Book Collections

Whakatāne Library maintains extensive book collections serving diverse interests. Fiction collections include popular novels, literary fiction, and genre-specific titles. Non-fiction covers subjects from biographies to practical guides. Reference materials provide factual information. New releases keep collections current. Large print books assist those with vision difficulties. Local history collections document regional heritage. Māori language resources support te reo learning. Collections are regularly updated removing outdated materials. Whether you're avid reader, researching topics, seeking specific information, or discovering new interests, book collections provide comprehensive resources through thousands of titles across diverse subjects ensuring wide reading choices for all ages and interests.

Children's Services

Children's areas provide age-appropriate resources and programmes. Picture books suit preschoolers and early readers. Junior fiction encourages reading development. Educational non-fiction supports learning. Board books serve babies and toddlers. The colourful, welcoming environment appeals to children. Toys and activities engage young visitors. Regular storytimes encourage early literacy. School holiday programmes provide educational entertainment. Whether you're parent encouraging reading, seeking children's books, wanting early literacy support, or accessing children's programmes, children's services provide comprehensive support through age-appropriate collections and programmes fostering literacy development and love of reading from early ages.

Digital Resources

Digital library services extend access beyond physical collections. eBook platforms allow borrowing digital books remotely. Audiobooks provide audio format alternatives. Online magazines and newspapers offer current periodicals. Digital learning platforms support skill development. Research databases provide academic and reference resources. Digital resources are accessible remotely with library membership. Multiple users can access digital copies simultaneously. Whether you're preferring digital formats, wanting remote access, requiring research databases, or appreciating modern library services, digital resources provide extensive online collections through platforms accessible from home complementing physical collections with convenient digital alternatives.

Internet and Computer Access

Public computers provide free internet access for library members. Multiple workstations accommodate various users. Internet supports email, research, and online services. Printing services enable document printing. Scanning facilities digitise physical documents. Word processing and productivity software support document creation. Timed sessions ensure fair access during busy periods. WiFi throughout library allows using personal devices. Whether you're without home internet, needing computer access, requiring printing facilities, or wanting digital services, internet and computer facilities provide essential access through free public computers and WiFi supporting various digital needs from basic internet use to document creation.

Study and Workspace

Library spaces provide environments conducive to study and work. Quiet study areas support concentration for serious work. Tables and seating accommodate various working styles. Natural lighting creates pleasant environments. Power outlets support electronic devices. The peaceful atmosphere suits focused work. Some libraries include group study rooms. Opening hours accommodate various schedules. The free nature makes libraries accessible study options. Whether you're student studying, professional working remotely, requiring quiet workspace, or needing focused environments, library study spaces provide suitable facilities through comfortable seating, appropriate atmospheres, and necessary amenities supporting productive work and study activities.

Community Programmes

Libraries host programmes supporting community education and engagement. Storytime sessions encourage early literacy in preschoolers. School holiday programmes provide educational activities. Author talks and book clubs engage readers. Technology workshops teach digital skills. Craft activities provide creative opportunities. Local history presentations share heritage knowledge. Regular programmes create community connections. Many programmes are free. Whether you're seeking educational programmes, wanting community activities, supporting children's learning, or engaging with community, library programmes provide diverse opportunities through regular events and activities supporting learning, literacy, and social connection for various ages and interests.

Reference and Research Support

Reference services support research and information needs. Librarians provide expert assistance finding information. Reference collections include encyclopaedias and factual resources. Online databases support academic research. Inter-library loans access materials from other libraries. Local history resources assist heritage research. Government information services support civic needs. Assistance with digital resources ensures effective use. Whether you're conducting research, requiring factual information, seeking specific materials, or needing information literacy support, reference services provide expert assistance through knowledgeable librarians helping locate and access information ensuring effective research and information discovery.

Local History and Heritage

Local history collections preserve and share regional heritage. Historical photographs document area development. Archives contain original documents and records. Oral histories capture community memories. Family history resources support genealogy research. Local publications document community stories. Digital archives provide online access. The collections support understanding regional history. Whether you're researching family history, interested in local heritage, studying regional development, or appreciating community history, local history collections provide valuable resources through photographs, documents, and materials preserving Whakatāne's heritage supporting heritage research and community connection with past.

Library Membership

Library membership provides access to services and collections. Joining is typically free for residents. Membership cards enable borrowing materials. Digital services require member login. Various membership categories might exist. Children can have memberships enabling independent borrowing. Lost cards can be replaced. Understanding borrowing limits and loan periods ensures smooth use. Whether you're new to area, wanting library access, registering children, or understanding membership benefits, library membership provides essential access through simple registration processes enabling borrowing and service access supporting reading, learning, and information needs.

Meeting and Community Spaces

Library spaces support community groups and meetings. Community rooms accommodate group gatherings. Meeting spaces support clubs and organisations. Exhibition spaces showcase local artists and community projects. Notice boards share community information. The public nature makes libraries accessible community hubs. Booking systems manage space allocation. Whether you're community group, requiring meeting spaces, wanting exhibition opportunities, or seeking community information, library spaces provide venues through community rooms and facilities supporting local groups and organisations fostering community connections and supporting civic participation.

Edgecumbe Library - College Road
Open Mon - Fri 2pm - 4pm
Tues/Fri Mornings 10am - 12pm
Closed weekends
Phone 07 304 8656

Murupara Library, Civic Square
Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm
Closed weekends
Ph 07 366 5896

Ōhope Beach Library, Harbour Road
Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat 10am - 12pm
Tue and Thur 2pm - 4pm
Ph 07 312 4900