Severe flooding in Shannon and a violent tornado in Levin has led to the closing of libraries.

Libraries are no longer just a place for books and research but are also community hubs where people can gather for social or educational reasons, and learn about, access, and/or use technology. The library strategy was made possible with support from the New Zealand Library Partnership fund.

Dozens of libraries in cities and towns throughout Ukraine have been severely damaged or destroyed since the beginning of Russian aggression.

PLNZ Executive Director, Hilary Beaton,  writes on Ukraine's fight to retain its cultural heritage and democratic freedom.

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

Public libraries aim to inspire and to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement and raise levels of literacy to combat ignorance.

We want more Kiwis to get involved in the 2022 Local Authority Elections and that includes tamariki - our future voters! 

The Ngā Pōti ā-Taiohi - Youth Voting initiative is for tamariki aged between 11-15 years old (school years 7 to 10). It replicates the local authority elections taking place in each area in their akomanga, classroom.

Libraries are playing vital roles in supporting Ukraine's war effort during the Russian invasion by providing bomb shelters, to making camouflage nets for the military and countering disinformation. And, yes, books!

The full NPR article can be read in full HERE.

Libraries have been removing fines since in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1950.

Did you know Public Libraries deliver positive economic, social, and cultural outcomes for communities in Aotearoa New Zealand through equitable and free access to information, opportunities for lifelong learning, literacies, and creativity and through democratic engagement and participation?

When Dunedin Public Library posted on Facebook their intention to go fine-free, their community couldn't be happier! 

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,

We've been through this before so our libraries are working behind the scenes to ensure their customers can still access services.

New Zealand has made the international news again, not for winning gold, or an Oscar but for joining a worldwide trend to provide free access to public library services.

Library and Art Gallery Concept Drawings and Video. Take a trip into the future.

Keen to know what children's books are recommended by librarians.

August is Family History Month. Whether you are an experienced researcher or just beginning your family history journey, there will be something for everyone!

Ōpōtiki Library Manager, Jo Hunt, has always been conscious of the plastic footprint left by libraries. Since 2018, during Plastic Free July, the library decided to stop covering their books.

Blessed by Matua Kura Moeahu of Te Āti Awa, this service provides greater access to library resources around Upper Hutt visiting various community spaces including schools and rest homes.

Creating a book of sky photography and poetry has long been a dream for Carlos Biggemann.

July 2020. The New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme (NZLPP) funding package is established to retain and support librarians and library services so they can further help community recovery from COVID-19. This has enabled free and easy access to the internet and digital services.

Matariki is a cluster of stars visible in the night sky during our winter.  This year, it appears iin the dawn sky it signalling the start of the Māori New Year.

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.

Want to learn more about books published in New Zealand. Check out this website!

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.