Love your library — for its charm
Libraries have always held a special place in my heart, from the school libraries of my childhood and teenage years to Level 0 of Kelburn Campus Library, and, of course, the three libraries that comprise Libraries Horowhenua; Te Takeretanga o Kurahau-po¯ , Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, and Shannon Library.
Each library had its own charm. I want to say I loved my primary school library for its books and peaceful atmosphere. But mostly, I loved it for the rumours of it being haunted and all the memories of ghost hunting shenanigans. And before you ask, no, the building was not old; in fact, it was the newest building at Russell Primary School. I was even there when we named the building Te Whare Wa¯ nanga, The House of Learning. But clearly, it was haunted.
Level 0 of the Kelburn Campus library was underground. It was always warm and cosy, with large pipes running along the walls and ceiling, so every now and then, you could hear water running past you.
It was the perfect place to hide from Wellington winters and study
classic literature.
The first time I walked into Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , it was just after I had applied for a job as a casual customer services officer. Imagine my surprise when I walked into this large, bright open building. There’s a cafe, the piano is playing, and there’s a designated space for rangatahi to be themselves. I was so used to school and university libraries; I hadn’t actually spent much time in public libraries, and man was I missing out!
Since then, the library has become like a second home. It’s where I’ve made so many friends and memories, a place where I’ve been able to be my
weird self and not have to worry because all the best and quirkiest people end up here. It’s where I’ve found my confidence and just had fun. And of course, it’s where I’ve found some of my all-time favourite books!
This February is Library Lovers Month, and we want to know what it is about our libraries that is important to you. All month, we’ll
have an area in the main space where you can share your favourite things about the library. So please, come and let us know!