Libraries after the Christchurch Earthquake

The earthquake which struck Christchurch at 12:51pm on the 22nd of February will have far reaching implications for the city and the nation as a whole. On top of the personal tragedies that have been so heart-wrenching to view on television or read about in newspapers, the physical destruction of the city means it will never be the same with the loss of many heritage buildings. While there is probably nothing that I could add to the general coverage of the Earthquake that you haven’t already seen or heard, I thought you might be interested in reading about how the library services in Christchurch have been affected by the quake, and how the library community have been responding.



Thankfully it appears there have been no casualties amongst the staff from the University Library, the National Library’s Christchurch offices, or Christchurch City Libraries, although some have lost their homes and all are having to deal with massive disruption to their lives. Both the National Library offices and the Central City Library have sustained damage and at the time of writing both are still cut off within the cordon of the CBD. A number of public libraries outside the CBD have been redeployed for Civil Defence purposes, and some members of library staff are working shifts at the Earthquake Operations Centre.


The TVNZ building was damaged in the quake and as yet it is unknown if it will have to be demolished. This building contains the TVNZ Christchurch News Library which holds a unique collection of videotapes of news stories and footage of South Island people, places, events and stories. Again it is unknown if this collection will be recoverable but thankfully all staff got out of the building safely.


With the exception of Akaroa, all Christchurch City Libraries were closed following the quake but several have been able to open since. Library staff have been trying to get the message out that nobody needs to worry about overdue books. The libraries will be waiving all fines from the 22nd of February and have extended the due date of all items to the 1st of May.


Waimakariri District Libraries were badly affected by the September quake and the Kaiapoi library is still operating out of a temporary location. Fortunately they appear to have been largely unscathed by this recent event and council staff, including librarians, have been helping out with emergency operations in Christchurch.


The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa which co-ordinates the provision of free internet services throughout the country from a base in Christchurch was also affected by the quake. Although staff have been unable to return to their building they have been able to keep the service going from remote locations with only a few brief interruptions. The University of Canterbury Library was badly shaken but appears to have avoided any serious damage. Along with the rest of the University, the library has been closed since February 22nd but is looking to re-open from the 14th of March.


LIANZA (the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa) has received messages of support from libraries around the globe including the Passerini Landi Library in Italy, the American Library Association, the Library Society of China, the Sydney University of Technology, and the Gakugei University Library in Tokyo. The libraries of Selwyn District (Christchurch’s close neighbours) have extended their library hours and invited Christchurch City residents to join the library. Rolleston library has also extended its WiFi service to 24/7 for the duration of the emergency, enabling people to check the news and contact friends and family at any time. Many public libraries around the country including Dunedin, Auckland, Wellington, Gisborne, and even here at Masterton are offering free temporary membership to evacuees from Christchurch.


Libraries can seem a fairly trifling matter when compared to reinstating essential services like water, electricity, sewerage and roading, but they definitely have a part to play in the recovery from this disaster. Books, DVDs, magazines etc will help provide some much needed rest and relaxation for the people of Christchurch and possibly a distraction from the enormity of the task ahead. Libraries themselves will provide a venue where the city’s residents can meet, talk, and take strength from each other. Perhaps most importantly the reopening of libraries will be a part of the return to normalcy, a symbol that those everyday things we took for granted are back. Libraries are an important part of our communities and as such will be just as important in restoring the social fabric that the quake has ripped apart.


On behalf of the staff of the Masterton Library I would like to extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost family and friends in this awful tragedy. And to those who are left to rebuild their lives and their city, take heart from the fact that the rest of the country (and indeed many around the globe) are here to support you in whatever way we can. It is going to take a long time, much longer than the stories make headline news, but with resolve and support it will be achieved. Kia kaha Christchurch, we’re right behind you.

Jon Adams
Community Outreach Librarian
Masterton District Library