The original Shirley Library opened in July 1981, on a site now covered by The Palms.
By 1995 a new building was underway on a different site next to the developing Palms Mall.
In January 29 1996, the new library opened in a purpose-built building shared with the Christchurch City Council Shirley Service Centre.
https://heritage.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Archives/52/Library150/Articles/ShirleyLibrary/
– Shirley Library is currently located in the carpark of The Palms (Burwood Ward).
https://goo.gl/maps/WJihLrU5XP5TVDPM6
– Papanui Library via Cranford Street (5.4 km from 10 Shirley Road):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FzfEsQ5WfRg2UcDh7
– Fendalton Library via Innes Road (6 km from 10 Shirley Road):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vdsewnJdL1NwigJ9
Until the latest Ward boundary changes, the 10 Shirley Road site was in the Innes Ward, but is now in the Central Ward.
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/how-the-council-works/elected-members/representation/#15/-43.5085/172.6523
There are currently no local ‘suburban’ sized Christchurch City Libraries in the Innes Ward.
– https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/statistics-and-facts/community-profiles/papanui-innes-central/innes-ward
Christchurch City Council Libraries Sites:
Year Built, Building Area, Capacity & Population Density
Shirley | Year Build: 1995, Building Area: 1060 m2, Capacity: 200, Pop Density /km2: 2300
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SouthLibraryReport08.jpg
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SouthLibraryEarthquakeRepairOptionsReportJoannaGould.pdf, Page 8
The 10 Shirley Road site is central to our 14 local education providers, all are within 3km of the 10 Shirley Road site:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/local-education-providers/
Shirley Library is considered a ‘suburban’ library, but there is a limited book selection, no board room, meeting rooms or learning centre (flexible spaces).
– ‘Suburban’ library: Catchment ranges from 1.5km to 3km radius; services population range from 15,000 – 40,000.
Services could include a variety of activities and flexible spaces.
UDS – Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy and Action Plan 2007.
– ‘Neighbourhood’ library: Catchment ranges from 1km to 1.5km radius; serves population from 10,000 to 12,000 people. Services could include small, broad-spanning collections and a range of activities.
“…(2015) Council/ECan planning with mall owners in Shirley, with a view to possible relocation and upgrade of this library as a ‘suburban’ library.”
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/2025/Libraries2025FacilitiesPlan.pdf, Page 30
This implies that the current Shirley Library is actually a ‘neighbourhood’ library?
Shirley Library & Service Centre: Floor Plan
The actual floor space allocated to the Shirley Library, is less than half of the current building. As the Service Centre (which includes NZ Post) & the Coastal-Burwood Governance Team are also located in this building.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/south-library-report/
Floor Plan: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SouthLibraryReport03.jpg
ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report: Shirley Library
– Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report: Shirley Library (Revision Initiative)
– ReVision Youth Audit Shirley Library: Research & Comments
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CCCDraftAnnualPlan2022JoannaGould.pdf, Page 6
Shirley Library is still considered the second busiest suburban library in Christchurch, even without dedicated learning spaces & meeting rooms.
“It [South] is the third-busiest suburban library, behind Fendalton and Shirley, with 4552 weekly visitors.”
https://i.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/128047707/earthquake-repairs-spell-18month-closure-of-popular-christchurch-library
Shirley Library has become our community centre by default, since the Shirley Community Centre was demolished in 2012, as our residents are continuing to ‘vote’ with their feet.