Every city in New Zealand is well-endowed with libraries, most of which are administered and funded by local government. Libraries are often the focal point for the surrounding community and many people come to read and relax, not just to borrow. The range of books and resources is excellent and, even if you belong to a smaller library, you can borrow from other libraries in the network. The online catalogues can usually be accessed from home as well as from the library. With the exception of mobile libraries and small branches, libraries have good reference sections and reading rooms, particularly the main libraries in each area.

As well as offering traditional services, modern libraries have a huge range of information available on computers, microfiche, CDs and DVDs and in magazines and newspapers. They also arrange events such as workshops with authors, storytelling, exhibitions, holiday programmes and even concerts. It is usually free for residents to join. Just take along some ID to prove that you live in the area. Most are open six or seven days a week and some offer extended evening hours. The National Library of New Zealand and the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington (both at www.natlib.govt.nz) are repositories for important records and reference materials, as is Archives New Zealand (www.archives.govt.nz), also in Wellington. You’ll need to make an appointment to visit the latter. www.nzlibraries.com has links to all public libraries.

Auckland City Libraries
www.aucklandlibrary.co.nz
library_membershipaucklandcity.govt.nz
09 377 0209
A network of 16 community libraries, including the central city library, and a mobile library.

North Shore City Libraries, Auckland
www.shorelibraries.govt.nz
09 486 8461
Seven community libraries and a mobile library.

Manukau City Libraries, Auckland
www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz
librarymanukau.govt.nz
09 262 1819
14 community libraries, five rural libraries and a mobile library.

Waitakere City Libraries, Auckland
www.waitakerelibs.govt.nz
infowaitakere.govt.nz
09 839 0400
Eight libraries and learning centres, plus a mobile library.

Wellington City Libraries
www.wcl.govt.nz
enquirieswcl.govt.nz
04 801 4040
11 branches plus the central library.

Christchurch City Libraries
www.library.christchurch.org.nz
libraryccc.govt.nz
03 941 7923
18 community libraries plus the central library and a mobile library.