Celebration of the 100th birthday anniversary of the Remuera Library

Happy 100th birthday Remuera Library!

A century of books, community connections, and lifelong learning. Opened originally this month in 1926 this wonderful heritage building has been at the heart of our Remuera community for a wonderful 100 years. Well in excess of 100 people gathered this morning to share this important milestone which began with a blessing from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and ended with entertainment from the Royal New Zealand Navy, To all our wonderful librarians, both today and over those past 100 years, THANK YOU for brining life and love to this place, for the care, assistance, kindness and knowledge you bring to all who enter this beautiful building . May our wonderful Remuera Library continue to provide the people and communities who visit her a safe, fun and educational experience. (Thanks to Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor)

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Today we celebrated the Remuera Library centennial, it has been at the heart of this community for the past 100 years. Opened in 1926 by former Auckland City Councillor Ellen Melville, it is one of New Zealand’s oldest public libraries and a recognised heritage building. For a century it has served generations of local families and continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community.

The Ōrākei Local Board has been proud to support the library. We love our libraries because they are far more than places to borrow books. They are welcoming spaces where people come together to learn, connect, share ideas, and build a stronger community.

Our work programme has included seismic strengthening and building renewals, along with a pilot of later Thursday opening hours. These investments are making a real difference. Staff continue to tell us about increased participation, improved accessibility, and the positive role the library plays in bringing people together. That is why we remain committed to supporting these valued community spaces.

One of our most meaningful projects was commissioning the beautiful tukutuku panels, skilfully woven by the Te Puāwai weavers under the leadership of Beronia Scott of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. These works weave together themes of protection, knowledge, and belonging, reflecting the unique stories and identity of this place.

As the whakataukī reminds us:

Ka mua, ka muri – We walk backwards into the future, guided by the wisdom of those who came before.

That feels especially fitting as we celebrate a century of history while looking ahead to the next hundred years.

Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to Remuera Library’s remarkable 100-year journey. May it continue to inspire learning, curiosity, and connection for generations to come. (Thanks to Sarah Powrie, Chair, Orakei Local Board).

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Today Remuera Library celebrated the centenary of its landmark building, which has served the community for 100 years.

As Remuera’s population grew, a purpose-built library was commissioned. The present library, located on the corner of Remuera Road and St Vincent Avenue, officially opened on 31 July 1926. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Gummer and Ford, the elegant Neo-Georgian building was one of New Zealand’s first libraries to embrace an innovative open-access design, allowing readers to browse the shelves themselves. The building’s outstanding architecture earned the New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 1928.

For a century, Remuera Library has been much more than a place to borrow books. It has been a centre for learning, community gatherings, lectures, children’s programmes and lifelong education, serving generations of local residents. Recognised today as a Category 1 Historic Place, it remains one of Auckland’s finest heritage libraries.

Following careful restoration and seismic strengthening completed in 2025, the library is well prepared to continue welcoming readers and visitors for many years to come.

As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, Remuera Library stands as a testament to the enduring value of public libraries as places of knowledge, connection and community. (Thanks to David Wong, Orakei Local Board).