Read a book, grab a coffee, or just relax at Wellington's National Library of New Zealand. See some of the country's oldest manuscripts in the reading room.

The National Library in central Wellington is more than just a lending library. Housed in a recently refurbished building in Molesworth Street, the library offers everything from old research material to a 21st century internet connection.

The building also houses a main gallery on the ground floor and the smaller Alexander Turnbull Gallery on the first floor, both featuring changing exhibitions. A comprehensive programme of public events and learning experiences is offered.

Visitors who wish to see some of the library's collection of older material held in the Alexander Turnbull Library can book into one of the reading rooms and order items for viewing, including manuscripts and maps relating to New Zealand and the Pacific and works by celebrated Wellington author Katherine Mansfield.

Library staff offer a specialised tour for people wanting to learn more about the research facilities. A more general tour for visitors offers information about the public spaces on the ground floor and how to use the library's digital collections.

The Home Café is the perfect place to end a visit, serving hot and cold drinks and a range of inviting food dishes. A small retail area includes original art works and gifts for purchase.

The centre offers two seminar rooms. Both the Pipitea and Thorndon rooms are 62sqm each and can seat 20 boardroom or 40 theatre style. Both rooms can be joined to double the capacity. 

Opening Times:

8:30am - 5.00pm Monday to Sunday