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Fully Certified
Upper Riccarton Library
General Information
71 Main South Road, Sockburn,
Christchurch, 8042
03 941 7923
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
Weekdays 9am-8pm
Weekends 10am-4pm
Overview
Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi | Christchurch City Libraries are all about connecting people, inspiring discovery and enriching communities. We provide programmes, facilities and resources, so that you can access a world of ideas and imagination. You can use our spaces to study, create, have fun or meet with other people.
Te Kete Wānanga o Pūtaringamotu | Upper Riccarton Library is a joint use community and school library. We have a collection of books, magazines and AV materials for all ages that you are welcome to borrow. Find out more about te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori in Ngā Pounamu Māori and many other cultures in our wider collections. There are also free computers and our team is here to help you use any or all of our resources.
Our library also has a cafe, Red, which you can access through the main library entrance. The library can be very busy with school students during the week, particularly at lunch time and immediately after school finishes.
Notes for Cardholders
We can offer concession memberships to Hāpai Access Card Holders which include extended borrowing times and waiving of usual fees associated with our Audio-Visual collections: DVDs, CDS and Talking Book items and certain items for hold requests.
Your support person has free access to any paid activity that you are attending.
Standing and Queuing
We always have staff roving in the library and we are very happy for you to simply approach us or to come to you. This is not a quiet library and you are welcome to call out or wave to us for help. There are many seating options around the library including close to our main service areas. A bell on the front desk is available to ring if you cannot see a staff member. A wheelchair is available for you to borrow while using the library if you prefer. We are happy to bring the wheelchair out to you if you all ahead.
Level Access
From the carpark, there is a level path through a courtyard to a ramp up to the library's automated front doors. The security gates are wide enough to allow standard size wheelchairs and mobility scooters through.
Distances
It is about 38 meters from the closest disabled car park to the main door of the library. Our library is a long building with different seating options throughout. The team are happy to find and bring you what you need from our shelves and assist with your browsing. A wheelchair is available for you to borrow while using the library if you prefer. We are happy to bring the wheelchair out to you if you all ahead. There are also trolleys available for customers to use while they move around the library.
Urgent Toilet Access
The main toilets are at the rear of the library beside the cafe. This includes an accessible toilet and male and female toilets. There is an additional bathroom at the front of the library that can be accessed on request. Staff will stay in the area to ensure you can leave the restricted area where this toilet is located.
Disability Assist Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in the library. If your dog is thirsty, please let us know and we would be more than happy to provide a bowl of water. Dogs that are not assistance dogs are not permitted in the library. Please note that the library has underfloor heating.
Essential Companions
Your support person has free access to any paid activity that you are attending and the will be welcome to join you in any other activities.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
We are happy to spend time with you to understand what you need and to introduce you to library buildings, services and information in a way that suits you. There is always a space in the building that is quieter where we can work with you. Our public computers are Microsoft devices and have accessibility tools available for you to use; please remind to bring your own headphones if you intend to use any of the narrator tools.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
We have time to listen and talk with you in a way that works for you. Please let library staff know if you would like staff to communicate through writing. As Upper Riccarton Library is a shared space with Riccarton High School, it can get noisy while are in the library. If this becomes a problem while you're speaking with a staff member we are happy to move to a quieter space with you.
Hidden Disabilities
We will ask if there is any way we can help you during your visit. We will follow your lead to make sure you have the best possible experience in our library.
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