A community hub was integral to the concept and Dunedin’s councillors should think about this when considering whether to ditch a decision to charge commercial rents across the top floor of the complex, she suggested.
"The whole point of the library was to create a much-needed affordable convening space in a part of Dunedin that quite frankly has never received the resources that the central city has — and ironically probably needs them more."
The Dunedin City Council decided in a 6-4 vote in November to apply commercial rents to the top floor of the two-storey building under development.
It was a controversial call and one of the councillors who had supported the plan, Carmen Houlahan, said this week she submitted a notice of motion calling for the decision to be revoked.
This was supported by four councillors and the issue could be re-debated at the end of this month.
"I am pleased and relieved that community groups might not be locked out of the South Dunedin library due to rental costs after all," Ms Leary said.
"It actually takes courage for a politician to admit they got something wrong and I commend Cr Houlahan for this principled stance and her action to get the right outcome.
"Of course, those who voted against the original motion showed they already understood the broader context of the decision to build the library."
The commercial lease plan emerged about the same time as some shock among councillors about projected operating costs for the new library.
"This is a direct impact on rates, which we need to look to minimise in these times of huge budget challenges," Cr Sophie Barker said at the time.
Ms Leary said a community centre would help build cohesion and resilience.
The King Edward St facility could be the heart and soul of the southern part of the city if space there was affordable for not-for-profit groups.
"To do anything else would be a sad and shameful waste of an opportunity."
