NZ's first free library marks 100 years

On Tuesday the Dunedin Public Library celebrated a century of offering free library services to the people of Dunedin.

Dunedin Public Library centenary co-ordinator Barbara Frame said compared with other New Zealand centres the Dunedin library was ‘‘very slow to get started''.

‘‘Most large New Zealand cities and some smaller ones, had public libraries by the end of the 19th century,'' she said.

‘‘It's even more curious when you think that this was a busy commercial city with a strong commitment to education and New Zealand's first university.''

Mrs Frame said Dunedin's lucky break came in 1903 when Andrew Carnegie offered £10,000 to build a library, as long as certain conditions were observed.

‘‘The most important of those conditions was that the library, unlike the other public libraries operating in New Zealand, should provide completely free services,'' she said.

‘‘So, although we didn't get under way for such a surprisingly long time, we were New Zealand's first free public library and a free public library service was an important concept then and continues to be vital today.''

Mrs Frame said when the library opened on December 2, 1908, it had about 1000 books, for reference use only, as well as numerous subscriptions to New Zealand and overseas newspapers and magazines.

‘‘In 1913, Robert McNab offered his library of 4200 New Zealand items and one of this country's great New Zealand collections was established.''

Other important milestones in the library's history included A.H. Reed's generous gifts of rare books and manuscripts and the opening of the present library building in 1981,'' Mrs Frame said.

‘‘People from 1908 would hardly recognise us now - books have always been our staple, but today we offer CDs, DVDs, and, very importantly, access to a large number of subscription databases.

‘‘While appearances may have changed, our commitment to a free library service hasn't and the value of libraries for people's information, educational and recreational needs is as strong as ever.''

A formal ceremony marking the Dunedin Public Library's 100th birthday was held at the library on Tuesday.