Wellington ratepayers will have to pay to strengthen or demolish the city's main library, because the council can't claim on insurance.
The central library closed nine weeks ago when it was deemed earthquake-prone. The city's mayor Justin Lester says because its earthquake rating is a result of how it was built and designed, rather than of damage, insurers won't be liable.
Mr Lester says councillors will be briefed on whether to strengthen or demolish the central library within a fortnight.
