Masterton Trust Lands Trust (MTLT) is pleased to announce a $250,000 grant to help fitout a new community classroom and community lounge in Masterton’s new library, scheduled to open in 2027.
The vision for Masterton’s new library includes technology-rich community facilities that will enable groups to come together to ‘learn, create, and share.’ By providing modern, accessible and flexible multi-use areas. Masterton’s new library will cater to the ever-evolving learning needs of community groups.
“As a champion of libraries, education, and the people of Masterton, contributing to the fitout of the new library’s community learning spaces was an easy decision,” says Trust chair Christine Brewster. “It signals a deeper investment in our support for community education – to inspire life-long learning.”
The community classroom will be equipped with modern teaching tools like projectors, PCs and software, video and photography equipment, 3D printers, sewing machines, plus art and crafts supplies. Designed with flexibility in mind, the classroom set-up can be changed to accommodate a variety of uses.
The vision for the community classroom is that it will be community-led. Groups will have access to use the space and run workshops, including after hours. It is anticipated that around 80% of the programmes offered will be led by community groups.
The library’s community lounge will reflect a modern learning environment. Beyond books and reading, the lounge will offer relaxed seating, remote working setups, power and connectivity. Designed to foster community engagement and belonging, the lounge will be an accessible shared space for the community.
The Trust is looking forward to the vision unfolding, with the attraction of a modern community-focused library on Queen Street reinvigorating the CBD.
The Trust’s support for libraries in Masterton is long-held, dating back to the Trust’s inception more than 150 years ago. Its very first grant of £240 was paid to the Masterton Literary Institute, the town’s first library. “In today’s world, £240 is around $43,000. It’s a reminder that the Trust has always been an advocate for libraries as modern learning spaces that are free for everyone to access and enjoy,” says Christine Brewster.
Last year, Masterton Library celebrated more than three decades of financial support from MTLT, surpassing $750,000.
Pictured: Mayor Gary Caffell, Tiffany Rawlings (Manager – Library & Archive), and Trust chair Christine Brewster.