Ohoka School Library, Christchurch

Built in 2007 this integrated learning centre/library is a hub to Ohaka school’s activities. Its space, resources and services support and encourage positive attitudes to life long learning. They are fully integrated within the local community and also reflect the school’s motto "knowledge, skills and values".

Light filled and airy the centre is characterised by its flexible approach to space and usage. There is a commitment to integrating the space into the school’s daily activities. These range from assembly, to the staging of plays, visits by authors and illustrators, and parent teacher meetings.

Ownership and pride in the learning space are also reflected in the numerous student artworks that adorn the walls, the book displays and posted information about current school field trips and activities. All of this is coordinated by the librarians, which is a valuable contribution to a lively and engaging learning centre.

Flexibility and maximising space is important given the size of the learning centre. Mobile shelving can be pushed aside to allow for assembly. Shelving units also maximise face out displays of books. The Library has wireless, a data projector and a cluster of computers for research use.

The library is a colourful, interactive and bright space. Reading is promoted by vibrant face out displays of books.

The walls feature thematic displays that change each term. A history wall shows all the families that have had children at the school, as well as current pupil projects and class trips.

This is a living active library-learning centre that was deliberately designed to be flexible to enable it to accommodate and celebrate the school’s wide range of current and future learning activities.