On Tuesday, 9 September, Epsom Community Library celebrated two important events with a special morning tea: 90 years of service and the instalment of a new weta sculpture.
In 1997, Epsom Library was rebuilt (in its current location) as the library had reached its full capacity. One of the inspirations for the new building was to have artwork easily accessible for people in the community to see. Mt Eden Community board member and Councillor Astrid Malcolm was one of the key drivers behind the support for the artwork. It was her vision to have artwork within the community for everyone to enjoy and bring art closer to people. Sadly, in 2000, she died in a diving accident and a memorial plaque was located under the weta in her memory.
The original weta sculpture was tragically stolen outside the library in January 2007. Despite extensive media coverage, the weta was never recovered.
In 2007, Hobson Community Board generously funded money for the original artist Jonathan Campbell to sculpture a new Weta.
Councillor Paul Goldsmith, representatives from Hobson Community Board, Allison Dobbie, Astrid Malcolm’s family, librarians and members of the public attended the ceremony. The celebrations included speeches from Councillor Goldsmith, Allison Dobbie, and a blessing by Matua Mokene Peeni. The celebrations concluded with people enjoying our specially designed weta cake and musical performances from Onehunga High School.
The new weta looks amazing. It is made from cast bronze, weighs approximately 70-80 kilograms and is 1.5 meters long. The weta is now located securely inside the library, as if it is crawling down the wall ready to greet our customers. It completes the look and feel of the library - adding to the library’s life, spirit and atmosphere.