Celebrating Ōtaki Library – 90 years on this site
28 Apr 2026
On Wednesday, 22 April, we proudly marked a significant milestone – 90 years of Ōtaki Library serving our community from its current location. This anniversary is not only a celebration of the building itself, but of the generations of people who have walked through its doors, making it a vibrant and valued community space.
Libraries have long been part of the fabric of our community, with records showing a library presence in the area dating back to 1872. Check out some photos from 1981 when the Ōtaki Library was Kete Horowhenua, back when Ōtaki was part of Horowhenua before being part of Kāpiti. This shows how over the decades, Ōtaki Library has evolved alongside the community, continuing to support learning, connection, and discovery.
Exterior of Ōtaki Library with Mrs Noeline Papps (librarian) at entrance, 1981. Supplied for digital use by Kete Horowhenua.
Interior of Ōtaki Library showing borrowers at issues desk, 1981. Supplied for digital use by Kete Horowhenua.
Join us at the Ōtaki Library
To commemorate these 90 years, we are hosting a unique in-library experience for both staff and visitors.
A curated collection of historical photographs – kindly shared by Ōtaki Heritage Bank Museum – offers a glimpse into the library’s rich past and its place in the community over time.
An era-themed lounge has also been created within the space, inviting visitors to slow down, relax, and reflect. This welcoming environment encourages people to share their personal memories of Ōtaki Library – whether it’s a childhood visit, a favourite book discovered on our shelves, time spent studying, or meaningful moments shared with friends and family. These stories are a valuable part of our collective history and help bring the library’s legacy to life.
We warmly invite you to take a moment to visit and experience the display, reflect on the important role libraries play in our communities, and join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone.
The display will be available for a few weeks, providing plenty of opportunity to visit, engage, and contribute memories.
