Historical Highlights
1876
‘Reading Room’ – 1st public library - located in the Town Hall (corner of The Square and Fitzherbert Ave)
1879
Borough Council assumed responsibility for the public library after a ratepayer poll strongly supported such action
1885
Town Hall building destroyed by fire
1890-1894
Public Library collection is deposited with Palmerston North Working Men’s Club
1894-1900
Subscription library run by the Palmerston North Volunteer Fire Brigade (Coleman Place)
1900
2nd public library housed in the Colonial Bank building (site of the current Square Edge)
1905
3rd public library ‘relegated’ to the Municipal Council offices (Main St)
1910
Andrew Carnegie, American philanthropist, rejects funding request of the Palmerston North Borough Council.
1929
4th public library built on the site of the first public library after the destruction of the Occidental Hotel by fire (corner of The Square and Fitzherbert Ave)
1938
City Council abolishes the subscription system and introduces free membership for all residents of the city
1952
First branch library established, at Roslyn
1956
Takaro and Hokowhitu branches opened
1965
5th public library (i.e. Central Library) opened (corner of The Square and Main St)
1966
Roslyn Branch Library re-sited at corner of Tremaine Ave and Vogel Street
1967
Mobile Library service initiated
1968
Takaro and Hokowhitu Branch libraries closed
1972
Housebound service launched
1973
2nd Mobile Library launched
1979
Public Library’s circulation system computerised
1987
Awapuni Branch Library established at Pitama Road shopping complex
1989
Ashhurst Community Library becomes a responsibility (previously known as the Ashhurst Public Library – 1899)
3rd Mobile Library launched
1990
City Library contracted to provide library service to the Manawatu Prison (Linton)
Archives transfers to the Central Library
1996
6th public library (i.e. Central Library) established in the CM Ross building.
City Library launches its own website
2002
Mobile and Branch Library revitalisation project begins
Roslyn Branch Library celebrates 50 years of service
New website for the City Library
2003
Community Languages collection launched
2004
Palmerston North City Library turns 150 years old
2007
New website for the City Library
