Category: Tell Our Stories

Did you know when the Council was considering the location for the 1st Shirley Library, the former ‘Shirley School’ building at 10 Shirley Road was an option?

---

1. Library for Shirley Discussions
2. Shirley Mobile Library Service | Shirley Shops Car Park
3. 1st Shirley Library (1981 – 1996) | Supermarket Car Park
4. 2nd Shirley Library (1996 – Present) | The Palms Car Park
5. 3rd Shirley Library? | Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve?

---

1. Library for Shirley Discussions

“The City Council’s plans for the expansion of the St Albans Library on property at the back of the present premises were mentioned briefly at the annual meeting of the library last evening…
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/st-albans-libraries/
A request for the establishment of a library in the Shirley district has been received from residents…the council had asked the advice of library authorities on the desirability of building a library there.
The whole question of suburban libraries and the council’s subsidy policy would come under review when the plans for modernising the central library had been carried out.”
Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26168, 19 July 1950, Page 3
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19500719.2.17

‘Suburban Libraries’: “…the proposed establishment of a library at Shirley was being viewed very sympathetically by the Christchurch City Council…”
Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29161, 23 March 1960, Page 8
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19600323.2.65

‘Library Service: Priority For Suburbs’: “A mobile library was one means of providing service in the suburbs, and the council might wish to consider provision of a “bookmobile” rather than to continue to build new libraries.
The “bookmobile” was particularly suited to serving outer areas…”
Press, Volume CV, Issue 31062, 18 May 1966, Page 25
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19660518.2.240

‘Report Critical Of Library Services’: “Because of the uneven development of suburban libraries the city had a cluster of far too densely situated units in the southern suburbs, leaving large areas to the east and north unserved.
Several larger, strategically located district branches supplemented by several smaller neighbourhood service points would fit in well with the Christchurch Development Plan envisaging five district centres and 17 local centres…
Of unserved districts…Richmond, Shirley…One bookmobile would enable service to be given Shirley, Linwood, the Merivale Post Office area, Wainoni and Bryndwr…
The provision of a bookmobile should have priority over any further capital expenditure on suburban library buildings…”
Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31969, 22 April 1969, Page 18
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19690422.2.151

‘Future Policy For Libraries Forecast’: “…there was a need for strong new satellite libraries in areas not already served…
Some of the present suburban libraries were accidents of history, having been inherited from former boroughs which had been amalgamated with the city…
Future policy on location must be considered on a metropolitan basis so that one local body did not site a new library near an existing one…”
Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32725, 30 September 1971, Page 18
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19710930.2.150

‘Letter To Editor: Libraries’: “I heartily endorse Councillor Hay’s recommendation that future policy on location of suburban libraries should be on a metropolitan basis. It is a mistake to build a major library in Bishopdale while there is talk of a properly staffed suburban library being built at Papanui. To put large amounts of public funds into a library at Bishopdale is a case of the blind leading the blind.”
Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32727, 2 October 1971, Page 16
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19711002.2.117.1

‘Changes In Mobile Libraries’: “…present demand in Sydenham was slight, and that a new library site would be hard to justify ahead of areas such as Shirley…”
Press, 2 November 1976, Page 7
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19761102.2.61.7

---

2. Shirley Mobile Library Service | Shirley Shops Car Park

In 1950, “A request for the establishment of a library in the Shirley district has been received from residents.”
In 1960, “the proposed establishment of a library at Shirley was being viewed very sympathetically by the Christchurch City Council.”
In 1969, “Because of the uneven development of suburban libraries the city had a cluster of far too densely situated units in the southern suburbs, leaving large areas to the east and north unserved…Of unserved districts: Richmond, Shirley…”

‘Mobile Library Early Next Year’: “A mobile library service will begin next April or May, the initial service points being Addington, Waltham, Shirley…
Supermarket parking areas were ideal service points…
The most deserving areas and stopping places, seemed to be, Shirley, corner of Marshland and Shirley Roads…”
Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32148, 18 November 1969, Page 18
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19691118.2.137

‘Reasons Given For Use Of Mobile Library’: “A mobile library, which was the quickest way of introducing library service to several areas at once, could not be regarded as a complete substitute for branch service…in reply to a correspondent, ‘Arid Aranui’:
“Would the City Librarian and the City Council say why they provide only a mobile library for the east side of the city, yet can spend money on a new library for Spreydon which already has four other libraries within a mile radius?
There is no public library between Stanmore Road and Shaw Avenue (some four miles).
Why the discrimination? Do we not all contribute as ratepayers?
Surely the best method of uplifting a city is through its library.”
Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32254, 24 March 1970, Page 14
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19700324.2.113

‘New Mobile Library Ready’: “The City Librarian said the mobile library would visit areas twice a week where there were no permanent library buildings.
As far as possible it would stop in supermarket parking areas…”
Press, Volume CX, Issue 32307, 27 May 1970, Page 1
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19700527.2.18

---

3. 1st Shirley Library (1981 – 1996) | Supermarket Car Park

Finally in 1976 (after waiting since 1950), “Shirley should have top priority for the Christchurch City Council’s third suburban branch library…The council’s property division is looking for a suitable building site in the Shirley/Marshland Road area.”

But the 10 Shirley Road site was ruled out as an option for the 1st Shirley Library: as “an old primary school about two blocks away, was considered unsuitable for a branch library because it was too far away from shops and set back from the street.”

This decision by Council in 1977, to not reuse the building for the 1st Shirley Library, on the 10 Shirley Road site (that would become the Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve vested in the Council) with capacity for future growth, would prove costly.

The 1^st Shirley Library was built in 1980 & opened in 1981, off Golf Links Road.
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gJeqjjPXmjmUz4ZK8

“Shirley should have top priority for the Christchurch City Council’s third suburban branch library, councillors said. Linwood and Papanui would be next in line…
In 1969, the council called for a network of five or six branch libraries. So far, the Spreydon and New Brighton branches have been established.
The council’s property division is looking for a suitable building site in the Shirley/Marshland Road area.”
Press, 25 May 1976, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19760525.2.35

‘Shirley Library Discussed’: “Although the Shirley Primary School might be used as a community centre, it would be the wrong location for an interim library service, the City Council’s cultural committee said yesterday.
Councillors said the mobile library should continue to stop in the shopping district at the intersection of Shirley and Marshland Roads.
A staff report said even a library at the community centre run by volunteers would be out of keeping with the council’s policy of shutting down inadequate services in voluntary libraries in favour of a full suburban service.”
Press, 29 March 1977, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19770329.2.60

‘Shirley Community Centre’: “Shirley residents are a step closer to gaining a community centre, according to the Community Centre Society. This prospect came with the Housing Corporation’s decision not to use the old Shirley School site.
“We had been notified that the Housing Corporation wanted the land” said the society’s chairman “However, after discussions with the corporation it agreed to drop its claim to the site.”
He was assured by the Ministry that the site would be handed over to the Minister of Lands for disposal within the next few days…
It would then be possible for the Minister to consider declaring the site a reserve, and leasing it to the Christchurch City Council, which would lease it to the society.”
Press, 19 September 1977, Page 2
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19770919.2.14

‘Election Issues: Drainage, Streets, Parks Contentious In North Ward’: “Provision of community buildings and recreation space is also a subject uniting the views of all parties…
P. N. G. Blaxall (Citizens)…use of the Shirley School as a community centre…
D. F. Caygill (Labour)…A branch library should also be established at Shirley as the next library-building priority.
N. Dodge (Citizens)…a branch library should be built in Shirley.
S. C. Mann (Citizens)…a community centre when the local primary school building in Shirley is no longer needed.”
Press, 28 September 1977, Page 3
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19770928.2.30

‘Shirley Centre Starts With Fair’: Government approval in principle has been given for the old Shirley Primary School to be used as a community centre.
The decision has been greeted with delight by the Shirley Community Centre Society, which has been lobbying for rights to the old school – at the corner of Shirley Road and Slater Street.
The Minister of Lands had said this will allow the land and buildings on the site to be available as a community centre, and the council to delegate day-to-day management to the society.”
Press, 31 October 1977, Page 7
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19771031.2.56

‘Letter To Editor: Shirley Library’: “As reported in your council notes the Shirley District is still waiting for progress towards a permanent library. May I suggest that the council endeavors to obtain land in the shopping centre at Marshland Road-New Brighton Road where much development is taking place at present?
With the very generous parking facilities being provided by the commercial interests, only a small area of land would be required for a library site, and to the casual observer there seems to be some quite suited to the purpose.
Who knows, one of the developers may be public-spirited enough to give the land.”
Press, 1 March 1979, Page 16
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19790301.2.116.5

‘Thumbs Down For Shirley Shops’: The Christchurch City Council has blocked plans for a significant shopping centre expansion in Shirley.
Part of the Woolworths development between Marshland Road and Golf Links Road would have been in a Residential 1 zone, and car parking for the expected development has already been provided…
In the Shirley hearing, central business district interests had protested about allowing too much expansion of suburban centres at their expense.
The hearing committee said that it was not part of the council’s function to protect established businesses, but added that the city centre’s future health was a community concern.
An expanded shopping centre “would seriously detract from the amenities of the adjoining residential area,” the council said, because of increased traffic.
It would also affect the profitability of other shopping centres in Christchurch.
The district scheme would have to be altered, because the project would extend the commercial zone, and Woolworths had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances to justify this.”
Press, 24 April 1979, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19790424.2.53

‘Library Site Opposed’: A Christchurch City Council proposal to designate two Marshland Road houses for a future suburban branch library has been opposed by the owners of the properties.
However, the owner of one house, Mr G. C. Heazlewood has told a town planning hearing committee that he had always intended to use the site for commercial purposes, when zoning permitted that and would be willing to include room for a library in that development.
It was suggested that the matter should be delayed until after the draft district scheme review is published in December, to see whether it is proposed to change the small pocket of residential zoning next to the Shirley shopping centre to commercial zoning…
Critics of the proposed Marshland Road designation have suggested that a library could be incorporated in any future Woolworths Ltd development on land already vacant. The council, however, has declined Woolworths’ expansion proposals, an issue that will come to appeal next month…
The Shirley Community Centre, in an old primary school about two blocks away, was considered unsuitable for a branch library because it was too far away from shops and set back from the street.”
Press, 20 October 1979, Page 25
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19791020.2.181

‘Letter To Editor: Supermarket Car Park’: “I am very distressed to read in this morning’s paper that an elderly person had a fatal accident in the Shirley supermarket car park. When the development was taking place we had telephone discussions…and one of the topics was pedestrian access, as we were concerned that the elderly, children, people with prams etc., deserved protected access in the form of clearly marked footways…Considering the large number of shops, and the fact that the car park is the location of the mobile van from the Public Library, I feel that better provisions should have been made.”
Press, 23 October 1979, Page 20
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19791023.2.107.6

‘Library Plan Altered’: An altered plan for the proposed Shirley branch library might remove opposition to the proposal. Objectors at a Christchurch City Council town planning hearing yesterday indicated that they would be satisfied with a changed siting for the library and five retail shops at 24 and 26 Marshland Road.
The original plan, calling for shops in front and a library at the back, had been opposed by Woolworths (NZ) Ltd, the Canterbury Savings Bank, and a nearby resident.
Now, the applicant has agreed that the library could front on to Marshland Road.
The site now contains two houses and is zoned residential, but the council has changed that designation to allow its use for library purposes in the district scheme review. Because of the site’s size, there is room for the shops.
Construction of those shops would make the library a more economic proposition for the applicant, Mr G. C. Heazlwood.”
Press, 25 March 1980, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19800325.2.53

‘Go Ahead For Shirley Library’: The Christchurch City Council’s cultural committee has decided to recommend to the full council that it go ahead with the new Shirley library in spite of its commitment to the building cost of the central library…
The total cost of the Shirley library, which will be in leased premises in the Shirley shopping centre in Marshland Road is estimated at $86,807, made up of capital costs of $37,000 and running costs…
The cultural committee, however, reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with the library; members said that it was difficult to get such a convenient site in a commercial area and that they should not pass up the opportunity.
If the council accepts the committee’s recommendation, the new library could be ready in November this year.”
Press, 29 April 1980, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19800429.2.55

‘Funds For Libraries’: “The Christchurch City Council has yet to adopt the recommendation of its cultural committee to go ahead with the new Shirley library…
The central government has, after all, shown in the past that cultural expenses can be an early casualty in difficult times. All times are difficult to some degree, and a case could always be made for standing still…
It is not the way of the Christchurch City Council to fail to consider a worth-while project just because the funds for it are hard to find.
The Shirley library comes into this class.
If the council were concerned only to shelter its ratepayers, some notable facilities would be wanting in the city today.
Vital as the new central library may be, the local, suburban services must be given a high rating. They are an essential extension of the central library’s service to readers of all kinds and it is to be hoped that the full council will endorse the committee’s recommendation in the interests of a fuller service.”
Press, 5 May 1980, Page 18
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19800505.2.108

‘Library Site Approved’: “The future Shirley branch library will probably be in Golf Links Road, but no public access to the site will be allowed from that street.
A right-of-way easement should be sought from Marshland Road to the property, the Christchurch City Council agreed last evening.
Nearby residents have objected to designation of the site on 27 Golf Links Road for library purposes because of concern that the public might use their street to approach the library.
But the council said that a ‘substantial locked gate’ should be built to enforce the access ban from that side of the future library.
The land is owned by Mr G. C. Heazlewood, who will build the library and lease it to the council.”
Press, 16 December 1980, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19801216.2.46

‘Car-park Plan Opposed’: “A developer’s scheme to create more car-parks in the Shirley shopping centre was not justified on planning grounds…
Mr G. C. Hazelwood wants to provide 22 parking spaces in a Golf Links Road residential zone just north of the new Shirley branch library building.
That parking would be associated with his proposed commercial development at 24 and 26 Marshland Road. There is not enough room on that site for both the commercial buildings and 38 parking spaces required by the district scheme.
Mr Hazelwood said the extra car-parking and landscaping would give the library building a more open outlook and was welcomed by the Canterbury Public Library…
An existing Golf Links Road right of way would be closed to traffic.
A senior planning officer, said the new suburban library had been permitted closer than usual to a commercial boundary to allow more yard space beside the residential site, which would be used for parking under the proposal. The library building was to have acted as a buffer between commercial and residential uses.”
Press, 26 June 1981, Page 4
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19810626.2.38

---

Shirley Library [1st] opened in July 1981 on a site now covered by The Palms.
– As the library grew the City Council purchased two flats in Golf Links Road and leased one of them to the library to be used for storage and a staff room.
– Later a Portacom was used.
– The library was given a repaint and recarpet in 1993.
– But by 1995 a new building was underway on a different site next to the developing Palms Mall.
https://heritage.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Archives/52/Library150/Articles/ShirleyLibrary/

---

‘Library Service On The Cheap No Longer’: “Ratepayers would pay more for City Council library services in coming years because the city had lagged behind other centres in library spending, said the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr Hamish Hay) at the weekend when officially opening the new Shirley branch library…
The tragedy for city ratepayers, said Mr Hay, was that the library service cost was not being shared equitably by all people who used the libraries, particularly those who lived outside the City Council area…
The Shirley library is the fourth of five planned full-scale branch facilities.”
Press, 24 August 1981, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19810824.2.52

‘Shirley Shops Win Approval’: “In a reserved decision, the tribunal has allowed an appeal by Mr G. C. Heazlewood to erect two retail shops and a bank at 24 and 26 Marshland Road and a car-park at 29 Golf Links Road, next to the Shirley Shopping Centre…
The Planning Tribunal had been told that the City Council objected to the proposal because the land at 29 Golf Links Road was zoned Residential 1, and putting a car-park on it was contrary to the zoning restrictions.
The appellant had pointed out to the tribunal that City Council officers, particularly those associated with the land purchase and the library activities, were aware of Mr Heazlewood’s proposals.
Mr Heazlewood had built a library on land adjoining No 29, and had leased this to the Christchurch City Council…”Indeed, the council’s Deputy City Librarian, supports the appellant’s proposal and has done so at all times. She considers the proposal to establish No 29 as a properly landscaped car-park is more desirable for the library than to have the site developed for residential purposes.””
Press, 12 November 1981, Page 4
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19811112.2.36

‘Local Body Candidates: Eight In North Ward Race’: “Establishment of the Shirley Library, the Richmond Neighbourhood Cottage…achievements in the North Ward during the last council term.”
Press, 21 September 1983, Page 20
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19830921.2.93

‘Christchurch City Electoral Rolls’: “Shirley Library, Golf Links Road (Shirley Supermarket car park).”
Press, 2 July 1986, Page 60
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19860702.2.203.1

‘Branches, Mobile Library’: “Besides the central library in Gloucester Street, the Canterbury Public Library runs four full-time and two part-time branches and a mobile library, and supports 11 volunteer libraries. The four full-time branches operate as extensions of the central library and are staffed by professionals…
Volunteer libraries are a legacy of the past…In the past, a system of rotating books from the central library to the volunteer libraries has provided reading material.
The Canterbury Public Library is reviewing its relationship with the volunteer libraries.”
Press, 24 June 1987, Page 21
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19870624.2.110.4

‘Extended Hours For Library’: “The Shirley library is already open from 10a.m. to noon on Saturdays but will stay open until 1p.m. The hours of the branches during the week have also changed slightly.”
Press, 24 July 1987, Page 5
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19870724.2.51

‘Christchurch City Council Raising Of Shirley Library Loan 1988’: “The purpose of the said loan is for the purchase of the Shirley Library property.
The amount of loan is $510,000. The maximum term for which the said loan or any part thereof may be borrowed shall be 25 years.”
Press, 19 October 1988, Page 48
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19881019.2.159.3

$4.5M Loans Approved’: “A loan of $510,000 for buying the Shirley Library property was also approved. The council at present leases the library building.”
Press, 23 November 1988, Page 33
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19881123.2.137

‘Local Body Candidates: Christchurch City-Burwood’: “Don Rowlands (Independent Labour): I would bring to the council six years experience as a Labour city councillor…During my term as chairman of the community services committee, I was instrumental in establishing the Shirley Library…”
Press, 2 October 1989, Page 42
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19891002.2.145

‘More Centres to Open’: “Two more services centres for Christchurch City will be opened on November 27.
Serving the Shirley-Papanui area…will be next to the library in the Shirley mall…”
Press, 31 October 1989, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19891031.2.45

---

4. 2nd Shirley Library (1996 – Present) | The Palms Car Park

The 2^nd Shirley Library was built in 1995 & opened in January 1996, on Marshland Road.
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EA5o9hYXdfJ33NPc6

In January 29 1996, the new library opened in a purpose-built building shared with the Christchurch City Council Shirley Service Centre.
– The building included a boardroom for the community board.
– The library publication Bookmark published information in its March 1996 issue (Page 2): “The new library, which more than doubles the previous library, features an activities room for class visits, story times, senior citizens guest speaker programmes and other activities.
The building, designed by Ian Krause Architects Ltd and built by Fletcher Construction, was provided by the developers of the new Shirley Shopping Centre – to be know as The Palms – to allow for expansion of the shopping centre and carpark over the previous library and service centre land.
The Christchurch City Council provided the fit out costs for the building.”

– “Severe damage was caused by a fire on the night of 20 April…
The damage was so bad that the building had to be completely gutted and the roof replaced, along with some of the structural beams.
The air conditioning unit, sprinkler systems, electrical systems, data cabling, walls, furniture and stock had to be completely replaced.”

“Use of the ‘St Albans [Edgeware] Public Library’ having decreased as the City Council’s library services expanded, the decision was made reluctantly to close the voluntary library on 29th November 1997…
Appropriate book stock was transferred to the Canterbury Public Library, much of it going directly to the Shirley Community Library to help replace stock lost in their disastrous fire of April 1997.”
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Collections/Archives/Inventories/Arch0059.pdf

– The library reopened on Saturday 31 January 1998 with extended opening hours, including Saturdays 10am-1pm.
– The layout of the library was changed with the community board’s meeting room being located to New Brighton and the kitchen and staff room moved to the east end of the building.
https://heritage.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Archives/52/Library150/Articles/ShirleyLibrary/

‘Community Board moves to New Brighton’ | 23 May 2003
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0305/S00125/community-board-moves-to-new-brighton.htm
The Burwood/Pegasus Community Board will officially open its new boardroom in New Brighton on Monday 26 May 2003.
“The Community Board is delighted to find a home in New Brighton.
Exciting plans for the revitalisation of New Brighton are in place and the Board’s presence is a positive injection of faith in the future of the area.
A centrally located boardroom also makes the Board more accessible to Burwood/Pegasus residents and community groups.”
Community Board chairperson Don Rowlands
The Community Board vacated its boardroom at the Shirley Service Centre in August 2001 to provide additional space for the Council’s area staff.

In 2011, the Shirley Library was closed for many months after the Canterbury Earthquakes, due to its proximity to the car parking building in The Palms mall.
https://www.canterburystories.nz/collections/community/ginahubert/ccl-cs-22611

‘Brief Closure Heralds Service Boost for Shirley Library and Service Centre’ | 9 March 2020
https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/draft-brief-closure-heralds-service-boost-for-shirley-library-and-service-centre
The Shirley Library and Service Centre will close this month for a six-week upgrade before reopening as an integrated community hub providing extra services.
The library and service centre – next to The Palms shopping centre – will close from Monday, 23 March to allow for a building upgrade under the Christchurch City Council’s 10-year refurbishment programme.
The update includes improved security cameras, new floor coverings, internal painting and changes to the layout.
The centre will reopen on Thursday, 30 April, with new postal and bill-paying services – along with Metro cards – available at the site.
Council Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson says the Shirley Library is an integral part of community life in the area.
“Shirley Library offers so much – from information to free internet access, and an amazing array of books and other items for all ages, along with communal spaces to support stronger community connections,” Ms Robertson says.
“However, the building is due for an upgrade to ensure that we effectively maintain those core services and improve the environment.”

‘Inspirational Libraries’ | 03 Jul 2020
https://citycareproperty.co.nz/latest-news/inspirational-libraries
Shirley Library in Christchurch has been transformed into a light, bright and modern environment for staff and the public as part of a refurbishment project undertaken by the Citycare Property Christchurch minor capital works team.
The library re-opened recently with a refreshed look – a new colour scheme, carpet, energy efficient LED lighting, new & refurbished furniture, and a more open layout.
The six-week renovation is part of Christchurch City Libraries’ 10-year refurbishment programme and the library was closed during the work.
The Council’s Manager Community Libraries Erica Rankin said the new layout was a great result with excellent quality and finishing.
Citycare Property Project Manager Tim Gaston says the collaboration between the Citycare and Council teams and sub-contractors led to a successful outcome.
Early involvement for Citycare in the planning of the renewals package meant the project flowed smoothly, he says.
As well as a more open library space, the Council’s Shirley Service Centre has been integrated into the lobby to create a user-friendly customer environment ahead of NZ Post postal and bill-paying services becoming available on July 1.

The actual floor space allocated to the Shirley Library, has decreased since the building was built (Service Centre use to be on the right side of the Entrance) & is less than half of the current building.
The Service Centre & NZ Post are now included in the Library Area (left side of the Entrance) & the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board Governance Team are also located in this building (right side of the Entrance).
Floor Plan: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SouthLibraryReport03.jpg

---

5. 3rd Shirley Library? | Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve?

From 1997 to 2011, the former school building (Council owned) at 10 Shirley Road (Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve) could have been the 1st Shirley Library (with room to grow) plus space available for the community groups (that would later use the Shirley Community Centre) to share the extra rooms.

Instead, residents had to wait until 1981 for the 1st Shirley Library to open (Council leased, but bought the building in 1998).
When “the library grew the City Council purchased two flats in Golf Links Road and leased one of them to the library to be used for storage and a staff room, later a Portacom was used…But by 1995 a new building was underway on a different site next to the developing Palms Mall.”

Back in 2018, when I suggested ‘relocating the Shirley Library’ to Shirley Road:
“Shirley resident Joanna Gould has come up with a plan to push for a new joint library, learning centre, service centre, playground and playcentre at the former community centre site. She has written a submission to the council’s LTP and created a website to detail the plans.
She says the existing library building at The Palms could be sold to the mall owners and the library should be incorporated in a new centre.
“Each day as I pass 10 Shirley Rd, it is a constant visual reminder to me and the locals/road users of Shirley Rd, that our community has been left behind, we haven’t rebuilt from the earthquakes.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurchs-forgotten-suburb/

I thought at the time, surely someone else has already seen the potential in this site at 10 Shirley Road…
I was glad to find the newspaper article, but disappointed to see their reasons for ruling out this site as the 1st Shirley Library.
“considered unsuitable for a branch library because it was:
– too far away from shops
– set back from the street.”
Press, 20 October 1979, Page 25
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19791020.2.181

Since 2012, the Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve has been a blank slate.
– This site is no longer “too far away from shops”, now it is central to all the shopping areas in the surrounding communities of Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau.
– A new building can be located closer towards Shirley Road, with views from Chancellor & Slater Streets.

In 2016, the Shirley Community Centre Site Selection process highlighted:
“Good access with road frontages to Chancellor Street, Slater Street & Shirley Road.”
Christchurch City Council Memo, 1 December 2016, Pages 72-73
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2016/12/PICB_20161209_AGN_1197_AT.PDF

The current Shirley Library is located in The Palms Mall car park, hidden behind The Palms car parking building & barely visible from Marshland Road.

The 36 Marshland Road building does not align with the Christchurch Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan: ‘Location Preferences & Building Requirements’ [Page 10]:
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/2025/Libraries2025FacilitiesPlan.pdf
– Proposed under the 2008 Plan: Optimise partnership and/or co-location opportunities with retail development at The Palms to relocate and upgrade the Shirley Library. [Page 4]
– Halswell, Belfast, New Brighton and Shirley suburbs are identified a key activity centres for business and community which aligns with the planning for new and retention of libraries in these areas. [Page 16]
– Participate in on-going Council/ECan planning with mall owners in Shirley, with a view to possible relocation and upgrade of this library as a suburban library. [Page 30]
– Priority driver for Shirley Library (2008):
Growth/need. Retail development impacted by growth. Opportunity for service improvement.
– Priority driver for Shirley Library (2014):
Growth/need. Supporting the projected increases in residential growth in the north east. [Page 40]

The 2021 ‘ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces: Shirley Library’ Report highlighted the issues with the current library.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-youth-audits/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-shirley-library/

In the financial year 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, Shirley Library (200 Capacity) had 353,186 visitors, the second highest after Tūranga, the city centre library.
Yet it has limited floor space, amenities & resources available for residents.

Since 1916, this location at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve, has been ‘a place of learning’ within in our communities.
George Penlington’s building stood the test of time from 1915 to 2011.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/original-building/

Now in 2025, I think it would be fitting to build the 3rd Shirley Library on Shirley Road, in the Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve…not in another car park.

– St Albans Library became St Albans Community Centre:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/st-albans-libraries/

– Shirley Community Centre could become Shirley Library:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-what/

Did you know that from the “small beginning in Knightstown, the Christchurch suburban library system developed”?

“On 24 May 1867, after much discussion and preliminary canvassing, a meeting took place at Mr David Lewis’s home in Springfield Road ‘to form a Mutual Improvement Association’.
Dr Augustus Florance was elected president with Messrs William Moor, coachbuilder, and John St Quentin, painter/signwriter, vice presidents.
The secretary was to be Mr John Dixey, a carpenter,
and the librarian, Mr Charles Duggan [my ancestor], who was a painter.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/charles-duggan/

“The Library (on High Street, Knightstown) opened in 1867 as the St. Albans Mutual Improvement Association & Reading Room.
In its early days it was often called the Knightstown Library.”

“From 1867-1920, the Library was in Dover Street (High Street, Knightstown).
At a meeting of residents in August 6 1873, it was decided to abandon the name of Knightstown and to become simply a portion of St Albans.
…in 1875 there were five suburban libraries in Christchurch – at Papanui, Waltham, New Brighton, and two at St Albans.
By a special local act in 1893, the old Knightstown Library was transferred to the people of St Albans for the purpose of establishing a new library, so that thenceforth St Albans has had only one library.
In May 1885, the words ‘Public Library’ were added to the title to reflect the importance of this activity.
In 1894 the committee decided to rebuild the front portion of the premises. In 1901 there was a further extension of the hall.
When the St Albans Borough amalgamated with the City of Christchurch on 1 April 1903, the facility became better appreciated and the city council subsidised the running of the hall.
On 7 March 1904, Christchurch City Council changed the names of many streets in Christchurch. High Street in St Albans became Dover Street.
By 1917 the old buildings were not fit for purpose and in need of replacement. The city council offered to build a new brick building on a site in Colombo Street North.
From 1921, it moved to 1049 Colombo Street, St Albans.
On 28 May 1921, the Mayor, Dr Thacker, accompanied by other civic dignitaries, opened the new building, renamed the St Albans Public Library.
In 1985, the Library changed its name to the Edgeware Library.
By 1997, with membership falling and usage declining, time had arrived to rationalise suburban voluntary libraries, and the St Albans Public Library became one of three victims.
On 29 November 1997 the Library closed (after 130 years of service to the community), with the advent (Jan. 1998) of the Canterbury Public Library mobile library to Edgeware.
The Colombo Street site became the home of the St Albans Community Centre, which suffered earthquake damage in 2011 and was subsequently demolished and rebuilt.”

---

‘History of the St. Albans Public Library 1867-1967’
Dorothy Bashford’s History of the St. Albans Public Library
https://archives.canterburystories.nz/agents/corporate_entities/46
Existence: 28 October 1867 – 29 November 1997
The Library opened in 1867 as the St. Albans Mutual Improvement Association & Reading Room.
In the 1870s it became the St. Albans Mutual Improvement Association and Public Library, and in the early years of this century was referred to as the St. Albans Public Library and Mutual Improvement Association.
In its early days it was often called the Knightstown Library (Knightstown being the original name of St. Albans).
Many community groups hired the rooms for their meetings.
From 1867-1920, the Library was in Dover Street.
From 1921, it moved to 1049 Colombo Street.
In 1985, the Library changed its name to the Edgeware Library.
On 29 November 1997 the Library closed, with the advent (Jan. 1998) of the Canterbury Public Library mobile library to Edgeware.
The Colombo Street site became the home of the St Albans Community Centre, which suffered earthquake damage in 2011 and was subsequently demolished and rebuilt.

---

‘The Christchurch Metropolitan Library Service, 1852-1948’
Master of Arts and Honours in History Thesis by D. E. Wood, November 1950
https://heritage.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Publications/1950s/MetropolitanLibrary/PDF/CCL-70963.pdf
See Blog Post: ‘Early Suburban Libraries’
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/early-suburban-libraries/

Chapter IV: Christchurch Suburban Libraries
Knightstown & St Albans (Pages 93-96)

“On May 24, 1867 the residents of St Albans and Knightstown met at the house of Mr Tom Lewis to consider the formation of a Mutual Improvement Association.
From this small beginning the Christchurch suburban library system developed.

Hailed with enthusiasm, the scheme made rapid progress and, less than a month later, the newly formed society received the title deed of section 311 on the map of the City Surveyor, as a gift from Mr William Moor to be used as a site for a Reading Room and Library.

It should be pointed out at this stage that the library was not the objective of the Association which aimed at the mutual improvement of its members by means of classes for special studies, lectures, readings, and discussion.
A comparison with the definition of a mechanics’ institute, appearing earlier, will show very little difference.
Like its counterpart in the City, it was intended to be essentially a working-men’s organisation, the subscription being a half-crown per annum.

When the Association was formally opened on October 28, 1867, Mr Cutler declared that the Christchurch Mechanics’ Institute had been created for and not by the working-men and in that fact he saw the cause of its failure. He felt certain that the new Institute would meet with a much greater measure of success.

But disillusionment came on November 12, 1869 when the committee, in view of the unsatisfactory state of the Society’s affairs, agreed, by motion, to adopt the only alternative of handing over the deeds, books, building, and all other property to the trustees. Following this startling disclosure, the committee resigned in a body leaving a debit balance of about £10.

After a lull of just over a year, a public meeting was held in the Reading Room, on December 28, 1870 to reorganise the Society by electing new officers. It would appear from the Minute Book that a continuous existence was maintained from this date.

This is substantiated by a letter to the Editor of the ‘Times’ (July 7 1873), which expressed surprise at a proposal, brought forward at a meeting of the St Albans Wesleyan Church, to establish a library for the district in a building used for the district school, which was soon to be vacant.

The writer declared that, for six years past, St Albans had boasted a public library, in a room built by the Mutual Improvement Association, which had received two liberal grants from the Provincial Council.

On the following day (July 8 1873) J. L. Wilson, one of the promoters of the new scheme, wrote denying the existence of a public library in St Albans, declaring that the existing institution was in Knightstown.
In order to prevent confusion, it is advisable to clarify the nomenclature question now. Knightstown was merely a part of the St Albans district and the Knightstown library that was founded by the St Albans Mutual Improvement Association in 1867.

At a meeting of residents in August 6 1873, it was decided to abandon the name of Knightstown and to become simply a portion of St Albans.

When a public meeting was held to consider the establishment of a reading room and library on July 8 1873, the Chairman (Mr J. L. Wilson) said that doubtless the meeting was aware of £5000 voted by the Provincial Council to assist old and establish new reading rooms and libraries.
He felt that the Institute should take advantage of this grant, as, in his opinion, the library at Knightstown was not centrally situated.

Stating the case for the Knightstown library, the Chairman, in a letter to the newspaper about a week later (July 17 1873), declared that as far as amalgamation was concerned they would be glad to receive the promoters of the new society as members of their own association but, as the land, building, and its contents were public property, they felt that they would be doing an injustice to the inhabitants of their part of the district if they gave their sanction to removal to the schoolroom or to any other place.

A joint meeting between the committee of the two societies proved fruitless, the Knightstown people remaining adamant in their refusal to amalgamate.
Their attitude appeared to be justified by the apparent lack of interest of the St Albans people evidenced by the very small attendance at a further public meeting, and it even seemed likely that it would be difficult to raise enough money to claim a portion of the government grant. (September 18 1873)

However, by October 15, it was reported that £110 had been collected although it was remarked that an unpleasant feature was the apathy of those for whose immediate benefit the library was projected.

When the Mutual Improvement Association held its annual meeting a few days later, Mr Moor, a vice-president, remarking upon the high standard attained by the library, said that not only was it the pioneer of such institutions in country districts in the province, but it was also the best suburban library in Canterbury.
He declared that an attempt to start a rival library in another part of St Albans would only serve to excite members to renewed energy. (October 7 1873)

But the rival society continued in pursuit of its goal and, in mid-December, it was announced that a site had been acquired, plans were to be drawn, and the building commenced in the near future…” (December 20 1873)

Thus when the provincial system was abolished in 1875 there were five suburban libraries in Christchurch – at Papanui, Waltham, New Brighton, and two at St Albans. (Page 99)

In accordance with the provisions of these Acts, the first government grant of £5000 was made in 1878 and the Christchurch libraries which benefited from it were New Brighton, Papanui, St Albans, St Albans Mutual Association, and Waltham. (Page 100)

By a special local act in 1893, the old Knightstown Library was transferred to the people of St Albans for the purpose of establishing a new library, so that thenceforth St Albans has had only one library. (Page 101)

‘St. Albans Public Library Transfer Act’ 1893 Amendment (15th October 1898)
https://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/saplta1893aa189862v1898n9545.pdf
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/st-albans-community-centre-1867-2021/

---

‘St Albans Community Centre, 1867-2021’
https://www.canterburystories.nz/collections/publications/ccl-cs-94423

“The St Albans Community Centre has its origins as far back as the 1860s when a group of citizens, of what was then known as Knightstown, were already conscious of the need for cultural activity and a meeting place for such activity.

Adult education was available from the earliest days of European settlement. Mechanics’ Institutes (founded in Britain in the early 1820s as education establishments for skilled working men) were open in Auckland, Nelson and Wellington by 1842.
These offered a broad range of classes and lectures, as well as libraries and reading rooms.

The first Mechanics’ Institute in Christchurch (precursor to the Canterbury Public Library) was opened in 1859, to offer intellectual stimulation for all sectors of the community.
A separate area was set aside for the ladies.

The libraries were the most popular part of the institutes, so by the 1860s most had stopped offering courses. This led to the emergence of Mutual Improvement Societies – groups of working class men who met to improve their learning through conversation, reading and lectures. These societies epitomised the early Victorian creed of self-help.

On 24 May 1867, after much discussion and preliminary canvassing, a meeting took place at Mr David Lewis’s home in Springfield Road ‘to form a Mutual Improvement Association’.
Dr Augustus Florance was elected president with Messrs William Moor, coachbuilder, and John St Quentin, painter/signwriter, vice presidents.
The secretary was to be Mr John Dixey, a carpenter,
and the librarian, Mr Charles Duggan [my ancestor], who was a painter.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/charles-duggan/

Having formed a society, members needed a place of operations. The conveyancing of a piece of land in High Street, Knightstown, (now Dover Street, St Albans) on 18 August 1867 from William Moor to the appointed trustees, Rev John Aldred and Messrs George Gould and Charles Robert Blakiston, “gentlemen on trust”, provided a site for the proposed association building.
This parcel of land was described as “10 perches part of RS 311”.
The present address of this would be 28 Dover Street.
The site is now occupied by Dover Courts. (Page 5)

In 1873, famous Kiwi cricketer and councilman, George Dickinson, offered some land on his property, St Albans, (next to what is now Merivale village) to create a public reading room and library.
A committee was formed and they invited the Knightstown association to discuss a joint venture.

So on 9 July 1873 a special meeting was called to discuss this invitation, with lawyer and provincial councillor Mr William Wynn-Williams invited to chair. The Knightstown group was in a difficult position.
They felt that they would get no further grant from the provincial government if they declined to amalgamate, yet they disliked the proposed site in Papanui Road.

Knightstown residents also thought that the St Albans residents ‘held themselves aloof from and considered themselves superior to the locals.’
Thus the deputation from the St Albans committee was unsuccessful.
The Mutual Improvement Association remained in High Street (now called Dover Street), Knightstown. (Page 7)

The Borough of St Albans (named after George Dickinson’s property in Merivale) was proclaimed on the 18 November 1881.
Over the next few years steady progress to the building was made.

In May 1885, the words ‘Public Library’ were added to the title to reflect the importance of this activity.
In 1894 the committee decided to rebuild the front portion of the premises. In 1901 there was a further extension of the hall.

When the St Albans Borough amalgamated with the City of Christchurch on 1 April 1903, the facility became better appreciated and the city council subsidised the running of the hall.

On 7 March 1904, Christchurch City Council changed the names of many streets in Christchurch. High Street in St Albans became Dover Street and Crescent Road became North Crescent Road and then, in 1909, Trafalgar Street.

By 1917 the old buildings were not fit for purpose and in need of replacement. The city council offered to build a new brick building on a site in Colombo Street North.
The proposed site was very swampy with several springs, but the land was drained and the springs capped.

The foundation stone was laid on the site on Saturday 31 July 1920 in a ceremony conducted by the Mayor of the City, Dr Henry Thacker MP. (Page 8)

On 28 May 1921, the Mayor, Dr Thacker, accompanied by other civic dignitaries, opened the new building, renamed the St Albans Public Library.
The former library site in Dover Street became the property of the city council.

In 1930 an annex was added and in 1950 the council provided a small kitchen and other facilities.

By 1997, with membership falling and usage declining, time had arrived to rationalise suburban voluntary libraries, and the St Albans Public Library became one of three victims.

The library did not meet the criteria set by the review committee for remaining in use and closed on 29 November 1997 after 130 years of service to the community.

A group of residents lobbied the council to retain the building.
The Christchurch City Council agreed to a proposal from the St Albans Residents Association (SARA) to turn the vacant premises into the St Albans Community Resource Centre.

Following alterations to the kitchen and toilet area, and the replacement of rotten flooring, Mayor-elect, Garry Moore reopened the building as the St Albans Community Resource Centre on 18 October 1998.
Serving as a focal point for the area, it remained a living, working memorial to the foresightedness of St Albans pioneers. (Page 9)

When the centre was demolished, a time-capsule was removed from behind the foundation stone. The presence of this was recorded in press reports of the time so it provided great interest when it was recovered and, with due ceremony, opened in 2018 to reveal the contents.

Copies of both the Lyttelton Times and Christchurch Press from 1920 and a handwritten history of the Mutual Improvement Association (see Appendix, Page 15) were enclosed within a small sealed brown bottle. All were enclosed in a wooden case especially made by timber merchants Hardie & Thompson.” (Page 13)

---

‘St Albans [Edgeware] Public Library’
Christchurch City Libraries Archives
Date Updated: September 2005
Includes: Minutes, General Ledgers, Financial Records, Membership Lists, Accession Records, Photographs.
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Collections/Archives/Inventories/Arch0059.pdf
“See BASHFORD, D. History of the St Albans Public Library, 1867-1967.
[Z027.493831 BAS (NZC Research Room pamphlet)] for a summary of the history and administration of the Library.
When the History was published in 1967 the Library, though housed in a building provided by the City Council, was run and maintained by volunteers.
Use of the Library having decreased as the City Council’s library services expanded, the decision was made reluctantly to close the voluntary library on 29th November 1997. At that time no decision had been made on the future of the building, though it was later refurbished for use as a Community Centre.
Appropriate book stock was transferred to the Canterbury Public Library, much of it going directly to the Shirley Community Library to help replace stock lost in their disastrous fire of April 1997.
A sketch of the Library, and a brief history taken from Bashford, was published in The Press, 29th November 1997, Weekend section, p.13.
Although Canterbury Public Library had held some St Albans Public Library records for several years, a cleanup of the building unearthed more items.
The opportunity was therefore taken in February 1998 to integrate the new material within the previously incomplete series, with consequent renumbering.
In June 1998, a further and final deposit was made and the last items incorporated.”

---

‘Papers Past’ | Timeline & History
Star (Christchurch), Issue 1686, 23 July 1873, Page 3
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS18730723.2.14
‘Public Library at St Albans’
Proposed amalgamation for Knightstown & St Albans

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1892, 26 March 1874, Page 2
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS18740326.2.8
‘St Albans Library’, Plans for the library approved

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8065, 12 January 1887, Page 5
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LT18870112.2.38
‘Knightstown Public Library’, Annual Meeting

Press, Volume L, Issue 8569, 24 August 1893, Page 1
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP18930824.2.2.4
‘Local Bill’, Knightstown Library Transfer of Land

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10412, 1 August 1899, Page 8
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP18990801.2.50.6
‘For Sale by Tender’, St Albans Library in St Albans Lane

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10831, 5 December 1900, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19001205.2.70
‘Meeting, Entertainments’, Knightstown Library meeting (tender for building alterations & additions)

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7031, 22 February 1901, Page 1
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS19010222.2.5
‘Knightstown Library’, Re-opening Entertainment
“Neither man nor woman liked to be alone, and there was just the danger that, in the absence of suitable companionship, unsuitable associated might be chosen.
But a good book was always a good companion, and had the further recommendation that one could shut it up at will and put it away, which could not be done with a companion in the flesh.
Such a library as the Knightstown was intended to afford decent, rational amusement to the reader, and as the books very greatly influenced the reader, he hoped the committee would have an eye to only the best being on the shelves.”
Mr C. Lewis, M.H.R.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16278, 28 June 1913, Page 14
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LT19130628.2.132
‘The City’s Needs. Programmes and Policies’. Views of the Councillors.
“The necessity of these libraries had been proved by the large number of subscribers. There was a proposal to borrow £3000 and it was hoped the Council would be able to build libraries in Linwood, Waltham, and Addington, and enlarge the St Albans library. Even if the Council had to borrow £5000, it must provide good libraries.”
Councillor H. D. Acland
“Councillor Loasby also emphasised the necessity for giving assistance to the suburban libraries. The committees in charge of these institutions were doing good self-sacrificing work to make the libraries a real benefit to the public, and the importance of libraries in the life of the community made it imperative that the Council should help those who had shown that they were capable of helping themselves.”
Councillor A. M. Loasby

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 129, 7 July 1914, Page 2
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNCH19140707.2.5
‘City Council. Last Night’s Meeting.’
By-laws and Finance Committee, St Albans Public Library
Transfer of the St Albans Library property to the Council.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1368, 2 July 1918, Page 2
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNCH19180702.2.8
‘News in Brief’
“The committee of the St Albans Library desires to have the existing site sold and a new one purchased in a more central position.”

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1376, 11 July 1918, Page 7
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNCH19180711.2.46
‘St Albans Library’
“The fiftieth annual meeting of subscribers of the St Albans Public Library and Mutual Improvement Association was held in the Library, Dover Street.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12586, 24 March 1919, Page 5
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS19190324.2.49
‘St Albans Library’, Unveiling of the past president honours board.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16902, 2 August 1920, Page 3
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19200802.2.16
‘St Albans Library’, Foundation Stone of New Building.
“An historical statement engrossed on parchment, containing the above facts and names of the present officers, was placed behind the stone, together with copies of the local papers.”

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2017, 2 August 1920, Page 7
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNCH19200802.2.39
‘St Albans Library’, Foundation Stone Laid.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18476, 2 August 1920, Page 6
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LT19200802.2.17
‘Town and Country’
“Dr Thacker, who was presented with the customary silver trowel when laying the foundation stone on Saturday of the new St Albans Library building, said that he often wondered what became of such souvenirs. Personally, as he was very fond of a fish diet, he would his trowel useful as a fish-knife.”

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18476, 2 August 1920, Page 10
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LT19200802.2.60
‘St Albans Library’, Commemoration Stone Laid.
“A plot of land, part of rural section No. 311, situate in what is known now as Dover Street, was given by Mr W. Moor for a building, being conveyed by him to two trustees, namely, the Rev John Aldred and Mr George Gould.
The necessary buildings were forthwith erected and were duly opened to the public residing in St Albans on October 28, 1867.
Now, after a period of fifty-three years, the old premises being too small, it has become necessary to erect a more suitable building.
The building, which will be of brick, will cost about £2600 to erect.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16401, 15 April 1921, Page 5
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS19210415.2.28
‘Municipal Elections. The City Mayoralty. Campaign Opened.’
“A Progressive Programme: The cost of the St Albans library had risen from £1500 to £2500. He [Dr Thacker, M.P. the present Mayor] had stood by St Albans, and the building was now nearing completion.
He had assisted to get a four-acre playground for the Shirley School.”

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17141, 10 May 1921, Page 7
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19210510.2.54
‘City Council. Last Night’s Meeting’
“St Albans Library: The St Albans Public Library Association made application for possession of the new building.
The Mayor said the city engineer had reported the building was finished.
It was intended to open the library on the last Saturday of the present finish.”

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17158, 30 May 1921, Page 4
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19210530.2.18
‘St Albans Library. Opening Ceremony.’
“The Mayor said that the foundation stone of St Albans Library was the first that he had laid.
Books were the best thing in the world, and they added greatly to the enjoyment of those who read them. The education of the people depended on the literature that they read; many confined their reading to the daily newspapers. Books tended to improve the taste of the people…
Dr Thacker urged the people of St Albans to make the library the social centre of the district.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17734, 2 January 1926, Page 18
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS19260102.2.140
‘Shirley – St Albans Notes. The Year.’
“In making a review of the past year’s happenings in the Shirley and St Albans districts it is noted that St Albans and Shirley still maintain the honour of being the most favoured residential districts.
The new sub-division at Shirley auctioned recently demonstrated that a large number of people are anxious to settle in this favoured locality, as the prices paid were a record for a sub-division in the district.
St Albans Library: The library for the first time earned the full council subsidy, which shows that residents are appreciating the benefit of the library by becoming subscribers.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18770, 28 May 1929, Page 8
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS19290528.2.61.3
“With a view to facilitating the working of the library, the St Albans Library Committee has applied for permission to make an entrance from the circulating room to the room in front of the building by cutting a doorway through the plaster partition.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19198, 11 October 1930, Page 21 (Supplement)
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS19301011.2.147.25
‘Shirley – St Albans Notes.’
“St Albans Public Library: A petition, signed by afternoon subscribers, asking that the previous afternoon hours of 2.30 to 5 p.m., instead of the present hours of 2.30 to 4 p.m. be reinstated was considered.
After a general discussion it was unanimously decided to adhere to the present hours, on the grounds that the Linwood Library, with over double the subscribers of the St Albans Library, had the same hours as those now in force in the St Albans Library.
It was thought that the number who attended in the afternoons did not warrant the extra hour, and it was pointed out that all the librarians were subscribers and voluntarily gave their services free of charge, a fact of which a number of subscribers did not seem aware.”

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20602, 19 July 1932, Page 14
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19320719.2.139
‘St Albans Public Library. Annual Meeting.’

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21843, 24 July 1936, Page 4
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19360724.2.25
‘St Albans Public Library. Annual Meeting.’

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22455, 16 July 1938, Page 8
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19380716.2.35
‘Commercial Libraries. Competition with Public Institutions.’

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23388, 23 July 1941, Page 4
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19410723.2.21
‘Comment of City Rates. “Increase Necessary Sometimes”.
Mayor’s address at St Albans Library’
“The difficulty is to keep the rates down, but I don’t think that is possible,” the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) said last evening when speaking on City Council subsidies for suburban libraries at the annual meeting of the St Albans Library.

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26168, 19 July 1950, Page 3
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19500719.2.17
‘Library Space at St Albans. Expansion Plans Outlined.
Subscribers’ Annual Meeting Held.’
“The City Council’s plans for the expansion of the St Albans Library on property at the back of the present premises were mentioned briefly at the annual meeting of the library last evening.”
“A request for the establishment of a library in the Shirley district has been received from residents, said Cr. Sheppard, and the council had asked the advice of library authorities on the desirability of building a library there.
The whole question of suburban libraries and the council’s subsidy policy would come under review when the plans for modernising the central library had been carried out.”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31327, 25 March 1967, Page 22
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19670325.2.245
‘St Albans Library 100 Years Old.’
“The St Albans Public Library will hold its 100th annual meeting in its Colombo street premises on March 30…
The library was founded on May 24, 1867, when Dover street residents held a meeting to form a Mutual Improvement Association.
On October 28 that year, the original Knightstown library was opened in a small hall.
The secretary (Mrs B. A. Miles) said yesterday that the library was founded to teach people to read and write.
A constitution was drawn up which forbade ‘all loud talking, swearing or profane language, practical joking, smoking or drunkenness’ in the hall.
The City Council offered a new brick building to the library in Colombo street in 1920 and in 1921 the library was moved to its present site.
The library, the second oldest in Canterbury to the Canterbury Public Library, began with 436 books. Now there are 18,851 books and membership is 579.”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31333, 1 April 1967, Page 16
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19670401.2.214
‘Funds for Libraries’
“City libraries could well look to the government for financial assistance rather than rely entirely on ratepayers’ money. Councillor H. G. Hay, chairman of the City Council library committee, said at the 100th annual meeting of the St Albans library.
Suburban libraries received grants for books from the Government through the Country Library Service and it was an anomaly that the city libraries did not receive some funds.
“I notice that in the early days of this library, the then provincial government made a grant of £25 to the library. This was enlightened thinking.”
The library service in Christchurch would also have to consider the system of voluntary staffing.
While there were sufficient volunteers the system worked well, but the time was near when professional librarians would be needed to meet the needs of the libraries.
More money needed to be spent on libraries and consideration had to be given to building a new city library.”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31333, 1 April 1967, Page 23
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19670401.2.271
‘St Albans Library. 100th Annual Meeting.’
“The continuation of the St Albans Library had carried on the ideas of the Canterbury Association in furthering the education of the people of Christchurch, the Mayor (Mr G. Manning) said last night at the 100th annual meeting.
The ideas of the Canterbury Association were formed in England before the First Four Ships left and the libraries in the city had inherited these ideas and brought them to fruition, in education…
Mr Manning congratulated the library on its service to the community and said that the City Council had given £92,000 to the city library and the 18 suburban libraries in 1965.
Of this £26,000 had gone to the suburban libraries.”

Press, 6 February 1985, Page 5
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19850206.2.60
‘$87,500 for Linwood library fund proposed. St Albans.’
“After 118 years of issuing books, the St Albans Library will cease to exist. Instead the library will be known as the Edgeware Library.
A request to change the library’s name, to identify it with the nearby Edgeware shopping village, was approved by the committee.
Some councillors expressed reservations about changing the name of a public building after so long.
The library is the oldest volunteer library in the city.”

Press, 31 May 1985, Page 20
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19850531.2.134
‘St Albans library changes name’
“From Monday next week, a small suburban library which has served the St Albans district for the last 118 years, will add another chapter to its history.
The St Albans Public Library committee has decided to change the library’s name to Edgeware – a move to keep in line with a trend adopted by other shops and businesses in the Colombo Street and Edgeware Road shopping area.
The trend came after the last boundary change, which took Edgeware out of the St Albans electorate and postal district, and put it in Christchurch Central.
Proposals to change the name were approved by the Christchurch City Council’s cultural and public relations committee in February this year, and adopted by the library committee at its annual general meeting in March.
The committee president, Mrs Naomi Lynch, says the library is one of the few independent suburban libraries left in Christchurch.
It is run by a group of 14 voluntary librarians who, between them, have given 260 years service to the library.
The plain, unpretentious building has had little change made to it. Some remodelling inside has taken place over the years to keep it up to modern standards.
Mrs Lynch says suburban libraries serve a valuable purpose in the community – particularly to those in the area who are unable to make regular visits into the city.
“The Edgeware Library is not a very outstanding building. I’ve known people who have been in the area for years and didn’t know there was a library here,” Mrs Lynch said.
For historical purposes, the building’s facade that bears the old name will be kept. A sign will be placed in the library window of the new name.”

Press, 31 May 1985, Page 20
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19850531.2.137.1
‘Edgeware Public Library. 118 Years of Community Library Service.’
“Canterbury Public Library, Takes Pleasure in Supporting the New Edgeware Public Library (Formerly St Albans Library) and thank the citizens of Edgeware/St Albans for their support in the past, and trust continued support will be given to the Library, for this essential Public Community Service.”

‘The Christchurch Metropolitan Library Service, 1852-1948’
Master of Arts and Honours in History Thesis by D. E. Wood, November 1950
https://heritage.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Publications/1950s/MetropolitanLibrary/PDF/CCL-70963.pdf

“The cultural standard of any community is reflected in its libraries and the use made of them.
In a democratic country such as this the wishes of the people are paramount and the blame must be borne by them if their libraries fail to fulfill their function.”
– Thesis by D. E. Wood, November 1950

This function has been admirably defined by the late Professor H. Laski (Professor of Political Economy at the University of London) when addressing the fifty-eighth annual conference of the Library Association of England in 1935:
“I believe that the purpose of a public library is to make accessible the heritage of culture, in the widest sense of the word, to any who may wish to take advantage of it.
The first implication, therefore, of my view is the need to view that heritage as something independent of any special attitude of mind.
We are not entitled to narrow its substance because we are Socialists or Conservatives, Christians or Freethinkers, exponents of one philosophy rather than another.
The only test we can apply to the content of a public library is the test of significance.
If the book meets that test, in the judgement of competent persons, the public is entitled to find it on the shelves of the library…
We are not justified in barring gates which lead to roads we may not happen to approve.” (Pages 7-8)

Chapter IV: Christchurch Suburban Libraries (Pages 93-127)

On May 24, 1867 the residents of St Albans and Knightstown met at the house of Mr Tom Lewis to consider the formation of a Mutual Improvement Association.
From this small beginning the Christchurch suburban library system developed. (Page 93)

On June 14, 1873 the Provincial Council made a grant of £5000 ‘for aiding in establishing new and assisting existing Public Libraries, Book Clubs, and Institutes in country districts.’ (Page 97)

Faced with the colossal task of ensuring that every district should be treated according to its merits, the Provincial Council set about dividing its grant in a workmanlike manner, laying down a definite principle for library grants.

All sites for library buildings were to be vested either in the Superintendent or trustees with the declaration that they were for the purpose of public libraries and that the books or other property would be alienated, but held for the benefit of the inhabitants of the respective districts. (Page 98)

When the final distribution figures were announced, Papanui received £100 and St Albans, Waltham, and Addington £200 each, while all four received grants of £50 for books. (Page 99)

Thus when the provincial system was abolished in 1875 there were five suburban libraries in Christchurch – at Papanui, Waltham, New Brighton, and two at St Albans. (Page 99)

Although there were a number of libraries established, especially in main centres, before 1875, their growth after that year was greatly facilitated by two Acts of the General Assembly.

The first of these, the ‘Public Libraries Powers Act’, 1875, provided that any group of people not less than ten in number, have subscribed not less than £20, could make a declaration of their intention to establish a public library or a mechanics’ institute at a place to be named in the deed.
It laid down the necessary procedure for establishing such an institution and made provision for existing libraries to become incorporated under the Act.

On its own this Act is of little significance but it was followed two years later by the ‘Public Libraries Subsidies Act’ which set aside an annual government grant to those libraries supported by either the 1869 Act or the 1875 Act.

This grant was to be apportioned among the several provincial districts according to population.

To those libraries, necessarily completely free, supported under the provisions of the former Act there was to be payable a sum equal to that raised under the library rate, while the amount received by those supported under the latter Act was in the discretion of the Education Boards.

Admission to all libraries established or supported under this Act of 1877 was to be open to the public free of charge, provided that only those persons contributing at least five shillings a year should be entitled to take books out of any such library.
Under this system it became customary to open a small reading room to the public while the remainder of the library was run on a subscription basis.

These three acts of 1869, 1875, and 1877 set the pattern of New Zealand library growth.

In accordance with the provisions of these Acts, the first government grant of £5000 was made in 1878 and the Christchurch libraries which benefited from it were New Brighton, Papanui, St Albans, St Albans Mutual Association, and Waltham. (Page 100)

When the Canterbury settlement completed its first fifty years, there were still only five suburban libraries – but not the original five.

By a special local act in 1893, the old Knightstown Library was transferred to the people of St Albans for the purpose of establishing a new library, so that thenceforth St Albans has had only one library. (Page 101)

Thus by 1922 the City Council was subsidising libraries at Addington, Linwood, St Albans, Sydenham, Waltham and Woolston, in addition to carrying out building renovations and alterations when required.

In fact, in 1922, a completely new library building was erected in St Albans on the sole condition that the building and books were to be insured by the Council, the premiums being paid by the Library. (Page 104)

In 1935, besides subsidies to ten suburban libraries the Council financed alterations and repairs at Sydenham, St Albans, Waltham, Linwood, and Beckenham. (Page 106)

It seems pertinent to ask whether the City Council considered that the service provided by the suburban libraries was equal to that provided by, or which ought to have been provided by, the central public library.

No matter what the Council thought, it is obvious that in comparison to other centres, the amount devoted to the library system each year was entirely inadequate. However, as the Council considered the suburban libraries worth over £20,000 of public money in the period from 1925 to 1945, it is imperative that we discover the real value of the service being rendered.

With the exception of Woolston, each library is maintained and services entirely by volunteer labour, each having, on an average, seventeen librarians of whom approximately fifty per cent are women.

All but Redcliffs and Woolston are open six days a week for an average of an hour and twenty minutes each day, although some of them are open for three hours a day.

Consider the volunteer nature of the system these figures are, indeed, very creditable and the suburban libraries are commendable from the standpoint of civic interest and neighbourly co-operation. (Page 108)

Apart from a subscription varying from six to ten shillings per year, there is no check on membership and, if one so wished, it would be possible to belong to every library in Christchurch. (Page 109)

Suburban loyalty ensures, at any rate to a large extent, that the majority of residents prefer to patronise their own library, even if another is slightly more accessible.

The very fact that libraries in St Martins and Opawa serve 1551 and 2385 persons respectively while those in St Albans and Linwood have to attempt to cope with approximately 42,000 between them should be sufficient for any enthusiastic supporter of the existing system to hang his head in shame.

These two libraries have to serve, besides their own districts, North Richmond, Richmond, Avonside, North Linwood and East Linwood. (Page 110)

“As suggested in the preface, and emphasised throughout the entire work, good library facilities are a first essential of a high standard of culture, and the use made of those facilities must be entered to the cultural credit or debt of the citizens concerned.

With the increasing complexity of the pattern of human life it becomes more than ever imperative that each and every one of us should make a sincere and determined effort to understand our fellow humans throughout the world.

Without understanding, tolerance is impossible. Without tolerance, war and destruction are not only possible but highly probable.

In numerous instances, that indispensable tolerance can be acquired by reading, and the necessary books should be available in any public library worthy of the name.

If those books are not available, if, in other words, a public library service is not fulfilling its correct function, then it is of the utmost importance that the deficiencies are brought to light… (Page 148)

Even if the adults of today are merely interested in the welfare of their children, it would at least be reasonable to suggest that those children will, in their turn as parents, have also an appreciation of the value of good literature and the spirit of tolerance. (Page 152)”
– Thesis by D. E. Wood, November 1950

– Appendix B: ‘The Canterbury Public Library Act, 1873’ (Page 156)

– Christchurch City Suburban Libraries Map with Population numbers from the 1945 Census (Page 165)

Other Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch_City_Libraries
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/brief-history-christchurch-city-libraries/
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/factsheet/ Timeline
https://heritage.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Archives/52/Library150/
‘Celebrating 150 Years Christchurch City Libraries: 1859 – 2009’
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/st-albans-community-centre-1867-2021/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/charles-duggan/
My ancestor, Charles Duggan was the first Librarian of the Knightstown Library (Dover Street).
The Library opened in 1867 as the St Albans Mutual Improvement Association & Reading Room.
“From this small beginning the Christchurch suburban library system developed.”