Up to 52 truckloads of concrete has been poured, laying out the first half of the Omokihi's foundation in Beckenham.
The facility is replacing the earthquake-damaged South Library.
The City Council's Rosie Levi says more than 20 tonnes of material has been re-purposed following the demolition of the old building.
She says joinery, furniture and carpet tiles are being used in the local community, concrete has been carted away for roading projects, and the metal and glass has been recycled.
