Central government funding will boost library services in Wairarapa with a host of new jobs.
A boost from central government will see new library jobs based in Greytown. Photo: LDR / SOUTH WAIRARAPA DISTRICT COUNCIL
The roles, based in Greytown, will expand the staff numbers in Carterton and South Wairarapa districts.
A successful bid for post Covid-19 stimulus funding led to the creation of seven new positions.
The jobs are funded through the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme [NZLPP], as part of a $60 million pool devoted by central government in last May's post-Covid-19 budget.
The fixed-term posts, contracted until July 2022, take in a diverse range of tasks, from digital literacy to local heritage, and community engagement.
There are four libraries across the two districts, one in Carterton, and one each in Featherston, Martinborough, and Greytown.
Annette Beattie, manager of Wairarapa Library Services [WLS], said the new roles would help form "whole range of new, innovative programmes and services that we're currently not able to provide."
Beattie said libraries were important to the town's residents.
"Community surveys constantly indicate that libraries are one of the key services that councils provide that are hugely valued by the public.
"They're really useful for information, social cohesion, networking, and recreation purposes, and often for opportunities to learn and grow, both formally and informally."
In September, Masterton District Council announced two new vacancies in its library team.
The deadline for the roles is Friday 29 January. More information is available through the Carterton and South Wairarapa District Council websites.
Local Democracy Reporting is a public interest news service supported by RNZ, the News Publishers' Association and NZ On Air.