150 Years of inspiration, discovery, learning and service
2009 was the 150th anniversary of Christchurch City Libraries This milestone of library service was celebrated with a special 150th website, competitions, events, displays and a reunion of staff, and culminated in the gift of free internet service at our libraries to the city of Christchurch.
Christchurch City Libraries has grown from smocks to t-shirts, catalogue drawers to advanced web searches, from a single room in 1859 to a network of 22 libraries.
A long tradition of innovating new services and advocating for improved access for customers has produced an early radio programme for children, a lending collection of contemporary New Zealand art, the first automated library system in New Zealand, the first public library in Australasia to have its own internet presence and innovative and award winning buildings. From 1952 the city has provided free library membership and in 2009 the popularity of the Library continues to soar with over 72% of residents signed up.
We hope you will continue to read the many fascinating stories about different aspects of our 150 year history here.
