The IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto (2022) describes the public library as a living force for education, culture, inclusion and information, as an essential agent for sustainable development, and for individual fulfilment of peace and spiritual welfare through the minds of all individuals.

The public library is a special place where members of a community, regardless of their material wealth or poverty, religion or belief, age, physical or intellectual ability, gender or sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality or cultural affiliation can freely access and use spaces and information resources to improve their lives.

But to ensure this access:

• Both local and central governments must invest appropriately in the public libraries to ensure that they have the facilities, trained staff, collection resources and technologies to safely and effectively enable this access.
• Libraries must ensure that the curation of physical and digital collections reflects the needs, interests and aspirations of the community, and does not exclude lawful content on the basis of sectarian interests or unlawful censorship.
• Library staff must be safe from physical and online threats or harassment to enable them to fulfil their role of guiding and supporting library users to freely access and effectively use library resources.
• Library staff have a responsibility to protect the safety and privacy of library customers and other staff within the library.
• Customers must be safe to access and use library collections, resources and facilities without physical threats or harassment from other members of the community.
• Customers must be safe from disrespectful and intolerant behaviour or speech related to their age, gender, sexual orientation, religion and beliefs, ethnicity or cultural affiliation.
• Customers must be safe to undertake the self-conducted pursuit of knowledge with the support from library staff.

The governing bodies and the staff of public libraries they fund have an obligation to ensure the safety of all staff and customers of the public libraries for which they are responsible.

Adopted by the Executive Committee of Public Libraries New Zealand    29 November 2024
Endorsed by LIANZA Council                              March 2025
 

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Public Libraries of New Zealand has produced a toolkit that helps libraries, councils and communities remove significant barriers to accessing trusted information, the joy of reading, and connecting with others.

The Library's temporary move from Willow St to a site on Devonport Rd is now complete.

The purpose of having overdue fines was to encourage customers to bring books back promptly. But many people end up feeling like a criminal.

Public Libraries are seeking to eradicate overdue fines not increase them! So don't be fooled by scams.

As well as being a library, Te Ara Ātea will house a community lounge with a fireplace and attached cafe. It will have spaces that can be booked for meetings, presentations and performances, as well as a tamariki zone.

Preserving the dignity and affirming the value of our community members is critical in times of change and uncertainty. The Spiritual and Prayer Space is part of a wider commitment to respect and support people of all backgrounds and in recognition of their right to spiritual well-being,

Promoting and supporting public libraries in New Zealand. so they can continue to provide a vital service, improve community well-being, and support life-long learning.

Enabling public libraries to continue to provide a vital service, improve community well-being, and support life-long learning.

Fiona Farrell writes about her love of libraries in this arresting essay commissioned by Public Libraries and published by the Spinoff. 

Rachel Esson, Te Pouhuaki National Librarian, introduced Hon Jan Tinetti, Minister of Internal Affairs, at the Public Libraries New Zealand (PLNZ) National Forum at The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa.

On this day, 7 April 1871, three men had a meeting at the Masonic Hotel about providing the local community with reading material. Little did they know this would sow the seeds of the library that Tauranga enjoys today.

Libraries have been around for thousands of years. If society kept everything ever written whether, on tablet, scroll, parchment or illustrated manuscript, it would be a very crowded house. Culling book collections or "weeding" is a regular practice within libraries where contemporary technologies and a commitment to sustainability and good business (libraries’ budgets are finite) ensure library users can still access international publications online, as well as through interloan.

The National Strategic Framework of New Zealand has been picked up by an Australian library. Every few years, public libraries develop a national strategy. Learn about the direction of your local library by downloading a copy.

The NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme offers aspiring four young writers (aged 15-18) a mentorship, from May to November, and is now open for applications. Click here for more information and to apply.

Initial problems with the library's' sprinkler system could bring down the roof in a seismic event, says Council.

Summer reading is not just for children. It is for everyone. This summer holiday join a summer reading challenge at your local library and make the love of reading a lifetime activity

Whanganui District Library has two new library vans to replace their old mobile bus.

Upper Hutt Libraries joins the movement to make public libraries more accessible. While many libraries have dropped fines for children and teens, Upper Hutt Libraries is the fourth public library in New Zealand to remove all overdue fees.

Keep calm and keep on learning! 

Read about our long and interesting history - thanks to the NZHistory.govt.nz

New Zealand’s first public library, The Port Nicholson Exchange and Public Library, opened in Wellington in 1841. It was established by a group of the city’s first settlers, and operated for one year, at the corner of Charlotte Street (now Molesworth Street) and Lambton Quay, an area now occupied by the Wellington cenotaph. Read more about NZ's first public library.

Jacinda Ardern announces new reading ambassador for children and young people at a Celebration of Reading Event at the National Library.

The Reading Ambassador role, to be hosted by the National Library of New Zealand and funded by the Te Puna Foundation, will advocate for and promote the importance of reading in the lives of young New Zealanders, their whānau and communities.

Ōpōtiki CBD projects are getting an $11.9million boost from the Government. The Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi library and research centre is set to receive some of this. A great outcome for both the project and community

Read NZ Te Pou Muramura is Igniting a love for reading and encouraging all New Zealanders to read more.

The aim is to inspire reluctant or non-readers to pick up a book. After all, reading is one of the most accessible, affordable, and enjoyable activities there is, and its benefits are well documented.

Homework can be a bore, school projects stressful but it doesn’t have to be! AnyQuestions offers free, online help to assist New Zealand students with their schoolwork.

Managed by the National Library of New Zealand and staffed by friendly, trained librarians from around the country.

It’s easy and fun. Using online chat, AnyQuestions librarians work with students to unpack their questions.

Your story matters. Write your story now.

WCL has set up a ‘virtual classroom’ for teens who are in isolation. Programme administrator Stephen says, “This time in lockdown is particularly worrying and isolating for teenagers and I thought this would be a nice way of keeping them connected with each other and the library”.

During a crisis, librarians are there on the frontline.  They number among the unsung heroes and heroines. Often ‘second responders’ stepping up for their communities during manmade and natural disasters, like earthquakes, floods, shootings, eruptions, and financial recessions.

I live in a small rural town. For us the lockdown has been heaven. None of the constant traffic or explosions of population during the tourist season. Like elsewhere in New Zealand we have experienced, cleaner air, birdsong and friendship with our neighbours in ways not possible before the pandemic. A stroll down the street is met with cheery waves and “How are you doing? Keeping safe?

Men don’t read. True or false? Or do they read more non-fiction and product manuals than works of fiction? Maybe they don’t realise how powerful it is for kids to see their Dad reading? Or that reading is a brain food with many proven neurological benefits.