History of Hastings Library

Library Archives Collection

1888 
Hastings' first library, including a reading room, was established by the Hastings Athenaeum in Market Street South sometime prior to 1888. Initially it was a free service, but this proved unsustainable and subscription fees were introduced in 1988. 

1901
At a meeting in 1901 Councillor Newbigin moved that the Council take over the administration of Hastings Library as it was. Councillor Maddison seconded the motion saying the Athenaeum was 'at present a disgrace to the town'.* 

1902
Mr H.J. Burton appointed first Librarian - Caretaker. The first library committee was the Mayor, Councillors Scannell and Newbigin, Messrs James Reynolds and S.F. Hazard. Mrs E. Boyle was made a life member of the library - the site being given by her late husband.

1904-1907 
Scottish-born American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie agreed to fund the build of a free public library for Hastings, as part of an international public library building programme.  Tenders were invited for the removal of the existing building, a design was commissioned from architect C. A. Vautier, and a tender was accepted for Stanley Brothers to complete the library build. The Hastings Carnegie Library was opened by Mayor T. J. Thompson on 16 September 1907.

1918 
The library was closed for a period between October and December 1918, as the influenza epidemic struck New Zealand. 

1923 
Significant improvements were undertaken, creating room for a reference and circulation area on the lower level of the library building. The exhibition room was extended, a glass fronted office for the Librarian was installed and a children's library was created upstairs.

1931 
On February 3rd, 1931 the Hastings Carnegie Library was destroyed during the Hawkes Bay Earthquake. By May of the same year a temporary library was established in the Municipal Building on Heretaunga Street. 

1936 
It was proposed that a new library should be built on the Civic Square site, to balance the Women's Rest building, instead of a rebuild at Market Street. No date was set for when this would be achieved. 

1952-1956
A programme of fundraising was undertaken to build a War Memorial Library overlooking Civic Square, with the main entrance on Karamu Road. The foundation stone was laid by Sir Andrew Russell on 11 November 1956.

1959 
Hastings War Memorial Library, which included an impressive Hall of Memories at the entrance, was officially opened by RSA Dominion President Hamilton Mitchell. The building was designed by Davies, Phillips and Chapman.

1991
Following the amalgamation and restructuring of the Havelock North and Hastings councils. Havelock North Library, Flaxmere Library and Hastings Central Library became Hastings District Libraries.

1993
The Hastings War Memorial Library was extensively altered in 1993, with two new wings added, plus a mezzanine floor. On Saturday 17 July, 1993 the extensions were officially opened by Mayor Jeremy Dwyer.

*quoted in Hastings Standard, Volume VI, 7 June 1901, Page 2.