School children launch library petiton
School children have started a petition requesting Waikato District Council reverse its ‘silly’ decision over access to Hamilton City Libraries.
Titari White is one of four Tamahere School students behind the petition, reports N8N sister site Tamahere Forum.
In a letter to WDC, the keen, young book lovers said they were very upset about not being able to use the Hamilton City Libraries.
“We love reading and you are making it difficult for us. We need to be listened to.”
Click here to read the letter to WDC.
Click here to see the petition.
The Hamilton News recently reported a solution may be in sight as WDC Tamahere councillor Aksel Bech was working with Hamilton City Council to return to the original arrangement in the interim.
But Tamahere Forum’s Philippa Stevenson contacted Mr Bech who said there was no progress to report.
She told Hamilton News that she wants all Waikato residents, city and rural, to have free access to all greater Waikato libraries.
“One card to rule them all. This debacle has highlighted that things are different elsewhere. For instance, residents of Porirua, Kāpiti, Wellington and Hutt Valley councils all use each others libraries at no cost.”
WDC ward councillor Dynes Fulton told Number 8 Network the changes were a short-term move.
“This is all part of a process of council working towards developing a Waikato regional library facility for all.
“The long term goal is to actually increase access to libraries throughout the Waikato region, across council boundaries, whether it be Waipa, or Matamata/Piako District Councils. Our hope is that Hamilton City will be part of this.”
The current changes are an interim position as Council works through complex details, he said.
“We envisage this process should be concluded within the next 12 months.”
