Imagine stepping back in time within these walls. This is Parnell Library. It’s more than just books. It’s a piece of Parnell’s vibrant history.
Parnell Library is located in the historic Jubilee Building. The Jubilee Building was once the home of the Blind Foundation. This building is part of the Foundation Precinct. It shares its space with the local community centre. On Saturday mornings, the popular Parnell Farmers’ Market bustles nearby.
The team at Parnell Library prides itself on its rapport with patrons. They welcome new customers with a warm smile. Excellent service is their mission. They go above and beyond to help.
But how did libraries begin in Auckland? In 1842, the Auckland Mechanics Institute opened a library for its members. This institute was for local craftsmen and skilled workers. By the late 1870s, the Institute faced financial difficulties. Auckland City Council took over the library. It opened as Auckland Free Public Library in 1880. This library was located on Chancery Street.
Sir George Grey gifted his collection to the library in 1887. This collection included rare books and letters. It also included photographs and manuscripts. A new building was erected to house this donation. The building was on Wellesley Street and Coburg Street. Businessman Edward Costley’s bequest helped with funding. Today, the Auckland Art Gallery occupies this building.
The Auckland Free Public Library was free to access. However, there was no lending collection until 1889. Borrowers paid an annual subscription charge until 1946. In 1918, the central library opened a children’s section. They also classified nonfiction under the Dewey Decimal system. Branch libraries began to open too.
In October 1944, the city council removed subscription charges. This was only for Auckland city residents and ratepayers. By 1953, the library had 313000 items. These items were spread across the central and suburban libraries. Construction of a new central library began in 1967. It opened in November 1971 with 350000 books and 70 staff.
Auckland Libraries formed in November 2010. This was part of the amalgamation that established Auckland Council. It combined seven former local councils’ library systems. Auckland Libraries became the largest public library system in Australasia. Today, it delivers services through community libraries. These libraries stretch from Wellsford in the north to Waiuku in the south.
Parnell Library offers various programmes. There is Wriggle and Rhyme for 0-2 year olds. These sessions involve active movement and music. They run during the school term only. For adults, there are book chats and reading groups. These provide a space for literary discussion.
So, next time you visit Parnell Library, remember its story. It is a story of community. It is a story of service and a story of connection through books.