The Mercury Bay Library Story

The Library – Whitianga, Mercury Bay
1885 -1989/1990

The information presented here is largely taken from the research of Mrs. Nell Oxley, who was Librarian at Mercury Bay from 1967-1989.

The earliest records we have for a library in this area date from 1885, when the Mercury Bay Athenaeum Hall was built in Monk Street Whitianga. It included a large room lined with lock-up cupboards for a Library. The books consisted largely of leather-bound classics, but it was well-stocked, and there were several hundred to choose from.

The Librarian was the proprietress of a small sweets and fancy goods shop in Monk Street (practically next door to the present Fire Station) who held the keys to the Hall and Library cupboards, apparently opening up on demand. We believe the first Librarians were both spinster sisters, the Misses Lewis. Another early Librarian was Mrs. Margaret Wilson. Unfortunately, we have no more confirmed information until the 1930’s, but by this time the Country Library Service had commenced supplying loan books.

By custom the proprietress of the little shop continued as Librarian, up to 1935 this was Mrs. Doris Hamilton. From 1935 – 1941 this was Miss Amy Wheeler (who became Mrs. Fred Lee). And from 1941 – 1942 the Librarian was Miss Jean McLeod (who became Mrs. Malcolm Niccol).

In 1942 the little shop was closed owing to the wartime rationing of stock. The Country Library Service books were then separated from the library’s own stock - which remained at the Hall - and were moved to Mr. William Heald’s General Store on the corner of Monk Street and Victoria Street (now Esplanade Road). The staff at Heald’s General Store were now acting as librarians, as well as holding the keys to the Hall Library. During the war years 1939 – 1945 the Hall was used as barracks for the Mounted Rifles.

In 1946 The Hall was destroyed by fire, and all the books were lost except for the Country Library books held at Heald’s General Store.

1947 The Country Library books were transferred to Smith and Ross’ General Store on the corner of Albert and Coghill Streets (on the site of the block of shops where Subway is now) to augment the store’s own small library. In 1948 – 1955 Miss Joyce Bronlund acted as Country Service Librarian and contact, until she left to be married.

In 1957 there was an increasing public demand for a library service so Mr. & Mrs. Jack Matthews decided to promote a small public library, which was established in a room in the Matthews residence in Monk Street. Application was made to the National Library in Hamilton for Country Library Service books, and those books, along with those and donated were to become the nucleus of the Whitianga Public Library.

The demand from the reading public had continued to grow, and in 1959 a larger library was needed. Dr Dorothy Cochrane Logan and Mr. G. Crabbe approached the National Library at Hamilton with an application to form a second library elsewhere in the township, with the County Library Service supplying books.  This was eventually granted.  With the assistance of Mrs. Marjorie Sharples and a committee, a small library was set up in the waiting room of Mr. Yates, Dental Surgeon, (On the site of the Block of shops where Unichem is now). The books were kept in locked cupboards, and many had been kindly donated by Whitcoulls in Auckland.  At this time Mrs. Sharpels is designated the Librarian and the library is to be called the Mercury Bay Central Public Library.

Soon, due to lack of space, the Library is on the move again, and in 1964 library was transferred to a room behind Miss Hodge’s second shop (roughly where the Focus Photography shop in Albert Street is now.) This room is later shared by Mr. Thom, Solicitor.

These two libraries continued to function separately until 1965, when the National Library suggested an amalgamation as a more practical solution.  A public meeting was held, the amalgamation was approved and a full committee was formed with Mrs. Barbara Matthews as Librarian-Secretary, and Mrs. Marjorie Sharples as Librarian-Treasurer. The Library was to continue to be called the Mercury bay Central Public Library.  The hours of opening were extended, the location still being Miss Hodge’s shop. In 1967 Mrs. Nell Oxley joined the library staff as the third Librarian.         

By 1969 the block of shops housing Miss Hodge’s haberdashery - and thus - the library were sold for re-building, so once again the library needed to move. The Council office in Whitianga came to the rescue and partitioned off a small room at the back of their offices in Albert Street (where Tuatua restaurant is now). The library supplied the shelving and fittings, but the rent was free.  The move completed, opening hours were again extended to include Friday evening and two mornings per week.  In 1973 Mrs. Matthews retired, but retained the position as Secretary until 1979. Mrs. Nell Oxley becomes the Librarian-in-charge.

In 1976 the Council decides to move, and they build premises on the opposite side of Albert Street (the current site). The Library again needs a new home, and finds one in a room at the back of the Sound Shell, in Soldier’s Memorial Park. By October 1976 the move is completed.

By 1982 the Library is growing rapidly, and an adjoining room in the Sound Shell is offered.  Opening hours are increased to four mornings a week, and Friday evening, but the sight is still far from ideal.  In 1989, the Thames Coromandel District Council and the Community Board decide Whitianga deserves a new library, and plans are put forward.  During this time, the Library is moved to temporary premises in Campbell Street, while the Sound Shell was demolished and the present purpose-built library is being constructed. 

On the 20th October 1989 the current Library building was handed over to Council, and the Library opened for use on Tuesday the 28th of November. (You will be pleased to note we haven’t moved since!) At this time the Librarian being Helen Hall, with Hilda Gray as Secretary. Later Librarians include Elspeth Coker, (Children’s Librarian), and Gloria Patchett, who held the position from 1991 until 2005, when the decision was made to appoint a paid Librarian.

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