About Central Library
Wellington had one of the earliest public libraries in New Zealand. You can read more about it in History of Wellington City Libraries
The current Central Library opened in December 1991. By the late 1980s it was apparent that the old library was bursting at the seams. At this time a bold new design for Civic Square was envisaged, integrating old and new buildings with open space.
The firm of Athfield Architects was commissioned to draw up plans for a new library. Prior to the project, Ian Athfield undertook a study tour of libraries in the United States and Scandinavia. He incorporated many features he observed there - accessibility, open planning, hi-tech interiors and bold and extensive use of glass and water. The building was constructed by Fletcher Development and Construction.
The library has won two New Zealand architectural awards:
- The Environmental Award in the Carter Holt Harvey Awards 1992.
- The National Award for Architecture 1993 sponsored by The New Zealand Institute of Architects.
Further information is available in the Wellington City Libraries publication Opening windows on the wide world : Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui. There are also articles in Architecture NZ (March/April 1992), Trends - New Zealand Commercian Design (vol. 4 no. 1) and World Architecture Review (93:04). Please ask at the Information Desk to read these items.
