History
During 1881 a small hut shaped building was erected and utilised as a library by a growing number of pembroke residents until the official opening in 1887. The library operated as the Pembroke Library until 1940 when the township was renamed Wanaka, as was the library.
In October 1966 the library reserve land was given to the Lake County Council for community purposes and a new library was built on site, and opened on 9 June 1967. The Wanaka Improvement Society raised funds for the new building and the Library Committee contributed the furnishings. Currently, the land is also partially occupied by the St John Ambulance Service and utilised as a Council car park.
Twenty seven years later, in 1994, the increasing population and demands on the limited space made it necessary to plan an extension. An addition to the front of the building was undertaken, resulting in a new entrance, issuing desk, as well as a children's area and a large print area. The exterior of the building gained a new roofline and verandah. The renovators incorporated aspects from the previous building, thus maintaining its 1960's character. The Lions Club donated a computer for public word processing, CD's and large print books at the time of their 20th anniversary.
On 7 July 2003 the Wanaka Library moved from the old site in Ardmore Street to spacious new premises on a previously undeveloped site in Dunmore Street. The 450 square metre purpose built building enjoys a scenic outlok beside Bullock Creek in the heart of Wanaka
Community
Community Displays - Non Profit community groups are welcome to use library facilities for displays for a one week period, and for special events free of charge. Please contact the Library Manager on 03 443 7297 with enquiries, and to view the Library's noticeboard policy.
Local Government - Queenstown Lakes District Council meeting agendas and district plan information and Otago Regional Council noficiations are held in the reference area of Wanaka library.
Noticeboard - Wanaka Library has a noticeboard available for the display of information about forth coming events and activities of general community interest.
Rural Education Activities Programme - Information from Central Otago REAP, an organisation which provides learning opportunities through seminars, workshops and courses to people of all ages is available at Wanaka Library. |
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