Upper Riccarton Community and School Library will reopen on Monday 23 January, for the first time since the 22 February earthquake.

The library has been closed to the public to allow Christchurch City Council staff to use the building as temporary offices. Libraries and Information Unit Manager Carolyn Robertson says Upper Riccarton staff are excited to be able to welcome not only existing customers, but new ones as well.

"While it was unfortunate to have Upper Riccarton closed for so long, we've made the most of the opportunity, and we've given the library a revamp with the introduction of new service kiosks and a spacious new layout that improves flow through the building. We've also enlarged and brightened the children's area."

The library features 56,000 items and 12 public computers - with one dedicated to Family History resources, and another to the digital newspaper service. The library is also offering free wi-fi, as well as printing, copying and scanning facilities.

"Upper Riccarton Library is going to be state-of-the-art, user-friendly, and have an open, sunny atmosphere," says Mrs Robertson.

"We're working hard to bring our facilities back to our communities, who deserve something even better and brighter than before."

The grand reopening also ushers in the Chinese New Year, with the library hosting celebrations that include paper lantern-making sessions and an opening-day performance by the Qiao Yi Lion Dance Team.

Upper Riccarton Library's opening hours are Monday-Friday 9am-8pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. For more information about the Council's libraries, please visit christchurchcitylibraries.com.