MEDIA ADVISORY
6 December 2011

Wellington Central Library building turns 20

It’s been 20 years since the Central Library moved into the Ian Athfield-designed building on Victoria Street.

This Saturday 10 December the library is celebrating with birthday cake for customers, free issues of CDs and DVDs on the day, and tours of the library backrooms which will delve into hidden corners. For kids there’s a treasure hunt with the chance to win a Wii.

Architect Ian Athfield will be giving a presentation about the building at 6pm on Tuesday 13 December, at the library.

In 1991, when the new library was opened, Wellingtonians may have wondered what to make of its nikau palms, curved glass façade, multicoloured exterior and unusual furniture designs.

Now the library is a focal point in the city – a place to browse, study, listen to children’s stories, music or lunchtime talks, take time out in the café or settle into one of the avant-garde chairs to read a magazine.

The Council's Community Facilities Portfolio Leader, Councillor Justin Lester, says the library’s success is, in part, a tribute to the building’s design. “It’s become an integral part of our community and continues to provide inspiration for the library to flourish.”

Film clips of some well-known Wellingtonians talking about books that have inspired them – among them Melissa Moon, Nicky Hager, Fiona Kidman, Witi Ihimaera and Mayor Celia Wade-Brown – will be on the library’s website along with a quiz. Visit wcl.govt.nz.

ENDS

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