Thousands visit on opening day of redesigned Wellington Central Library
Sunday, 15 March 2026
More than 11,500 visitors walked through the doors of Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui for its opening, eager to explore the redesigned Wellington Central Library.
The library officially re-opened on Saturday after closing in 2019 for earthquake strengthening and a $217.6 million makeover.
A queue, snaking around Te Ngākau Civic Square, began forming two hours before the opening time.
After a full day of live performances, it clocked more than 11,500 visitors and 7000 books and collection items being issued.
Over the weekend, there were more than 20,000 visitors.
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“The looks on people’s faces as they walked in the door was just incredible,” Te Ngākau activities and experience manager Lucy Lang said.
“Everyone was smiling and there were even some tears - people just feeling so overwhelmed, just with happiness.”
But it didn’t take long for people to find their spot, open a book or their laptop and settle in.
Lang even observed one little girl sit down in the middle of a big jazz performance, clapping hands and dancing feet around her as she quietly read her book.
“It was those little moments that I certainly observed throughout the day.
“We can have a big celebration but then there's the next day and the next week and next month, and that's what it's here for; is people finding their place and feeling good about using this free, public, warm, dry, usable space.”
Even on Sunday, with live jazz performances still going, the building was humming with people.
Among them were two secondary school students, Alyssa Osborne, 16, and Zoe Davies, 15.
Osborne said the library was “way better than before” with it feeling more open and lively.
She said it was good to have a study space because it was increasingly more difficult to find them. “Having an open space where everyone can go is nice.”
Hamid Asadpour, 49, was reading a book about stock market trading.
He hadn’t explored all of the building yet, looking for a book instead but it was great that a big central library had reopened to be able to explore a variety of books on a particular subject, he said.
“Over the winter it’s good to spend time here,” to meet up with people or kill time in between activities.
Rouhollah Toghyani, 40, was reading to his two daughters aged 5 and 2.
Toghyani liked the new layout and said there was a great atmosphere.
He had brought his daughters to familiarise them with the new space after having frequently visited the temporary library.
“We’re planning on coming here often … It’s a place for everyone to feel safe and welcome.”
Wellington mayor Andrew Little said Wellingtonians had been “keenly awaiting” the re-opening of the library.
It was necessary to add new features including the 3D printers, a CNC machine and a recording studio to recognise the library and its place into the future, he said.
“Going to library is no longer just about getting books … The world is changing; it is more digital and so having facilities like that, introducing people to that sort of technology for the first time is an important role that a library can play.”
The City Gallery would be next, due to open in September and then the Town Hall next February. The City to Sea bridge would also have work completed in that time to finalise the revitalisation of Civic Square.
Jennifer Parker, manager library and community spaces, said the co-designing meant the space was far more accessible than before.
While people loved the digital collection, the love of picking up a physical book was also still there, she said.
Redesign project leader Gisella Carr said the revamp was able to create 30% more public space in the library.
“I lead the teams that are designing the service and that involves so much discussion with the architects, the construction people, with co-designers so being ahead of the game has been the biggest challenge.
“It feels like a long time for Wellingtonians, but six years has gone in a flash.”