Remuera Library will reopen to the public on 10 April, 2025, following restoration and refurbishment work, making it once again a place for locals to enjoy a good book and connect with friends.
For the duration of the works, the library’s services were relocated to Somervell Presbyterian Church, 497 Remuera Road and library services will continue to run here until and including 26 March.
Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne says he’s thrilled that an enhanced Remuera Library will be back up and running.
“The heritage building has been enhanced with important remedial and strengthening work, for future generations to use and enjoy.
“Cosmetic upgrades, both inside and out, add to the architectural aesthetic of the building and gives even more reasons for locals to be proud of their library.”
“Dozens of locals use the Remuera Library every day and I’m delighted that this space many people love and value so much, has been upgraded.”
“The library is not just about books. It is a social hub for Remuera and an activation point for a range of community and digital services.”
Somervell Presbyterian Church kindly allowed the library to operate at an alternative location for the duration of the works, with funding support from the Ōrākei Local Board. Many of the library’s regular programmes continued at this site, and events including Diwali and Lunar New Year were held.
“The library team feel extremely fortunate to have been part of the wider Somervell community where we were warmly welcomed from the start,” says Sue Jackson, Library Manager.
“We have formed new friendships with church staff and welcomed new families to enjoy our library services.”
Remuera Library will re-open on 10 April, 2025 following restoration and refurbishment work.
The building
Essential repairs, maintenance and enhancement works were completed during the renewal programme. These included fire safety enhancements, emergency lighting upgrades, accessibility enhancements, seismic strengthening to meet legal requirements, roof and exterior repairs and an interior cosmetic refresh including painting and recarpeting.
Remuera Library, which opened in 1926, is a Category 1 heritage listed building on the Heritage New Zealand Register and is listed on the Auckland Council Schedule of Historic Heritage as a category A building.
The library was identified as earthquake-prone, with a seismic score of 15% of the New Building Standard (15% NBS). This score indicates that the library’s earthquake safety risk is relatively very high compared to a new building.
Taryn Crewe, General Manager Parks and Community Facilities says the restoration work carried out on the library is important as it will increase the life-span of the building to ensure this much-loved asset able to be used by Aucklanders for many years to come.
“Remuera Library is a key building of cultural and historic significance. Restoration, including strengthening work was needed to protect and preserve this well used heritage building.
“I’m pleased the works have been completed months ahead of time so the locals can use their much-loved library sooner than expected.”
