the way of the future, and Mr van Zijl said the staff were there to provide that service.

Their main focus was ratepayers, he said, but tourism did play a huge part.

"If you don't look after them, you'll lose them," he said.

"When the tourists look back on their trip, we want them to remember Oamaru and our internet service."