In praise of your local library!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

I think I have said a few negative things when so much my local library does is great. I think the NZ libraries have been really good at adapting to change. As an example, many years ago I was a library clerk in Auckland & the library used to rent out prints.

I have

Helpful staff
Internet access
Email return date reminders
Can access their catalogue online
Book selection is pretty good. I nearly always find something I want to read.

Also important - Clean well laid out building
Some good activities

[Erica]

Yeah I love my library.

I like the fact I have like 10-ish libraries around Wellington whose books I have access to. I love their new app so if I hear about a book I want to read I can check if they've got it at the library straightaway. I can also place reserves, renew my books or just check the due dates all on my phone anytime, any place.

I like how my library is sectioned out - with the "recently read", "new books", "nz books", and "librarian's pick" - it makes interesting books easy to find.

[Darkpool]

I know I've spoken before about my love of the combined Auckland Library, and the amazing size of their collection. I feel very fortunate to have so much choice at my fingertips. I love that they are the cheapest video rental place around, and if the DVD I want is classed as non-fiction, then there is no rental charge at all!
My local branch is the one I can drive past on the way home from work (with only a minor deviation from my normal route), and is in walking distance if I'm feeling super virtuous (a half hour walk each way. I don't do it very often). The staff are all helpful and pleasant.
Then of course, because I work in a school, there's my school library, where I can get a stack of books for the summer with no fines, and just a few grumpy reminders if I'm too late getting them back. And our school librarians are some of my favourite people!

[P.D.R.]

We have a squad of volunteers in Oamaru central library who free the librarians to run a super children's programme, books in school programme and organise heaps of evening talks and book launches.

I really enjoy the fact that we have a very good buying system and get all the new books that are being talked about as well as a great selection of new novels.

[Selina]

I am a librarian.
Except I don't work in a library anymore (paid work that is) lol
I love libraries, but very difficult to work in when management don't see eye to eye with what's on the floor..

I think one day will go back but at this stage in my life I actually want to write some books rather than distribute them. Or maybe read out loud.

I am digging the new Ranui Library as close to home, free parking, easy access, good friendly staff. Also love the withdrawn book sales.

Yes some librarians can be off-puttingly snooty, I tend to avoid those (am not one of those myself). In general librarians are good sorts.

[Simone]

I love my local library! I use the library a lot! I find their extensive catalogue is a great way for me to do research on a topic. I also love the huge range of DVD's and magazines on offer.

[Deborah]

I am in there daily - our lovely new Wellsford War Memorial Library! Best thing - online book ordering and please buy it in requests.

[Deyara]

I love that since Auckland Libraries combined I can go on adventures discovering new libraries all over town :) I'd done quite a few of the libraries in Manukau but I've now been to Central City, Henderson, Remuera and Howick which has been exciting haha

[Deborah]

I pepper them with suggestions to buy and they almost always do so! My main gripe on what they will buy is a blinkered policy to keep the catalogue 'up to date' which edits out a lot of wonderful books if they dare to be over 10 years old (ish) and means they may refuse to replace that missing volume in a series; very irritating! I buy the missing volumes second hand and have offered them to the library but they have another policy of only accepting new books......

Sorry, that became a bit of a moan! The staff at my local library are fab and they call me their best customer as I am always juggling my 'out' bookstack with the constant pile awaiting collection :)

[Sharlene]

I love libraries! I've been to a few when I lived in Auckland - Central, Remuera, Panmure, Glen Innes & John Kinder theological library. I've been to Taupo's library for an hour while on holiday! I went to the Katikati library when I was little to hire puzzles. I've been to Napier's library to research whakapapa. They offer so much!

I'm currently a member of Gisborne library. Good range of books, free wi-fi, access to computers, story time for kids, a kids book club... but I struggle with the idea of paying for some books and services, like their adult catalogue some novels are $1-2 to lend, even reserving a book is $2. Gizzy does have some beautiful artwork you can loan for a month or two. I think that's from $5.

I'm looking forward to moving to Tauranga later this month. Will definitely be signing up & seeing what they've got to offer.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

I don't mind paying to reserve or interloan a book, but I hate paying for new fiction. I resent that my husband (an infrequent reader) never has to pay for a book because he is a nonfiction reader only.

But computers do allow libraries to give some extra help. I couldn't remember the name of a cookbook I had borrowed in 2014 & couldn't find it on the shelf. A librarian pulled up my records & found it for me!

[P.D.R.]

Couldn't do without our library now they've had a huge spring clean and got more money for new books.

I would never be able to afford to buy all I read and I love to get the new books. Yes, it would be hard paying for them but as I volunteer in our library and shelve books one morning a week I am allowed one new book a week for free! Working there I do know the library fees do pay for new books.

Also our library is a culture hub and hosts wonderful talks most weeks by local authors, or DOC/ Forest and Bird that sort of stuff. As most weeks are a Something Week we have a person linked to the theme. Love poetry week 'cos Otago's got the best poets and they all come!!!

[Erica]

Speaking of great libraries if you don't live in Christchurch but are visiting I'd recommend checking out their new-ish library in the city centre. It's an amazing space and shows you all the things a great library can be! There were lots of great book displays, lots of quiet spaces and nice chairs if you wanted to curl up with a good book, study areas too and even a small gallery space where they were showing artworks from a NZ author. Makes me excited for the rebuild of the main Wellington Library.