Great local library with a friendly community vibe. Don't know what the other person is on about…read morethat it's as noisy as a train station. They do run regular children's activities on one side of the library and for anyone who has a soul - that is a GREAT thing :)

I first walked in here when I was delivering pamphlets as part of a crazy get-rich scheme. Safe to…read moresay the scheme didn't work, although that may have something to do with the fact I decided not to bother keeping on walking after I came in here. There was something about the place that made me want to sit down and read a book, so I picked up Filth by Irvine Welsh off the shelf and settled down. Four hours later I was suitably traumatised and getting gently ushered out of the library into the dark night. I dumped my load of pamphlets in the rubbish bin and decided to enrol in University. So it was a fortuitous moment to walk into Parnell, and it will always hold a certain place in my heart. There is a good supply of books here, and it seems to have resisted the call to completely transform into an internet cafe , with books, that so many other Auckland libraries has.

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!

This the coolest design you will find of a library, and not only do I think this, but the…read morearchitecture who designed it has won a NZ Architecture Award for Public Architecture and also other awards for sustainability and environmental design. Home to a number of favourites, such as the Plunket Birkenhead Workshop, and the best children's reading area, and outdoor play balcony I have seen yet. I appreciate that my child gets the freedom to walk around a kids zone, and have time outside inside of a library which is not common. Stunning panorama if your in the need of some time out or inspiration while you write or read or study, on the upstairs level. Exceptional librarian's staff this library and are always keen to help me find a book, a movie or log in to the free Internet. Take this opportunity to experience an excellent Auckland City Library.

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 :)

Oh Central City Library, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…read more Your massive selection, that can be pre-reserved online and sent to any library of your choosing. Your efficient self checkout kiosks that let me check out up to 10 books in one go. Your cheerful atmosphere and very helpful staff. Your array of seating options for for browsing a book, studying, killing time. Your free wifi availability (errr the wifi is actually crap and slow, but I'm here for the books mostly so I'll excuse it) Your offerings of free interesting lectures and special events (sign up for the newsletter!) Your conveniently located CAB branch that offers free document certification and information about issues like tenants rights. My local library - I love thee so!!!!

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 Takapuna Library might not be the most sophisticated pr architecturally pleasing library out…read morethere but it holds a very dear place in my heart. I remember coming here frequently as a child right through to when I was teenager. I spent hours in the children's section, which is huge and not only has books but also has toys and puzzles and well as videos (perhaps now dvds?) and CD's you could get out too. I fondly remember being mesmerised by the tropical fish aquarium. They had the longest tails - just the ones of Fantasia! Nowadays I still frequent the Takapuna library, whether it's to get books out or just to sit and do some work in the blissfully quiet study area.

My first visit to the Takapuna Library was for a Wriggle and Rhyme when my little boy was only a…read morefew months old. They still do I realise have the class once a week, during school term and it is a fabulous way to meet other mums on the shore, or in your area. This class takes place in the upstairs corner section where the children's books can be found. Since that visit many months ago, I have been back a few more times with the little guy as I find the children's section has a nice space with lots of great puzzles and books for my little boy to interact with. With easy access via the elevator you can take you children in with your pushchair if they are of the preschool age, always great for the mums or dads. Another plus for me, is that the library is located footsteps away from the beautiful beach, so on a sunny day I prefer to get some books and puzzles out from the library and then enjoy them down at the beach for some amazing scenery. The library has a cafe attached to the entrance as well for a bite to eat or a drink, so good to keep in mind- if your on a study break or on the go.

Great place for kids to play, has huge space and nice daylight. Staff are very friendly and helpfu.read more