Stoke Library Roof Project

Work has begun to repair the roof of the Stoke Library which is expected to extend the life of the building by up to 20 years.

The repair work includes fixing roof leaks, skylight alterations, and installing new roof cladding and flashings and will cause some disruption for library visitors over the next six weeks.

The work will take place over two stages and has a budget of $581,000.

Neslon City Council manager libraries, Kate Miller, says the library will continue to provide a full range of services throughout the work period.

“Stoke Library is well used by the community, and while there may be some disruption to library users, we’re very pleased a solution has been found so the library can remain open while work takes place.”

The first stage of work - replacing the skylight, began on Tuesday and requires a scaffold mezzanine that runs the length of the inside of the library.

During this time, the skylight will be replaced with corrugated iron and a new ceiling and lighting will be installed. The library will remain open throughout the construction period, and the mezzanine will be wrapped to limit falling objects, dust and noise. The most disruptive work will be scheduled outside of library hours.

Weather-tightness and structural remedial work on the library was undertaken in 2019 under a temporary building consent to make the building structurally safe and address leaks.

Group manager community services, Andrew White, says with the building consent up for renewal, it’s "vital" to make sure access to Stoke’s library remains secure.

“Our library staff are nothing if not highly skilled at helping their customers through repair work, so I am confident they will do everything they can to help people use the library without too much disruption.”