There are over 1.5 million books in our collections, mostly relating to New Zealand and the Pacific. We also have a number of non-New Zealand books.
Search for books
Start your search for books using the National Library Catalogue.
General Lending Collection
New Zealand and selected non-New Zealand books are in the General Lending Collection, which supports the current information needs of New Zealanders. You can borrow the books by interloan through your local library, or use them at the National Library.
More about the General Lending Collection
General Reference Collection
An extensive selection of non-New Zealand dictionaries, encyclopedias and directories are in the General Reference Collection. You can browse these reference books on the ground floor of the Library.
More about the General Reference Collection
New Zealand and Pacific Collection
A selection of current and historical New Zealand and Pacific books covering all subjects are in this collection. You can use these books on the ground floor of the Library – they do not need to be requested first.
More about the New Zealand and Pacific Collection
New Zealand and Pacific Book Collection
Historical and current books relating to New Zealand and the Pacific are in this Turnbull Library collection. You can use the books in the Library.
More about the New Zealand and Pacific Book Collection
Turnbull General Collection
Books in the Turnbull Library relating to areas outside New Zealand and the Pacific are in the Turnbull General Collection. You can use the books in the Library.
More about the Turnbull General Collection
Special Printed Collections
Rare books dating from 1471 to the present day are in the Turnbull Library’s Special Printed Collections, including works by John Milton. You can use the books in the Library. Some items are listed on the National Library Catalogue.
More about the Special Printed Collections
Turnbull Formed Collections
The Turnbull Formed Collections are the personal libraries of collectors that have been donated to us, covering a range of subjects. You can use the books in the Library. Most items are not listed on the National Library Catalogue.
More about the Turnbull Formed Collections
Māori Reference Collection
The Māori Reference Collection contains a selection of books by and about Māori. You can browse these books on the ground floor of the Library.
More about the Māori Reference Collection
National Library Schools Collection
Fiction and non-fiction resources to support teaching and learning in New Zealand schools are in the Schools Collection. The collection is available for use by schoolteachers, trainee teachers and home schoolers. You can also borrow the resources by interloan through your local library.
More about the Schools Collection
National Children’s Collection
New Zealand and selected non-New Zealand books written for children and young adults are in the National Children’s Collection. You can borrow the books by interloan through your local library, or use them at the National Library.
More about the National Children’s Collection
International Children’s Digital Library (ICDL)
Recent and historical children’s books, including selected New Zealand books from the Dorothy Neal White and National Children’s Collection, are online at the International Children’s Digital Library website.
More about New Zealand books in the International Children’s Digital Library
Dorothy Neal White Collection
New Zealand and overseas children’s books in English published before 1940 are in the Dorothy Neal White Collection. The books can only be used in the Library.
More about the Dorothy Neal White Collection
Susan Price Collection
English language children's books published after 1930 are in the Susan Price Collection, which is housed in Susan's Wellington home. You can access the children's books by appointment.
More about the Susan Price Collection
Other collections containing books
The collections listed below also include books.
More about the Music CollectionMore about the Family History Collection
More about the Print Disabilities Collection (talking books)
