Background
On 7 July 2003 the Wanaka Library moved from the 100 year old site in Ardmore Street, Wanaka, to spacious new premises on a previously undeveloped site in Dunmore Street. The 450 square metre purpose-built building enjoys a scenic outlook beside Bullock Creek in the heart of Wanaka.

The new library houses an excellent up-to-date collection of fiction and non fiction items including an audio visual section, an area set aside for reference and study, a newspaper reading room, quiet corners where patrons may sit in comfort, and special space for children, with a separate young adult area.

Services
Wanaka Library is part of the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes shared Library service. Services, membership, borrowing and issuing policies are consistent across the CODC / QLDC Library District.

New Books and Recommended Reads
New books are available to read as soon as they are processed and released into the library collection. They are located on a display stand at the entrance to the library. You will also find a 'Recommended Reads' shelf here. These are recommendations from borrowers who have enjoyed reading these books.

Housebound Borrowers
Library staff are happy to assist housebound borrowers with the supply of reading items. Please phone 03 443 0410 with enquiries.
 
Word Processing and Internet
We have 3 computers with broadband Internet access available for use. Fundview and Breakout funding databases are also available on these computers.

Research (for example: study, academic research, fact finding) is free; other Internet uses are charged at the following rates:

Internet:
$1 per 5 minutes
$2 per 10 minutes
$3 per 15 - 30 minutes
$4 per 45 minutes
$5 per hour

Word Processing:
$2 per 30 minutes
$3 per hour
Printouts cost 20c per page

Telephone Directories
A complete current collection of national telephone directories is held in the reference area.

Local Government
Queenstown Lakes District Council meeting agendas and district plan information and Otago Regional Council notifications are held in the reference area of Wanaka library.

Children's Services
Homework Station (Primary and Secondary school students). Internet research is provided free of charge.

Preschool Storyreading Sessions
Free storyreading and activity sessions are held every Wednesday morning from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Children are to be accompanied by a carer or parent. All welcome!

School Holiday Programmes
Free storyreading and activity sessions are organised during all school holidays. Typical programmes are scheduled as follows:
3 to 5 years - Wednesdays - 10:30 am to 11:30 am
4 to 9 years - Tuesdays and Thursdays - 10am to 11pm and 2pm to 3pm (this is a repeat of the morning session)
8 years and up - Fridays - 2pm to 3pm
Printed school holiday programmes are available at Wanaka Library and are published in the Wanaka Primary School newsletter. No bookings are necessary. Pre-schoolers are to be accompanied by a parent or carer. All are welcome to attend storyreading sessions, however resources may restrict numbers at the activity module for some sessions.

Get Well Bags
Treasure troves for sick children, containing movies, talking books, puzzles and books. Guaranteed to cheer up your child. These are available for three reading levels for one week loans.

Please contact the Children's and Young Adults' Librarian regarding children's services on 03 443 0410.

History
During 1881 a small hut shaped building was erected and utilised as a library by a growing number of Pembroke residents until the official opening in 1887. The library operated as the Pembroke Library until 1940 when the township was renamed Wanaka, as was the library.

In October 1966 the library reserve land was given to the Lake County Council for community purposes and a new library was built on site, and opened on 9 June 1967. The Wanaka Improvement Society raised funds for the new building and the Library Committee contributed the furnishings. Currently, the land is also partially occupied by the St John Ambulance Service and utilised as a Council car park.

Twenty seven years later, in 1994, the increasing population and demands on the limited space made it necessary to plan an extension. An addition to the front of the building was undertaken, resulting in a new entrance, issuing desk, as well as a children's area and a large print area. The exterior of the building gained a new roofline and verandah. The renovators incorporated aspects from the previous building, thus maintaining its 1960's character. The Lions Club donated a computer for public word processing, CD's and large print books at the time of their 20th anniversary.

On 7 July 2003 the Wanaka Library moved from the old site in Ardmore Street to spacious new premises on a previously undeveloped site in Dunmore Street. The 450 square metre purpose built building enjoys a scenic outlok beside Bullock Creek in the heart of Wanaka


Community

Community Displays
Non Profit community groups are welcome to use library facilities for displays for a one week period, and for special events free of charge. Please contact the Library Manager on 03 443 7297 with enquiries, and to view the Library's noticeboard policy.

Noticeboard
Wanaka Library has a noticeboard available for the display of information about forth coming events and activities of general community interest.

Rural Education Activities Programme
Information from Central Otago REAP, an organisation which provides learning opportunities through seminars, workshops and courses to people of all ages is available at Wanaka Library.