Libraries and wellbeing in post-earthquake Christchurch

Abstract

The effects of the Christchurch earthquake sequence are wide-ranging and have been devastating to communities. The temporary loss of public facilities, such as libraries, has been felt strongly. Libraries fulfill an important place in society for a wide range of people. They provide a place for the community to meet, for “literacy, learning and leisure” (Robertson, 2011). Temporary libraries, mobile libraries, roving librarians and community book exchanges evolved to meet the needs of Christchurch’s communities. Evidence from reports, studies, comments in social media, and customer feedback demonstrate clearly that in post-earthquake Christchurch, access to libraries was, and continues to be, extremely important for the wellbeing of individuals. This is evident from increased usage of library websites when physical libraries were unavailable, delight, relief, and increased use when libraries re-opened, or when alternative options were made available. The abstract is also available in New Zealand Medical Journal in the Proceedings of the Rhise Group Symposium, Friday 22 November 2013.