Great local library with a friendly community vibe. Don't know what the other person is on about…read morethat it's as noisy as a train station. They do run regular children's activities on one side of the library and for anyone who has a soul - that is a GREAT thing :)

The library is located in an enormous old building at the top of Parnell Road and houses a great…read morecollection of books from childrens to cookery and everything in between. It's not the biggest in Auckland but it has everything you really need, including wifi so I'd recommend bringing your own laptop rather than waiting for the library's own computers. With only four of them, it can often be quite hard to get online during busy times (although I have never found myself waiting more than half an hour to get a place) and they can be painfully slow at times. The staff are all really friendly and helped me out when trying to print off things and to order me in a book from another library in the city. There is ample amounts of parking at the building, which is great as the location is a bit of a climb!

I first walked in here when I was delivering pamphlets as part of a crazy get-rich scheme. Safe to…read moresay the scheme didn't work, although that may have something to do with the fact I decided not to bother keeping on walking after I came in here. There was something about the place that made me want to sit down and read a book, so I picked up Filth by Irvine Welsh off the shelf and settled down. Four hours later I was suitably traumatised and getting gently ushered out of the library into the dark night. I dumped my load of pamphlets in the rubbish bin and decided to enrol in University. So it was a fortuitous moment to walk into Parnell, and it will always hold a certain place in my heart. There is a good supply of books here, and it seems to have resisted the call to completely transform into an internet cafe , with books, that so many other Auckland libraries has.

This the coolest design you will find of a library, and not only do I think this, but the…read morearchitecture who designed it has won a NZ Architecture Award for Public Architecture and also other awards for sustainability and environmental design. Home to a number of favourites, such as the Plunket Birkenhead Workshop, and the best children's reading area, and outdoor play balcony I have seen yet. I appreciate that my child gets the freedom to walk around a kids zone, and have time outside inside of a library which is not common. Stunning panorama if your in the need of some time out or inspiration while you write or read or study, on the upstairs level. Exceptional librarian's staff this library and are always keen to help me find a book, a movie or log in to the free Internet. Take this opportunity to experience an excellent Auckland City Library.

This is definitely one of the best libraries I have visited in Auckland, it is modern and has the…read moremost awesome views of the city, I come here sometimes just to see the views they really are magnificent. The staff are also very friendly and helpful. I come here often to attend the Wriggle and Rhyme sessions which are quite good - more details on their website. Upstairs also has a little dedicated area for kids which is quite nice and an outdoor area so you can once again enjoy the views. In the same premises you will also find the Citizens Advice Bureau and Plunket. The library also has a cute little playground for the kids just outside.

Who says that libraries have to be big starchy places that make you feel uncomfortable, this little…read moregem is quite the opposite! It's quaint but still holds a lot of books and I have never really had an issue finding a book. If they have ever not had anything that I have specifically wanted I just order it in on my library card...easy! The people who work here are what make this library special, they are so passionate about books and about helping you learn through these books. The building itself is beautiful, really old and historic with a grand looking entrance up some steps. There is quite good parking on Remuera Rd, but I always find the most success on Saint Vincent's Ave which is the side road that the library runs alongside.

Great library in an awesome historic building. Really looks grand. The staff are great, and they…read morehave a really good children's section. It's a popular and busy after-school location, so if you're imagining coming here for a quiet read or to get some work done then I suggest you think wisely before heading here after 3pm. One downside is trying to park nearby. There is meter parking on Remuera Road in front of the library, or free street parking round the corner on Cotter Ave. Sometimes you might have to park further down the hill (meaning a bit of a walk up the hill) but I have always been able to get a park down there. Secret tip, don't tell anyone.

Since turning Libraries into 'Shared Spaces,' a few years ago, I find this library smelly, and was…read moretold by the clerk that the computer area is a 'volatile space ". Seems every patron is tarred with the same brush...treated as if we were last of the homeless, mentally ill, indigent population. And why are they being treated so badly there? Dreadful experiences in that Library. People in filthy clothes stretched out over several seats seemingly in a drunken stupor. Glares and glances and tight facial expressions from the library clerks. Dreadful. Libraries should have remained libraries. Not drop in centres

The Central City Library is one of the first places I went to when I arrived in Auckland, mainly to…read moreprint some documents and use the free (but limited to 20 minutes) computers. I have since joined and have been regular borrower of books, DVDs and magazines. It's the perfect place to go to when one feels like reading, learning or getting entertained... for cheap! I find the range of books really wide and varied... I even found a book that I know has been self-published, so I guess it cannot be found everywhere. I even attended a free little gig on the first floor on a Friday night, which was so unexpected but really good fun. I had not been a library rat for a few years but the Central City Library reconciliated me with my nerdy side!

My first visit to the Takapuna Library was for a Wriggle and Rhyme when my little boy was only a…read morefew months old. They still do I realise have the class once a week, during school term and it is a fabulous way to meet other mums on the shore, or in your area. This class takes place in the upstairs corner section where the children's books can be found. Since that visit many months ago, I have been back a few more times with the little guy as I find the children's section has a nice space with lots of great puzzles and books for my little boy to interact with. With easy access via the elevator you can take you children in with your pushchair if they are of the preschool age, always great for the mums or dads. Another plus for me, is that the library is located footsteps away from the beautiful beach, so on a sunny day I prefer to get some books and puzzles out from the library and then enjoy them down at the beach for some amazing scenery. The library has a cafe attached to the entrance as well for a bite to eat or a drink, so good to keep in mind- if your on a study break or on the go.

Takapuna Library reminds me of my school days. And I do actually feel a bit weird when I go back in…read morethere. Nothing to do with the library, it's me I think. As far as libraries go it's probably situated in one of the best locations - a one minute walk from Takapuna Beach. The Library itself is nice and open, no pokey little rooms just big, airy and light. The service is lovely. You know the standard ladies that make you feel like they are your nanas and you just want to be clutched to their bosom. It is pretty big and has a good selection of books. There is an area upstairs for the kiddies where pillows and bean bags fill a corner and you can just sit and chill the day away. There are also quiet study areas for students. The only issue I have is that some things are hard to find, but this might be me being not very good at libraries rather than their fault. There's also a little café at the entrance with good coffee. Lovely.

Great place for kids to play, has huge space and nice daylight. Staff are very friendly and helpfu.read more