Coronation Library — Attraction in Banks Peninsula Community

The Coronation Library is an interesting example of the historical places in the town of Akaroa. In 1860 a Literary and Scientific Institute (later renamed the Mechanic’s Institute) was formed in Akaroa. The aim was to provide community members with mutual instruction and support and a library was an important part of that aim. At first the Town Hall building was used but as the patronage grew the Institute needed a larger place of its own. Using a grant from the Provincial Council, the architect Samuel Farr (who lived in Akaroa from 1850 until 1862) was engaged to design a new building on the Rue Jolie which opened on 22 May 1875. The institute continued to be used by the community and by 1911 it was in need of repairs. Using funds available to commemorate the coronation of George V the building was raised on new foundations, its roof repaired and a new frontage created. This gave the building its current Arts and Crafts/English domestic Revival look. The library continued in this building until a new combined school and community library opened in the administration block of Akaroa Area School in 1989. Coronation Library ceased to be the town’s main library and today a local trust cares for the building and maintains a reference library of New Zealand material there. Since the amalgamation of Banks Peninsula District Council and Christchurch City Council there has been significant much-needed maintenance and restoration work done on the building. Akaroa Library gives all withdrawn and unwanted donated books to Coronation Library for their continued...

Coronation Library in Akaroa Visited on 1/2/2019

Coronation Library is a local library established in 1875. It is a small timber building.

After a combined school and public library opened, the Coronation Library ceased to be the town’s main library.

The library is run by volunteers. At the counter, a friendly volunteer librarian who knows the history of the library like the palm of her hand is more than willing to give a run down of the past.

It is not surprising why many people gathered outside the building - free Wifi is available at...

We were so glad we stopped in. This building is a part of the community history and the volunteer librarian was so helpful in sharing information about the building. It was built by a ship builder and you can see that in the design of the ceiling. We played their literary challenge and we received a lifetime award for our...