Ashburton Library staff are gearing up to celebrate the opening of the new library on Monday and can't wait to show it to the public.

Regular guided tours of the new space are planned for the first two weeks and new activities organised so the facility can show off its cutting-edge creative spaces.

People and Facilities Group Manager Sarah Mosley said the new library space was over twice the size of the old library and significantly widens its services to the community.

"It is spread out on the ground floor and Level 1 of the new library and civic building, Te Whare Whakatere, and there  are many new spaces and activities to explore.

"You can record your own podcast using our modern equipment in the new sound studio, or you can grab a book from the sport section and read it from a window seat with a fantastic view of Baring Square East and the mountains.

"While much is new, it's also going to be exciting to resume our regular events in this state-of-the-art new setting."

The children's library is on the ground floor and incorporates historic Pioneer Hall (which also features Mid Canterbury's legendary black panther). At the other end of the children's library,

Ashburton author and illustrator David Elliot has created a special piece of work that has been magnified and encompasses the entire eastern wall.

Adult fiction is also on the ground floor facing Baring Square East. Non-fiction and the young adult area is on Level 1, with lots of different views and comfy reading nooks - the young adult area is also home to a PlayStation 5.

Ms Mosley said a scavenger hunt had been organised to help people of all ages discover the new library, and on Level 1 there was a trip down memory lane with an exhibition of photographs of the library taken through the years.

"The whole library team has been busy preparing the new space, which includes the new Audio Visual Studio, a Learning Lab and Makerspace.

"The new equipment includes a vinyl printer and cutter that can make stickers, wall decals and posters; a laser cutter for cutting and engraving wood and plastic; and standard and heavy duty sewing machines that can handle all fabrics.

"There are so many surprises in this new library and we're looking forward to seeing people when the doors open at 8.30am on Monday and showing off this amazing space."

Mayor Neil Brown and councillors will be helping library staff welcome visitors on the first morning, and the mayor will issue the first book.