Because a search engine only gives a million results. A librarian gives the right one.
Have you ever wanted to trace your family tree but have never had the time?
Library members can access the Family History Beginner's Guide and extensive resources online to build up their unique family tree.There is a wealth of information available, and your first steps are mapped out by Christchurch City Libraries. If you are not already a library member, it is also easy to join online.
See below for a complete list of Christchurch Libraries.
Confined to your home and looking for things to do? Christchurch City Libraries has lots of online content that can help you keep boredom at bay.
- Choose from over 50,000 titles that you can read or listen to on your tablet, smartphone of laptop for free. Explore our popular eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks here.
- If you’re keen on a bit of escapism, you can even take a journey through a mythical land with our epic fantasy fiction collection here.
- Take a free course to sharpen your skills with Lynda.com. Over 6,300 courses and 267,000 tutorials on software, technology, creative and business skills are available. Alternatively, check out other free eLearning resources here.
- Read news and views in your language with PressReader which provides access to over 6,000 newspapers from around the world.
- Choose from 10,000 epic films and documentaries through video streaming service Kanopy.
- Study one of 60 popular languages from basic right through to advanced levels with Mango Languages.
- Tamariki can check out fun games, animated stories and other eResources for kids here. This page also has loads of fun learning tools.
- Rangatahi can explore choice new eReads, eComics and study help here.
- Family history buff? Get started on your family tree with our online eResources here.
- Keen to improve your English and gain new opportunities? Study at your own pace to prepare for the globally recognised IELTS general or academic
- Take a trip down memory lane. Visit Canterbury Stories and find a growing collection of images, archives and published material, or add your own contributions to the Discovery Wall.
You’ll need a library card and PIN number to access most of our eResources.
No card? No problem, sign up online now.
If you need help, use our online chat service, LiveOnline, or talk to our friendly team by calling 03 941 7923.
Christchurch has a network of public libraries including a mobile library, a digital library and on-demand movies.
Want to join a Christchurch Library just click here for further information including online applications "note you will need to take id and proof of address to confirm your membership".
Shirley Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM
Aranui Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM
Linwood Library at Eastgate
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM
South Christchurch Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM
New Brighton Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM
Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon
Redwood Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Closed ⋅ Opens 10AM Mon
Fendalton Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon
Upper Riccarton Community and School Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM
Spreydon Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Closed ⋅ Opens 10AM Mon
Christchurch Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM
Papanui Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM
Tūranga
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM
Upper Riccarton War Memorial Library
Christchurch
03-348 1461
Closed ⋅ Opens 1PM Tue
The library at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM
Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM
Hornby Library
Christchurch
03-941 7923
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon
Central Library - Te Puna Mātauraka o Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Christchurch
03-369 4888
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM
Chars Library
Christchurch
022 633 0573
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon
University of Canterbury Library - Ngā Puna Mātauraka o Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Christchurch
03-369 4888
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM
Tūranga – About the building
The floors are:
- He Hononga | Connection, Ground floor
- Hapori | Community, Level 1
- Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2
- Tūhuratanga | Discovery, Level 3
- Auahatanga | Creativity, Level 4
Design
The design was developed in discussion with Ngāi Tahu and the Ngāi Tūāhuriri rūnanga. Terraces and openings on upper floors face culturally significant points in the Canterbury landscape and beyond:
- Kā Tiritiri o te Moana – Southern Alps
- Aoraki / Mt Cook
- Horomaka / Pātaka o Rākaihautū – Banks Peninsula
- Maungatere – Mt Grey
- Hawaiki – according to oral traditions, one of the places of origin of New Zealand's earliest settlers
The golden aluminium facade, or veils, on the building reflect the folded nature of the nearby Port Hills with their warm colours and shadows. It also echoes the triangular leaves of the native harakeke flax which originally grew in swamps around the site.
Read more at Christchurch City Libraries
