If you’ve popped into the newly renovated Orewa or the Whangaparaoa Library lately, you’re not alone.

Locals have been making the most of our libraries, contributing to a record-breaking 14 million items borrowed across Auckland this past year.

Auckland Council Libraries now rank among the top ten eLending services globally, with 5 million digital checkouts in 2024 alone.

And it’s not just the e-books flying off the shelves, up to 15,000 physical items move through the central sorting system daily.

We’re lucky to have access to Australasia’s largest public library network, with 56 branches including our two on the Hibiscus Coast, a fleet of mobile libraries, and borrowing available online.

That means Coasties can get their hands on any of the 3.4 million items in the region-wide collection, often within days.

Catherine Leonard, Head of Library and Learning Services, says the high demand has been paired with strong community satisfaction.

“We’re sitting at 93% satisfaction, and we’re always looking at ways to improve,” she says.

That includes expanding much-loved offerings like the Bestie collection of local authors and a new board game library—with a kids’ version coming later this year.

Locals might’ve also noticed the steady stream of school holiday events hosted at Orewa and Whangaparaoa Libraries.

These popular sessions keep our kids entertained and learning, and make the library a go-to spot during the break.

Beyond books, our libraries offer safe spaces for creativity, free Wi-Fi, printing, public computer use, and access to one of the country’s largest heritage collections at Auckland Central.

The new 2025–2028 plan aims to keep libraries creative and community-focused.

And for Coasties, it’s clear—our local libraries are more than just bookshelves. They’re buzzing community hubs, full of free resources and friendly faces.

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