Wellington Central Library has reopened, bringing large crowds back to the city’s main library for the first time since 2019.
The central library reopened over the weekend in Te Ngākau Civic Square, with Mayor Andrew Little cutting the ribbon during an official ceremony on Saturday.
More than 21,600 people visited across the opening weekend, with queues stretching into the square.
A 300-strong massed choir, made up of eight local groups, performed Te Matapi’i, a piece by Wellington composer Briar Prastiti, with voices carrying throughout the building.
Visitors took part in tours, exhibitions and live performances including jazz, taonga pūoro, waiata and storytelling.
Gisella Carr, head of creative capital, said the reopening was a significant milestone for the city.
“This has been built for every Wellingtonian, from zero to 100, so to see the joy on their faces as they returned to their library was a special moment,” she said.
More than 11,500 items were issued over the weekend, alongside 552 new memberships and 468 previously inactive members returning.
Jennifer Parker, manager libraries and community spaces, said the building was quickly embraced.
“Kids and adults filled every nook and cranny of the building, from quiet corners with a book to groups meeting, talking and working together,” she said.
Outside, crowds also gathered in the upgraded Te Ngākau Civic Square, which includes new seating, landscaping, play areas and water features.
The redevelopment brings together the central library, Nōku te Ao Capital E and Wellington City Archives into one site, with galleries, makerspaces, heritage collections, recording facilities and community spaces.
Wellington City Council chief operating officer James Roberts said the reopening was part of wider efforts to revitalise the central city, with City Gallery set to reopen in October 2026 and Te Whare Whakarauika Town Hall in February 2027.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is open daily from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 5pm on weekends.
