About us

New Zealand's public libraries contribute to the development of an enriched, literate and learning society.

Public libraries play four important roles in the New Zealand community.

• Supporting the pure enjoyment of reading.
• Supporting people in finding answers to their questions whether for leisure, study, work or research.
• Supporting people in feeling they belong to and are in touch with their local community.
• Providing opportunities for people to equip themselves with life skills that are essential for participation in a knowledge society and economy.
• Public Libraries in New Zealand are of high quality and are among the most heavily used in the world.

Public libraries:

• can be found throughout New Zealand<
• are open to everyone
• reflect the diversity of the communities they serve
• are a service of local government and are funded by the people who live in the local area.

Public libraries offer:

• lending and reference services to their communities
• browsing and study facilities
• materials for borrowing ranging from books and magazines to music and videos
• local history collections, reference materials and newspapers for use in the libraries
• story reading and holiday programmes for children, as well as a wide range of events for adults
• the majority of services free of charge, however charges may apply in some circumstances.
• word processing facilities and opportunities to learn information skills
• access to the Internet and other electronic resources.

Larger centres:

• maintain networks of suburban libraries
• may also provide mobile library services
• libraries are often open 7 days a week, including weekday evenings
• maintain extensive research and local history collections

Visitors to New Zealand are welcome to use public libraries. You will be able to:

• keep up with news from home
• get local information
• send emails
• plan the next stage of your trip
• or simply relax.