Last updated June 2026
Napier Library is the central city public library operated by Napier City Council as part of the Napier Libraries network. It provides free membership, physical and digital collections, free Wi-Fi, study spaces, 3D printing through the Creation Station, free children’s programmes including Baby Bounce, and other community programmes. The library is currently temporarily housed within MTG Hawke’s Bay while a new purpose-built facility is developed. It operates alongside Taradale Library and the Twist Library on the EIT campus as one of the network’s branches.
Practical Information
| Address | 1 Tennyson Street, Napier South 4110 (temporarily housed within MTG Hawke’s Bay) |
| Phone | +64 6 834 4180 |
| in**@**************co.nz | |
| Hours | Tuesday–Friday 9.00am–5.00pm; Saturday 9.30am–3.30pm; closed Sunday, Monday and public holidays (confirm current hours as changes may apply during temporary arrangements) |
| Membership | Free with proof of identity and address |
| WiFi | Free public WiFi throughout the building |
| Cost | Free entry, free membership, free use of facilities |
| Other branches | Taradale Library (24 White Street, Taradale); Twist Library (EIT campus, Gloucester Street, Taradale) |
About Napier Library
Napier Library serves as the flagship branch of the Napier Libraries network. It offers a wide range of fiction and non-fiction materials, reference and local-history resources, a dedicated children’s section, study and reading spaces, and free community programmes. The library functions as a key cultural and community hub in central Napier.
The library works alongside the MTG Hawke’s Bay museum next door, the Century Theatre, and the wider Marine Parade cultural precinct. It forms part of the central Napier civic and cultural offering, providing access to knowledge and recreational resources for residents and visitors.
Progress continues on a new Napier Library as part of the civic precinct project, with the current temporary location in MTG Hawke’s Bay supporting ongoing services until the new facility opens.
Services and Programmes
| Physical collection | Fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, large-print, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, DVDs |
| Digital library | eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, online databases — free with membership |
| Interloan | Request items from libraries across NZ if not held in Napier — small fee |
| Creation Station | 3D printing, design tools, craft and making equipment — workshops available |
| Baby Bounce | Free half-hour sessions of songs and rhymes for children aged 0–2 with parents/caregivers |
| Research services | Reference and research help from library staff |
| Forget Me Not Collection | Specialised dementia-care books, sensory tools and memory-recall resources |
| Public computers | Free internet access and computer use |
| Printing & photocopying | Available — small per-page fee |
Membership and Access
Napier Library membership is free with proof of identity and address — bring a driver’s licence, utility bill or similar. Visitors and tourists can use the building, internet and study spaces without joining; membership is only needed to borrow physical items or access digital lending. The library also offers temporary visitor cards for travellers.
Free public WiFi is available throughout the building, along with good study spaces, reading areas, and a dedicated children’s space with picture books and seating.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers and regular users consistently mention Napier Library as a welcoming and well-resourced community hub with a good physical collection, helpful staff, comfortable study and reading spaces, and the Creation Station with 3D printing receiving praise from both locals and visiting travellers. The Baby Bounce children’s programmes are mentioned often by parents.
The most common practical tips: membership is free and quick (bring ID and proof of address), the library is closed Sunday and Monday, and travellers can use the free WiFi and computer access without joining. Note that the central Napier Library is currently temporarily housed within MTG Hawke’s Bay during building works — check current location and hours with Napier Libraries before visiting.
Where to Learn More
Napier Libraries — official site: full catalogue search, digital library, current programmes and news.
Napier Libraries — Contact Us: current hours, phone, email and physical address details.
Napier City Council — Napier Libraries: council page covering the library network and its role in the wider civic offering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Napier Library?
1 Tennyson Street, Napier South — currently temporarily housed within MTG Hawke’s Bay.
What are the Napier Library opening hours?
Tuesday–Friday 9.00am–5.00pm; Saturday 9.30am–3.30pm. Closed Sunday, Monday and public holidays (confirm as temporary arrangements may affect hours).
How do I join the Napier Library?
Free with proof of identity and address — bring a driver’s licence, utility bill or similar. Visitors can use the building without joining.
Is there free WiFi at Napier Library?
Yes — free public WiFi throughout the building.
Does Napier Library have 3D printing?
Yes — the Creation Station offers 3D printing, design tools and making equipment, with workshops.
What is Baby Bounce at Napier Library?
Free half-hour sessions of songs and rhymes for children aged 0–2 with their parents or caregivers.
How many branches does Napier Libraries have?
Three branches: the central Napier Library (temporarily in MTG Hawke’s Bay), Taradale Library on White Street, and the Twist Library on the EIT campus in Taradale.
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