Remuera Library
{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox library
| library_name = Remuera Library
| native_name =
| native_name_lang = mao
| library_logo =
| image = Remuera Library 20240229 175706.jpg
| alt = Main entrance of the Remuera Library
| caption = Main entrance of the Remuera Library (2024)
| country = New Zealand
| type = Public library
| established = {{Start date and age|1915|10|2|df=yes}}
| location = 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera
| coordinates = {{Coord|-36.8810|174.8001|format=dms|type:landmark_region:NZ|display=inline,title}}
| branch_of = Auckland Libraries
| service_area = Remuera, Ellerslie, Greenlane, Meadowbank
| collection_size = Floating
| website = {{url|https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz}}
| module =
{{Infobox building
|embed = yes
|name = Remuera Library
|image =
|imagesize =
|caption =
|inauguration_date = 1926; {{years ago|1926}} years ago
|former_names =
|building_type = Public Library
|architectural_style = Arts and Crafts
|structural_system =
|location = Remuera, Auckland
|owner = Auckland Council
|current_tenants =
|landlord =
|map_type = New Zealand
|start_date =
|completion_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1926|7|31}}
|demolition_date =
|height =
|diameter =
|other_dimensions =
|floor_count =
|floor_area =
|main_contractor =
|architect = Gummer and Ford
|structural_engineer =
|services_engineer =
|civil_engineer =
|other_designers =
|quantity_surveyor =
|awards = NZIA Gold Medal in 1928
|publictransit =
|website =
| embedded = {{designation list|embed=yes|designation1=NZ Category I|designation1_number=115|designation1_date=2 April 1985 }}
}}
}}
Remuera Library is a local branch of Auckland Libraries, serving the suburb of Remuera. It is housed in a Category I Historic building, which is considered to be a landmark in the area.
History
In 1915, a branch library was established for Remuera. It was originally located in the brick shops located at 411–413 Remuera Road. The building had previously belonged to the Remuera Road Board, which amalgamated with the Auckland City Council in the same year. In 1926, parts of this building were taken to Point Chevalier and used to construct the public library there.{{cn|date=October 2024}}
On 31 July 1926, the Remuera Library was opened on its present site. The building was designed by the architectural firm Gummer and Ford, who were then one of the leading firms in Auckland. The building shows influences of Neo-Georgian and Arts and Crafts style architecture, stemming from Gummer's study in England under Edwin Lutyens. It has a largely open plan design, which was innovative at the time. The building won a NZIA gold medal for its design in 1928.{{cn|date=October 2024}}
The building features a large lecture hall which had previously been used to deliver public lectures. At some point in the mid-twentieth century, Auckland Libraries ceased their public lecture series (largely due to declining interest) and the lecture hall was converted to accommodate the library's growing collection. There is an entrance to the library through the lecture hall which remained closed for much of its existence. There were various additions made to the library during the late 1950s and early 1960s, including the building of partitioning walls.{{cn|date=October 2024}}
A major heritage restoration project was undertaken in 2002. This restoration undid many of the additions that had been made during the 1950s and 1960s. A disabilities ramp was installed leading to Saint Vincent Avenue and the lecture hall entrance to the library was finally re-opened. The staff workroom was also expanded, utilising the former stage as floorspace. These renovations led to the library winning another NZIA medal in 2004 in the Heritage and Conservation category.{{cite web|title=Remuera Library Interior|url=http://www.lyndasimmonsarchitect.co.nz/project_CLib.html|publisher=Linda Simmons – Architect|accessdate=22 November 2013}}
In 2006, there was some debate about the gnomon on the sundial installed outside the library being set in the wrong direction, and therefore not working.{{cite news|last=Samways|first=Ana|title=Sideswipe – Opinion|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10385271|publisher=The New Zealand Herald|accessdate=22 November 2013|date=7 June 2006}}
The library is currently undergoing a renovation project, started on 1 July 2024, and is set to be reopened around July 2025. The works involve general repairs and maintenance, seismic strengthening the building to meet legal requirements, fire safety enhancements, accessibility improvements and an interior refresh.{{Cite web |last=OurAuckland |date=27 May 2024 |title=Much-loved Remuera Library undergoing restoration |url=https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/05/much-loved-remuera-library-undergoing-restoration/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=OurAuckland |language=en}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category-inline|Remuera Library }}
- [http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=115 New Zealand Historical Places Trust Entry]
{{Ōrākei Local Board Area}}
{{Libraries in Auckland}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:1915 establishments in New Zealand
Category:Libraries in Auckland
Category:Heritage New Zealand Category 1 historic places in the Auckland Region
Category:1920s architecture in New Zealand
Category:Libraries established in 1915