Connect to Learn is a membership add-on that provides self-service access to Central Hawke's Bay District Libraries at Te Huinga Wai – the Knowledge and Learning Hub in extension of staffed hours up to 11pm. It does not replace or reduce staffed hours. Instead, it provides our community with more opportunities to use Te Huinga Wai when it works best for them. It works similarly to 24/7 gyms where members use their membership card to unlock the facility.

This pilot project to develop extended access to Te Huinga Wai is made possible through the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs - Initiative Fund, and aims to empower local learners to upskill and improve their employment opportunities and career pathways.

This maximises access to resources like Wi-Fi, computers, collection lending and meeting room use. We’re excited to be more available than ever to our community who love Central Hawke's Bay District Libraries. 

First, Central Hawke's Bay District Library members sign up to get a Connect to Learn privilege added to their membership card. When they visit during non-staffed hours, Connect to Learn members can simply scan their membership card barcode at the Bogle Brothers Esplanade entrance to unlock the door. Once inside, they can freely use Central Hawke's Bay District Libraries resources and self-service equipment in Te Huinga Wai. Meeting rooms are free to be used as a study space if they are not booked in advance. To book a room to have it available privately you can do so here: Meeting Room Bookings

At this stage we are trialling this concept with a small group of test users.

Once this trial is complete, any Central Hawke's Bay District Libraries member aged 16 and older can sign up for Open Plus membership. You will need an active Central Hawke's Bay District Libraries membership card registered with us. Teens aged 16 and 17 must have a parent/guardian also view the orientation materials with them and sign the membership agreement on their behalf.

Connect to Learn membership will be available at no cost to users. 

Members with Connect to Learn access are permitted to bring one guest with them on their first visit to Te Huinga Wai outside of staffed hours, however if they wish to use the space regularly, they are expected to register for Connect to Learn Access. All youth aged 0-15 must be accompanied and supervised by an Open Plus enrolled adult during non-staffed hours, no exceptions.

Maintaining safety and cleanliness is our top priority. Cameras are installed throughout Te Huinga Wai to monitor activity as per Council’s Privacy Statement. Members are also required to attend an orientation and sign a Connect to Learn Membership Agreement to agree to their responsibilities to keep our staff, other Central Hawke's Bay District Libraries users, and the facility safe.

Any breaches of the membership agreement will result in the access being removed and access after-hours denied.

There won’t be any staff on duty during non-staffed hours, but they are available during regular staffed hours to offer the same services you know and love.

We have several processes in place to help members report technology issues, facility problems, or other concerns.

In the event of an emergency, please call 111. NZ Police have been given a special door code to access Te Huinga Wai in the event of an emergency during non-staffed hours.

1. Our Connect to Learn Feedback Form is available on our website at all times. QR codes are also posted throughout Te Huinga Wai for instant access to the web form. Submissions go to our team, who will coordinate an on-call response during staffed hours.
2. For issues that you would like to discuss with staff, please call Central Hawke's Bay District Libraries staff on (06) 858 9154 during staffed hours, or visit them in person during these times:
   Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.00 am - 5.00pm
   Wednesday 10.00am - 6.00pm
   Saturday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
   Sunday Closed

Connect to Learn After-Hours Access

By opting into after-hours access, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms of acceptable use: 

• I will use my own membership card to gain entry to The Knowledge and Learning Hub - Te Huinga Wai (The Hub) for me and any guest I bring in outside of staffed hours. 
• I am permitted to bring one guest with me on their first visit to The Hub outside of staffed hours, however if they wish to use the space regularly, they are expected to register for After-Hours Access.  
• I will be responsible for my own actions and behaviors and for any guests I bring in. 
• I will not grant access to any person trying to enter The Hub (including those who say they have authority to enter), unless they are my guests who I assume responsibility for.  
• I am aware that Library, Council or contracted staff (including cleaners) may be present in The Hub during non-staffed hours however they cannot provide customer service. 
• If I am in The Hub before public closing time, I understand that I (and any guests I have with me) must leave and re-enter using the After-Hours Access entrance control to let the system know I am inside. (Do we need this with the buffer notice below included).  
• Security cameras monitor the use of The Hub as per Council’s health and safety and security requirements
• Announcements may be made over the PA system and on some digital signage screens during After-Hours Access non-staffed access, and I agree to comply with instructions and directives contained in the announcements. This includes notifications to exit the building as unstaffed hours are ending. Details of these announcements will be outlined during your orientation.  
• I agree to comply with all Library terms, conditions and policies, which I acknowledge are in effect during After-Hours Access extended hours, including but not limited to the Membership Conditions & Privacy Statement and Internet Public Access policy, and Meeting Room terms and conditions. These can all be found and reviewed here: Terms and Conditions  
• Violations of the above may result in the loss of my After-Hours Access privileges, as well as fines and legal consequences. I agree that I am responsible for any injuries or damage to Library property or equipment caused by myself or any guest I bring in. I agree that I am fully liable for, and indemnify Central Hawke’s Bay District Libraries and the Council against, all damages, losses, costs and expenses incurred by Central Hawke’s Bay District Libraries and/or the Council, caused or contributed to by myself or any guests I bring into The Hub. 
• I acknowledge that Library Staff can revoke my After-Hours Access at any time, entirely at their discretion.