The Tupu Youth LIbrary is an incredibly special place. It's the only library in Auckland that's…read morededicated to children and young people's interests and is an extremely popular after school hangout for local kids. The building itself is modern looking and has an indoor-outdoor flow that's unusual for a library. Inside, it's totally unintimidating, with everything easily accessible and the overall layout easy to navigate. Of course, pretty much everything that's in the library is aimed at youth, but the standout feature of this library are the staff - they're the friendliest, most approachable bunch you could hope to find. It's almost enough to make me wish I was a kid again!

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 won't say much but second the great reviews. This is a great library and as a backpacker i spent…read moremany days in here using the wifi, getting info, etc. Not many backpackers here, mostly locals. Quiet. clean. very nice :)

This is a cool little suburban library that's located right in Pakuranga Plaza, so it's nice and…read morehandy to the shops. It's also located right next to a Citizen's Advice Bereau too. The best thing about this library are the amazing art quilts on the walls, and the big sale table they usually have in the foyer, from which I've picked up lots of bargain-priced second hand books. The library has nice little children's and teens' sections, and a surprisingly good range of DVDs. The staff are always friendly and extremely fast - I remember this is where I signed up for membership and I couldn't believe how quickly it was all done.

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!

The library is comfortable, nicely decorated and next to great shops, cafes and the cinema if you…read moreget bored. And trust me, the likelihood of you getting bored is rather large. Don't get me wrong, I love books and sitting down with one to travel to a galaxy far, far away. BUT, they don't usually have that book which will transport me there. It's a good thing they are next to Whitcoulls in that case, so at least you may be able to buy that book and take it home. There are far better libraries in Auckland, but if you're desperate for a quiet corner and have no particular book in mind, wonder on in.

This is my least favourite library out of the Auckland Libraries that I've been to, and I've been…read moreto qutie a few (at least 10). It's small, never has any of the books I want available when I happen to pop in (and I always have a massive ongoing list of books I want to read), and it has a weird layout that doesn't seem to flow naturally. On the plus side, being next to Whitcoulls, if you saw some books in the shop that you wanted to read but not quite enough to want to buy, you can pop into the library and request them (because let's be real, they won't have them on the shelf) while they're still fresh in your mind. Also, a good point is that being part of Botany Town Centre means it's open longer hours, and at least one night a week a JP (Justice of the Peace) is available if you need documents verified. Super handy and no need to book, just turn up.

Less helpful people working there now, but those still there are super helpful. Free wifi!…read moreVery nice study desk area's with power points for plugging in your laptop, and overlooking green areas outside. Very good thinking area. Lots of dvds still available for rent

This is my local library and one of my favourite places. It is as kid-friendly as could be and I…read morelove that I can walk in here with my kids and we each go our own way before meeting up later. I still have moments of amazement where I'm like "books for free!!!!!". It's one of the great pleasures of civilised life to have access to more books than you could ever read in a lifetime and best of all, it costs nothing! The librarians here are particularly helpful and one in particular always goes out of her way to make recommendations to my 11 year old daughter which I am so appreciative of. I will say though that there are a couple of (male) part timers here who are grumpiness personified. Yeah we know libraries are cool and yes, you must be very cool to work in one but let's not forget, it's still a customer service job. Like I said, the ladies are all lovely so go figure.