Mark Sunday 23 April on your calendar. That’s when the Marlborough District Library in Blenheim closes.

But don’t panic - in the lead up to the library closing you can take out as many books as you like and return them once the new library and art gallery opens on Friday 12 May. Items won’t be due for return while the library is closed and no fines will be imposed.

Once the new library opens you can return them there.

For the three weeks between the Marlborough District Library (Blenheim) closing and the new Marlborough Library and Art Gallery opening, Libraries’ Manager Glenn Webster suggests customers make sure they take out enough books to keep them going.

Mr Webster also reminds people they can access the online facilities while the library is closed.

“Customers can use our online resources with their membership card including the newspapers,” he said. “And the Picton Library and Service Centre will be open as normal.”

The popular Justice of the Peace service, with local JPs present at the Marlborough District Library on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10.00 am until 12.00 pm, will continue at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Alfred Street.

Keep an eye on our newspaper pages in the coming weeks for more information about the opening of the new building.