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Fully Certified
Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa / National Library of New Zealand
General Information
70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon,
Wellington 6011
0800 474 300
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Overview
The National Library of New Zealand is here to help you access and use the collective knowledge of the nation.
It's our job to collect, connect, and co-create knowledge to power New Zealand.
Collect : New Zealand's documentary taonga in words, sounds and pictures are collected, protected and accessible
Connect : New Zealanders can easily access national and international resources through knowledge networks
Co-create : New Zealanders working together to turn knowledge into value
As a library and as a national institution we are open to one and all, and you can find out more about the role of the Library as defined in the National Library of New Zealand (Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa) Act (2003).
Notes for Cardholders
Nil financial offers.
Standing and Queuing
There are two lifts in the library building.
Dedicated accessible parking spaces are currently non-existent, however, you may be able to use an accessible parking space between the Library building and the Rugby House. Please note that these accessible parking spaces cannot be booked or reserved in advance.
There is a bus and coach stop directly outside the library on Aitken Street for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Both the main entrance and the second entrance on Aitken Street are accessible.
Level Access
Please show your Hāpai Access Card and make yourself known to a staff member. Then, be seated, and front-of-house staff will assist you by serving you at your seat.
Distances
The library building is large, however, there are plenty of seats available throughout the venue that visitors are welcome to use. There are two mobility parking spaces approximately 50 metres from the library (one on Molesworth Street and one on Aitken Street). Onsite wheelchairs are available for guest use. To reserve a wheelchair for use during your visit, please communicate with the team members when you arrive.
Urgent Toilet Access
The staff members will know your urgency to use a toilet if you present this icon to a team member. There are two accessible toilets, four gendered toilets, and one general toilet.
Disability Assist Dogs
We comply with the NZ law that permits access to Disability Assist dogs. The staff will offer you water for your dog and will indicate the nearest place for a dog to relieve itself if required.
Essential Companions
No payment required to enter the library so all essential companions and yourself are more than welcome to purchase something or not during your visit.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
Through the training with the Hāpai Access Card, staff members are well-informed about how to adapt when communicating and assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision. Help is available to provide you assistance on your way to a seat or to a toilet.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
Trained staff are aware that they can modify how they communicate with you including making sure you can see their face when speaking, speaking clearly, use of pen and paper and being patient.
Hidden Disabilities
Trained staff are generally aware of hidden access needs. Please communicate with them about how your visit could be more enjoyable if you desire to do so.
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