By Mary Afemata of Local Democracy Reporting
Aucklanders have borrowed 14 million items from public libraries over the past year, and for many South Auckland residents, those items are only part of the story.
At Takaanini [correct] community library, families say it’s a vital space for connection and care.
For local mother Nikki Samu, the library is more than a place to borrow books; it’s a vital community hub.
“This is our favourite place to come. It’s so good to have a space where we can come and just be looked after,” she says.
Samu regularly brings her children for the free activities, slides, and bilingual books.
“We come to this one in particular for the slide. My daughters love it. I also bring my nieces and nephews during the school holidays.
“We also borrow books, use the baby facilities, and the kitchen as well. But the main draw is the kids’ activities, the slide, the spaces, and borrowing books.”
Libraries need to stay open as they are the only community spaces left where anyone can go and be looked after, she says.
Samu says her culture and language are proudly reflected in the library’s books and programmes.
“100 per cent – everywhere. The Pacific section’s right there. I particularly love the bilingual feature of this library.”
Council figures released this month show library visits across the region reached 6.75 million this financial year – well above expectations.
E-book use is also booming, with more than five million digital checkouts in 2024, placing Auckland in the top 10 globally for eLending.
The Takaanini library also offers free showers, a communal kitchen, play areas for children, and space for dancing and community programmes.
Auckland Council’s Head of Library and Learning Services, Catherine Leonard, says the city’s libraries are leading the way in supporting literacy, creativity, and learning. Customer satisfaction has remained above 90 per cent for two years, and new initiatives, including a board game collection and a forthcoming Bestie children’s series, are underway.
“Our librarians work hard to ensure everyone has access to safe, inclusive spaces,” Leonard said.
“Libraries support wellbeing in ways that are unique from heritage archives to Wi-Fi and cultural programming.”
South Auckland student Carlynne, who studies bioscience and statistics, visits four times a weekend for the essential computer and internet access.
However, she says more African literature and cultural representation would make the space feel even more inclusive.
The 2025–2028 library service plan includes stronger support for Mātauranga Māori, digital access, and community participation.
Since launching a content-creation programme in 2000, Auckland Libraries have produced 20 bilingual books to support Māori and Pacific readers, along with 16 documentaries, 10 podcasts, and other material, including virtual reality content.
Another local mother, Jade, said the Takaanini library was the best she’d visited.
“We’ve only just started really coming to do homework and introduce a different surrounding to the children.”
Her partner Tirirangi says the library is an awesome facility.
“I’ve never been to a library where they offer a community kitchen.
“There are community showers here, and the [children] also have a playground.”
He says it’s important for the community to have access to these kinds of facilities.
From borrowing books to borrowing space and support, Takaanini aims to show how libraries are more than shelves.
Auckland Council Libraries offer 3.4 million items to borrow or view for free. You just need a library card.
