About the Opawa Public Library
Welcome to the new Opawa Public Library!
We are very excited to welcome you to the new, Opawa Public Library building located on the original site on the corner of Richardson Terrace and Opawa Road.
Ten years since the original building was condemned in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, we are happy to have been rebuilt on our beautiful spot beside the Heathcote river with a new and improved facility.
The library has an interesting history, to read more about the Library's journey please check out the 'Our History' page.
About us
The Opawa Public Library is a volunteer community library, and isn't run by the Christchurch City Council.
This means we have our own stock, membership and are supported by a team of amazing volunteers who dedicate their time and energy into making the library a great place to be.
Since we are run by volunteers our hours are based on when people are available and we rely on grants and donations to purchase our stock.
Everyone is welcome (whether you are a member or not) to come in and read a book, have a chat and enjoy the space.
There's lots for kids to love, cozy chairs for adults and leashed dogs are always welcome.
Please note we don't have internet, printing or EFTPOS so we can only accept cash.
It's free to join, just come in and one of our friendly volunteers can help you fill our a new member form.
Our range of stock
Adults books for borrowing:
We have a large range of adults books including new releases available to borrow. Because we are a community library we have control over our stock so we love to have your recommendations for what you want to read.
We have a wide selection of genres including general fiction, thriller, biography, large print and a small range of non-fiction.
New release books are $2 to borrow for 3 weeks
All other books are only 50c to borrow for 3 weeks
Please note we only accept cash as we have no EFTPOS.
Children's books for borrowing:
We also have a great range of books for children of all ages.
Our stock ranges from picture books for the earliest readers, through primary school and up to young adult.
All children's book are all free to borrow for 3 weeks.
Our library is the perfect place to bring the family as we have lots of space to sit and read together, do puzzles, and colour in. You don't even have to stay quiet, the space is ment to be enjoyed!
We even have the occassional primary school come in for a reading session as we have plenty of seating.
Books and DVDs for sale:
At the library we always have a sale table or two with books or DVDs that you can purchase.
If you love a book bargain then this is something you need to check out. The stock turns over quickly and we are always adding more!
Generally all sale books are 50c each and DVD's are $2 (cash only)
DVD's for borrowing:
We have a large selection of adults and kids DVDs including some of the newest releases.
DVD's are $2 to borrow for 1 week, and we currently have a deal where you can get 2 for $2.
Our Volunteers
The Opawa Public Library has always been run by a dedicated group of volunteers from all over Christchurch. We couldn't exist without the support of the community and we are always keen to welcome new members.
Volunteering at the library is very easy and a small commitment of as little as 2 hours every fortnight. Our volunteers include a wide range of people of all ages and backgrounds and if you would like to join us please get in touch via our Facebook page or Email us at opawapubliclibrary@gmail.com.
