Nelson's main library has finally fully reopened after $2.5 million worth of earthquake strengthening work which took almost two years to complete.
Nelson Public Libraries manager Kate Miller said it was very exciting to be getting back to normal.
"It's been almost two years and... there's not a piece of furniture, a piece of shelving or a book in this library we haven't moved about three times."
"It's been challenging for the staff but they've been amazing. They've been resilient and our customers have also been so supportive."
The library was closed overnight in June 2022 after the council received a report which found the 11kg ceiling tiles throughout much of the building could fall in an earthquake.
Since then, it's been opened back up in stages, but Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said it didn't all go to plan.
"We got a nasty surprise last April when we found the trusses in this end of the building were cracked... that did extend both the time line and added $1.1 million to the budget."
Parts of the building date back to the 1950s and, even with the strengthening work complete, it's thought the library building only has 5-10 years left of use.
A plan by the previous council for a new $46 million library near the waterfront was scrapped but it's not yet clear what will replace it.
Smith said the strengthening work has bought them some time to come up with a new plan, although that may be three to four years away.
"We are going to need, long-term, to find a new building and that's a big project. The key thing for me is to make sure we take our community with us."
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