Grey District Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grey District Library |
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| Grey District Library in 2011 | |
| Location | Greymouth |
| Coordinates | 42°26′55″S 171°12′37″E / 42.448701°S 171.210196°E |
| Website | https://www.greydc.govt.nz/facilities/libraries |
The Grey District Library, also known as the Greymouth Public Library, is a public library in Greymouth. This town is located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It's a special place where people can find books, magazines, and DVDs. The library also offers fun activities and classes for all ages.
Contents
History of the Library
The Grey District Library has a long and interesting history. It started way back in 1868.
Early Days: A Private Club
The library first began as the Greymouth Literary Association in 1868. At first, it was a private club. Members had to pay a rather expensive yearly fee of £2 5s. You also had to be chosen to join, which meant it wasn't open to everyone.
Just three years later, in 1871, things changed. The association became the Greymouth Literary Society. This new society was open to the public. It also created a public library for everyone to use.
A Fire and a New Start
By 1887, the society had a public library and reading rooms. These were located in the Masonic Hall on Mackay Street. But in September 1887, a fire sadly destroyed the Hall. The reading rooms, books, and furniture were all lost. Luckily, they had insurance for £200.
The Carnegie Library
In the early 1900s, the local council wanted to build a new town hall. They also wanted new council offices. However, the cost was too high.
They decided to ask Andrew Carnegie for help. Andrew Carnegie was a very rich businessman. He gave money to build libraries all over the world. In 1906, the council received a grant of £2250 from him. This money helped them add a library wing to the new building.
The building was designed by architect Edward Iveagh Lord. It was the largest brick building on the West Coast at the time. It even had a tall clock tower that was about 21.5 meters high.
Children's Library and Another Fire
By 1936, the library had grown. It even included a special children's library on the ground floor. This was a great addition for young readers.
However, on July 19, 1947, disaster struck again. The entire town hall and library were destroyed by arson. Arson means someone deliberately set the fire. Most of the books and some of the furniture were saved from the flames.
What's Inside Today
The current Grey District Library building is on Albert Street. It has a wide range of items you would expect from a modern library.
- Books for all ages
- Magazines
- DVDs
- And much more!
The library also helps people learn new skills. They offer classes on digital literacy. This means they teach you how to use computers and the internet. They also have an exciting children's programme. This programme includes fun activities and events for kids.
