Matt Cowley Tauranga City Councillor

It's going to be a tremendous year for Tauranga's libraries. Free library cards for residents, no late fees for children, free internet, expert staff to help you online, extended opening hours, and more library stock are all being proposed in council's budget for 2016/2017.

The home-run will be the opening of the Greerton Library, which is 20 years in the making.

Libraries have to evolve to be relevant. Otherwise, I would support a barebones budget if libraries only shared books.

Our summer library programmes for kids and tweens were oversubscribed this year – we had to turn people away – proving people want more from our libraries than just books.

We agreed for our libraries to evolve into community hubs – both digitally and physically – where people come together to connect and share information.

Libraries throughout NZ are gravitating towards the community hub model. It allows small businesses to network, playgroups to enjoy; and friendly help for those wanting to use their new tech devices, and access local stories and our history.

Personally, I want to resource the right services to ensure they succeed. Libraries is one of council's core services as set out by the Local Government Act.

I encourage you to have your say on Tauranga City Council's draft Annual Plan 2016/2017 before April 4, 2016. Please visit council's website or drop into your local library for more information.

Feel free to email me your thoughts (matt.cowley@tauranga.govt.nz), call/text me on 0276989548, and follow me at www.facebook.com/a.younger.voice