Lower Hutt War Memorial Library facts for kids
The Lower Hutt War Memorial Library is a special building in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. It's where the main library for the city is located. People often call the collection of books and resources inside simply the "War Memorial Library."
Contents
A Special Place for Learning
The Lower Hutt War Memorial Library is more than just a place to borrow books. It's a memorial that honors those who served in World War II. Many buildings like this were built in New Zealand after the war. They were a way to remember the sacrifices made.
How the Library Was Planned
The idea for a big community area in Lower Hutt started with John William Andrews. He was the Mayor of Lower Hutt from 1933 to 1947. Later, another mayor named Percy Dowse helped make these plans happen. He was mayor from 1950 to 1970.
Building the Library
The library building was constructed between 1952 and 1956. It cost about NZ£200,000 to build. This was twice what they first expected! The library was part of a bigger plan for the city. This plan created four important buildings near Riddiford Park. These included a church, the library, a town hall, and a special hall for plants and flowers.
Designed to Match
Ron Muston designed St James's Church, which opened in 1953. He was then asked to design the library. He made sure it looked good next to the church.
Unique Features of the Library
The library building has some very special parts. Inside, you can see amazing murals by an artist named Leonard Mitchell.
The Murals of Leonard Mitchell
These large paintings tell important stories. They are called 'Their Sacrifice,' 'Preserved Freedom,' and 'Human Endeavour.' They help remind everyone about the meaning behind the memorial.
Protecting History
On June 13, 2003, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust recognized the Lower Hutt Civic Centre. This organization is now called Heritage New Zealand. They added the area, including the library, to their historic places list. This means it's an important part of New Zealand's history.
