When did the Library building in Molesworth Street, Wellington, close?
The building closed on Thursday 3 December 2009.
When will the Library building re-open?
The reading rooms and access to the Library's full collections is anticipated to be available from 2 July 2012, although some building work will still be under way. The official opening of the building will occur in late 2012. We will update you if there is any change to these dates.
What is the construction programme?
The construction programme is in three parts:
- Part 1: Basement, lower ground (part), level 2, external works
- Part 2: Level 1
- Part 3: Lower ground (part), ground and level 3
The external works include replacing the leaky roof, upgrading the podium surface (the concrete area around the building) and cleaning the façade of the building. Inside the plant and ageing systems are being replaced and collection storage space expanded, with the following summary of the main works by floor:
Basement - improved controlled storage environments and shelving for collections housed in this space and a brand new controlled atmosphere room for the film negative collection.
Lower ground – two new purpose-built controlled atmosphere rooms; improvements to the Property Services, Security and Conservation areas, as well as an upgraded sound preservation studio.
Ground floor – new gallery, main hall and meeting rooms for public programmes.
Level 1 – new reading rooms, small gallery and workroom for staff providing services for customers.
Level 2 – a new controlled atmosphere room and upgrade to the one already on this floor; upgraded audio visual studios.
Level 3 – refurbished staff floor space and new staff kitchen.
Who is involved in the building redevelopment project?
Impact Project Management is managing the construction work on behalf of the National Library of New Zealand. Mainzeal Property Construction Limited is the main contractor for the building works. Warren and Mahoney Architects Limited are the architect/interior designers. The following companies are also involved:
- Beca – mechanical hydraulic & electrical engineers
- Holmes Consulting Group – structural engineer
- Holmes Fire & Safety – fire engineer
- Stoks Limited – security consultant
- Norman Disney Young – acoustic consultant
- Davis Langdon – quantity surveyors
What is the reason for the building redevelopment?
The building was designed in the 1970s and built in the 1980s – and is aging, with a lack of storage space for the collections. It urgently needs redeveloping to address issues that will in the future affect the safety of the heritage collections, and to ensure their long-term storage and preservation. The redevelopment will fix leaks in the Library’s roof and podium, upgrade outdated systems and plant and provide storage for the collections to 2030.
How will the heritage collections be cared for during the redevelopment?
The care, protection and security of the collections is paramount, now and over the building redevelopment period.
Heritage collections that will be closed to the public throughout the building redevelopment will be kept in the National Library building, in safe areas that the redevelopment won’t impact. This has been carefully assessed as the safest, most cost-effective solution for collection storage while the redevelopment takes place.
Our collection protection framework ensures proper processes are followed when packing and moving heritage collections. We have engaged an independent heritage collection protection expert who has reviewed the framework and all moving plans.
Download the National Library of New Zealand collection protection framework
I am researching my family history. What has changed?
The location that you go to will changed. Family history resources are accessible at a reading room at 77 Thorndon Quay, Wellington.
I want to browse images of New Zealand in the 1960s. Can I do this?
You can browse images online through Timeframes or Matapihi, or onsite. We will have photographic collections available for you to browse at both 77 Thorndon Quay and Archives New Zealand.
I would like to see the original of a painting I saw on Timeframes.
The Drawings, Paintings and Prints collection is now closed until mid-2012 when the building redevelopment is complete.
I am involved in a research project and am not sure exactly what it is I need yet. How can you help me?
Get in touch with our Library experts when you start to work through your requirements. They can help with ideas, and advise on the materials you can access through the Library. They may also be able to help you find out about the materials that other organisations hold, who may be able to help you through the building redevelopment period.
I want to order an image for including in my publication. How do I do this?
You can browse images online on Timeframes or Matapihi, and then contact us as usual to order an image. Or, you can browse an onsite collection and order from these.
What if I want to copy items I have looked at, at Archives New Zealand or Thorndon Quay?
All available collection items can be copied. Just ask a staff member for help, or call us on 0800 474 300.
I want advice about how to look after a family treasure. Can you help?
Yes, we can help you– call us on 0800 474 300 and ask how.
I want to donate a collection of photographs. Can I still do this?
Yes, we welcome donations through the relocation period. Call us on 0800 474 300.
Will your phone numbers and postal address details change?
All public phone numbers and postal addresses will remain the same.
Contact the National Library of New Zealand
Are there any changes to Legal Deposit?
No, there will be no changes to this process.
I am a teacher, and use resources from the Schools Collection. Will access change?
No. The Wellington building redevelopment does not affect any access to the Schools Collection.
