Wellington Libraries

Posted by Ant Stone on Jun 2, 2010 in Attractions, Libraries, Showcase | 0 comments

Libraries in Wellington are bookaliscious. Yes, we just made that word up because we’re so excited about the many great libraries in and around Wellington. In fact, a quick round-robin in the office threw up this astonishing fast-fact: without Wellington’s libraries we wouldn’t have discovered the literary highlights of Hairy Maclary (from Donaldson’s dairy), or fully absorbed the Legends of Maui.

Libraries in Wellington

The following libraries in Wellington all fall under the Wellington City Libraries group. They’re all full of books, movies, music and magazines. They’re all free of charge to visit. They’re all manned by incredibly beautiful, almost nymph-like ladies, and the odd scally of a boy. They’re all reading this and wondering if I’m the crazy person that visited the library yesterday. (yEs. yeS, I aM.)

List of Library Branches

Meryvn Kemp Library, Wellington In the heart of Tawa, the Mervyn Kemp Library is pulsing with family events. Baby Rock & Rhyme and Pre-School Storytime, plus the Bookbusters, Bookseekers, Tea and Tales clubs ensure the branch always has something to offer. Look out for their fun holiday programmes.

158 Main Road (Cnr Cambridge Street & Main Road) Tawa, Wellington | +64 (0)4 232 1690 | Website | Daily 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Thursdays, 4pm Saturdays)

Johnsonville Library, Wellington Johnsonville Library is constantly showcasing the best in community based events, as well as embracing the family-friendly ethos of the Wellington City Library group. Check out their Mad Hatters Holiday programme, or pop in for a gander at their interesting displays.

5 Broderick Road, Johnsonville, Wellington | +64 (0)4 477 6151 | Website | Daily 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Friday, 4pm Saturday)

Khandallah Library, Wellington If you find yourself in Khandallah on the third Thursday of every month, nip over to the Khandallah Library and meet the friendly group of booklovers at the monthly Khandallah Book Club. As well as the full portfolio of library events, which ensure you children are kept enthralled throughout the year.

8 Ganges Road, Wellington, New Zealand | +64 (0)4 4 479 7535 | Website | Daily 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Thursday, 12pm Saturday)

Ngaio LIbrary, Wellington On the second Thursday of every month, Cummings Park (Ngaio) Library hosts the Kōhunga Kōrero, or Storytime in Te Reo (the Māori language). A fabulous way for you and your children to learn a little Te Reo. Also keep your eye out for the many inspiring programmes and events held for children.

1a Ottawa Road, Ngaio, Wellington | +64 (0)4 479 2344 | Website | Daily 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Monday, 12:30pm Saturday)

Wadestown Library, Wellington Wadestown Library in Wellington is a great place to hang out and play a few board games. They stock everything from Scrabble to Uno, or challenge the local children to a game of Connect 4. You’re guaranteed a friendly community space where you can enjoy reading or socialising during your stay.

Cnr Moorhouse Street & Lennel Road, Wellington | +64 (0)4 473 5211 | Website | Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Thursday, 12pm Saturday)

Central Library, Wellington Wellington’s Central Library is the behemoth of the network. As you’d expect of a capital city, their library is a multi-floor metropolis for book lovers. The central location means you’re never far from the branch, while regular events will keep the whole family entertained.

65 Victoria Street, Wellington | +64 (0)4 801 4040 | Website | Daily 9:30am-8:30pm (except 9pm Friday, 5pm Saturday. Sundays 1pm-4pm)

Karori Library, Wellington The creative crew of Karori Library are always happy to help. They host a great selection of activities and educational sessions for children, and every Friday they welcome local Chinese residents from 10-11am, to discuss life and current events in New Zealand.

247 Karori Road, Wellington | +64 (0)4 4 476 8413 | Website | Mon-Sat 9:30am-6pm (except 8pm Thursday, 4pm Saturday)

Brooklyn Library, Wellington The lively bunch at Brooklyn Library are true book lovers. One of their fastest-growing events, is the bookgroup meets where the group are encouraged to write a story, or a memory based on a chosen title, then invited to read it out at the beginning of the next meeting.

Cnr Harrison & Cleveland Streets, Brooklyn, Wellington | +64 (0)4 384 6814 | Website | Mon 1pm-8pm; Tues, Thurs, Fri 10am-5:30pm; Weds 1pm-5:30pm; Sat 10am-12pm

Newtown Library, Wellington At the heart of one of Wellington’s most multi-cultural centres, Newtown Library regularly hosts cultural events. Another drawcard for the branch, is the newly created Adult Graphic Novel Collection. These include themed superhero stories plus autobiographical tales, historical, horror, comedy, fantasy and avant-garde.

13 Constable Street, Newtown, Wellington | +64 (0)4 389 2830 | Website | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (except Friday 8pm, Saturday 12:30pm)

Kilbirnie Library, Wellington Kilbirnie Library is awash with community spirit. From the Social English Group which helps you practise your English, to the curious display cabinets which have been known to display such cultural treasures as, ‘Charlie’s Crystal & Rock Collection’ and ‘Jim’s Cricket Collection’.

101 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington | +64 (0)4 387 1480 | Website | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (except Thursday 8pm, Saturday 4pm)

Miramar Library, Wellington Look out for the different themes and activities every school holidays at Miramar Library, from craft workshops to boardgame races to reading competitions. Also look out for the group of friendly local Chinese residents, who meet for morning tea on the second Friday of each month.

68 Miramar Avenue, Miramar, Wellington | +64 (0)4 388 8005 | Website | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (except Monday 8pm, Saturday 12:30pm)

Island Bay Library, Wellington Island Bay Library is at the heart of one of Wellington’s most welcoming suburbs. Check out their popular book group, or join in any of the free sessions with your children. The branch likes to showcase local artists, and regularly hosts new displays to educate and entertain the local community.

167 The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington | +64 (0)4 383 7216 | Website | Daily 10am-6pm (except Wednesdays 1pm-6pm; Thursdays until 8pm; Saturday til 1pm)

Wellington is one of the most intelligent places on the planet. As a population we’re socially aware, culturally progressive and artistically blessed. Experts attribute this to the many library’s in Wellington, which play such an important part in our lives. There are very few places where the humble library is afforded such a dominant place within the community, so we’re proud that it is in Wellington.

[descending image credits: just.Luc; kharied ]