History

In 1906, Te Kuiti opened its first Library. Second hand books were sourced from England to fill the shelves and Lillian Hayes-Melling was appointed as Librarian.

The budget for the first book collection was a modest 5 pounds. In comparison, the annual salary for the town clerk was 150 pounds and a three year old steer was worth 4-10 shillings.

It is thought the original Library with its wooden construction and tin roof, was sited on the Esplande, near the Cultural and Arts centre.

On April 24, 1912 the Coronation Library opened in the new Borough Council building located on Rora Street.  The premier of the nation, Thomas Mackenzie officiated at the opening. The Coronation Library remained at this site for some 60 years.

In 1972 the Borough Council and the Library moved premises to the new Borough Council building in Taupiri Street.  The Taupiri Street Library opened its doors on November 17th, 1972.

The Te Kuiti Borough Council and Waitomo County Council were amalgamated to form the Waitomo District Council on April 1, 1976.

In 2006 we celebrated 100 years of Library services.  The Waitomo District Library still operates from the old Borough Council building on Taupiri Street and has a total collection of approximately 25,000 items.