Rare tours and close encounters with collection items are part of a host of exciting activities as the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa marks its 60th anniversary.

The doors at the Library on Molesworth Street, Wellington will be open on Saturday 18 October for our Open Home event, from 1pm to 4pm, for young and old to come and celebrate our anniversary with us.

“In 1965, the National Library Act brought together the General Assembly Library, the Alexander Turnbull Library and the National Library Service. 60 years on, we want the public to come and see for themselves what’s so special about their National Library” says National Library Director Community Engagement and Learning, Alison McIntyre.

“The National Library and our close partner, Archives New Zealand, preserve the rich diversity of New Zealanders’ knowledge and ideas in the documented record of our nation, helping to anchor us in our cultural and historical identity. We’d love to show you around.”

A fascinating display of collections from the National Library and the Alexander Turnbull Library, featuring taonga from books, comics, manuscripts, photos and much more will be on Level 1 to view.

As well as behind-the-scenes collection tours and tours of He Tohu, there are exhibitions, waka-building sessions with Whakaura, a poetry machine, birthday cake and a kids’ corner to keep the whānau entertained. HOME café, our shop Te Āmiki and City Gallery Wellington will also be open.

“It’s a great opportunity to see what, how and why we collect. This heritage is our collective heritage. It is for everyone to access and enjoy.”

It has been 60 years since the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa formed in 1965. With the support of Te Puna Foundation, the Library is hosting the National Library 60th Birthday series, a series of inspiring events for whānau and communities. This event is the first of the series.

For more information, and to book a behind the scenes tour (numbers are limited) please visit National Library 60th Birthday Open Home | National Library of New Zealand.

© Scoop Media