National Children’s Collection

The National Children's Collection was started in 1942 and is the Library’s largest collection of books written for children and young people.

Most of the books in the collection were published in Britain, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. The majority of the books are written in English, but we also have many books in Māori and Pasifika languages.

Since 1993 we have added selectively to this collection. We have focused on:

New Zealand and Pacific children's books
books that have won awards
highly recommended or star reviewed books
books that have caused controversy
titles written by notable, important or controversial authors and illustrators.

Planned changes to collection access

The National Library's building redevelopment means access to some collections will change over the coming relocation period.

This collection will remain fully available through the redevelopment period, through a location on Thorndon Quay.

We expect to finalise the dates of the relocation later in 2009. We will give you at least one month's notice of the change in location.

For more information email atl@natlib.govt.nz

Find out more about planned changes to collection access

Access items in this collection

Search for descriptions of items in the collection using the National Library Catalogue. To request items you need to be registered as a user.

Items can be used in the reading room on the ground floor. You can also make an appointment to visit the collection on the lower ground floor of the Library.

National Library Catalogue

More about registering and requesting

Get copies from items in this collection

Copies can be made from items in this collection if copying doesn’t breach copyright. Photocopiers, and printers for microfiche and microfilm readers are available for use in the Library.

More about making copies

More about copyright and usage