The library was started in 1943 by Mary Robb who had a vision of books being locally available for borrowing.
Sanctioned by the National Library, a regular loan of fifty books from the mobile library service enabled the opening of the "Mapua Library" in the porch of a private house in Toru Street every Saturday for an hour.
In 1980 when a larger space was needed, the Mapua Hall made space available for the library. In 1987 when the mobile library service ceased operating, an arrangement was made with the Richmond Library to supplement Mapua library stock. Around 2000, the Moutere Hills RSA very generously offered to share the site on the corner of Toru Street and Aranui Road. Significant fund raising ensued and with financial help from the New Zealand Lottery Board and Canterbury Charitable Trust, the construction of a permanent, purpose-built shared facility was launched. In 2002, with much excitement and ceremony the doors were opened by "National Treasure" Margaret Mahy.
In 1980 when a larger space was needed, the Mapua Hall made space available for the library. In 1987 when the mobile library service ceased operating, an arrangement was made with the Richmond Library to supplement Mapua library stock. Around 2000, the Moutere Hills RSA very generously offered to share the site on the corner of Toru Street and Aranui Road. Significant fund raising ensued and with financial help from the New Zealand Lottery Board and Canterbury Charitable Trust, the construction of a permanent, purpose-built shared facility was launched. In 2002, with much excitement and ceremony the doors were opened by "National Treasure" Margaret Mahy.
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Volunteers
All staff are volunteers – as are the members of the committee. We are very lucky to have the calibre of volunteers we do, and we suspect we are one of the very few organisations that has a volunteer waiting list.
Volunteers generally sign up for a specific role but all contribute to the fundraising and running of the library. For more information, pop into the library and request a form and chat to a volunteer on duty. |
Our supportersMoutere Hills RSA previously solely occupied this site. The current wonderful purpose-built building is a shared facility due to their generosity in offering to share it.
The library is very appreciative of all of its supporters – big and small. We are the lucky recipients of recent major grants from the Rata Foundation, The Lion Foundation and Tasman District Council. The Mapua and Districts Business Association supported our member card purchase and the Mapua/Ruby Bay and District Community Trust has helped with recent purchases. Lottery Grants Board made a significant contribution to the fixed costs incurred in running the 2017 Literary Festival. Book donations are another wonderful means of support. If we are unable to use donated books on our shelves, they are sold at one of our Book Sales. |
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