Remuera Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Remuera Library |
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| Main entrance of the Remuera Library | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Established | 1915 |
| Location | Remuera, Auckland |
| Branch of | Auckland Libraries |
| Remuera Library | |
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| General information | |
| Type | Public Library |
| Architectural style | Arts and Crafts |
| Location | Remuera, Auckland |
| Coordinates | 36°52′51″S 174°48′00″E / 36.8809°S 174.7999°E |
| Completed | 31 July 1926 |
| Inaugurated | 1926; 99 years ago |
| Owner | Auckland Council |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Gummer and Ford |
| Awards and prizes | NZIA Gold Medal in 1928 |
| Designated: | 2 April 1985 |
| Reference #: | 115 |
The Remuera Library is a special place in Remuera, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. It's part of the Auckland Libraries family. This library is located in a beautiful old building that many people see as an important landmark.
Contents
A Look at the Library's History
Early Days: The First Library (1915-1926)
The Remuera Library first opened its doors in 1915. It wasn't in its current spot back then. The library was originally set up in some brick shops at 411–413 Remuera Road. This building used to belong to the Remuera Road Board. In 1915, this board joined with the Auckland City Council. Later, in 1926, parts of this first library building were moved. They were used to help build another public library in Point Chevalier.
Building the Current Library (1926)
The library you see today opened on July 31, 1926. It was built on its current site. The famous architectural firm Gummer and Ford designed the building. They were one of the top design companies in Auckland at that time.
Architectural Style and Awards
The building's design shows influences from two styles: Neo-Georgian and Arts and Crafts. The architect, William Henry Gummer, studied in England. He learned from a well-known architect named Edwin Lutyens. The library's design was quite new for its time. It had a largely open plan inside. Because of its excellent design, the building won a gold medal from the NZIA in 1928.
Changes Over the Years
From Lecture Hall to Book Space
The library building originally included a large lecture hall. This hall was used for public talks and presentations. However, in the mid-1900s, fewer people came to these lectures. So, Auckland Libraries stopped offering them. The lecture hall was then changed to hold more books. This helped the library's growing collection.
Renovations and Improvements
For a long time, an entrance to the library through the lecture hall stayed closed. Also, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, some changes were made. These included adding dividing walls inside the library.
Modern Restoration and Recognition (2002-2004)
A big project to restore the library's historic look happened in 2002. This restoration removed many of the changes made in the 1950s and 1960s. A ramp for people with disabilities was added, leading to Saint Vincent Avenue. The lecture hall entrance to the library was finally opened again. The staff's workroom was also made bigger. These improvements earned the library another NZIA medal in 2004. This award was for its work in Heritage and Conservation.
A Small Sundial Mystery (2006)
In 2006, there was a small discussion about the sundial outside the library. Some people thought the pointer, called a gnomon, was facing the wrong way. This meant the sundial might not have been telling the correct time!
