Birkenhead Public Library (Te Whare Matauranga o Birkenhead in Māori) is a New Zealand library, part of the North Shore Libraries system on Auckland's North Shore. Founded in 1949 it predominantly serves the areas of Birkenhead, Beach Haven, Birkdale, Kauri Park, Chelsea, and Birkenhead East, a population of about 26,000, including six primary schools, two intermediate, and two colleges.
Typical of small public libraries in New Zealand it is able to provide an extensive range of modern library resources and services through its integration into a wider urban network, and through its association with the National Library; while nevertheless retaining its own distinct, local connections such as the Archives Collection of the Chelsea Sugar Refinery.
Birkenhead Public has a notable history. It was the first public library to be founded in North Shore City, the first to offer dial-up access to the New Zealand Bibliographic Network, and a leading proponent of full weekend services.
For four years the library was located in temporary quarters in the Birkenhead Leisure Centre, while the dispute over the location and design of its new building was resolved. On 17 December 2009 a new Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre was reopened on its old site.
Read more about Birkenhead Public Library: History, Controversy Over The New Building, Staff Structure, Services, Resources, Public Space, Webpage Development, Artwork and Exhibitions, Support Groups, Usage Statistics
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