When does the Library building in Molesworth Street, Wellington, close?
The building closes at 5pm on Thursday, 3 December 2009. It will reopen by early 2012.
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 The redevelopment will fix leaks in the Library’s roof and podium, upgrade outdated systems and plant and provide storage for the collections to 2030.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 will change?
The location that you go to will change. From 8 December 2009, family history resources will be accessible at a reading room at 77 Thorndon Quay, Wellington, instead of at the National Library building on Molesworth Street, 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 will close on 4 December 2009. You will need to access this original prior to this. There will be no access to this collection after this date, until early 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.
