Masterton District Library

The library's service policy is based on the belief that a good public library provides people with the opportunity to pursue independent lifelong education, while at the same time contribute to their participation in, and enjoyment of, leisure and social activities.

Membership of the library is free to all residents of the Masterton District. For those outside the district a subscription fee of $65 per annum is charged, $35 for six months, or $6 per annum and $1 per item for a casual membership.  Most books are issued free of charge, however some services do incur charges. A brochure is available giving a full list of services available and any relevant charges (see box of charges).

All items are listed in the computer catalogue and the OPAC (on-line public access catalogue) is available for public use.

Services

Archive
The Wairarapa Archive is housed in the Wairarapa Building Society building opposite the library in Queen Street. It is open to the public weekdays, Monday to Friday, 1.00pm - 5.00pm. The Archive is part of the district library, complementing the local history collection with its large collection of historic photographs and a growing collection of material relating to community history in the Wairarapa.

The Archivist is Gareth Winter phone (06) 370-6300 ext 711.

The Library

UCOL at Wairarapa
In a situation possibly unique in New Zealand the UCOL library and the District Library work in unison to provide a wide range of library services. Both organisations share a central computer system which allows their users to access the book collections at both libraries.

This co-operation allows a wide range of books to be purchased for the Masterton community with the UCOL library concentrating on books to support their courses, while the District library offers a wide range of general reading material.

Genealogy
The Wairarapa Archive holds a wide range of genealogy resources, including, births, deaths and marriages indexes, cemetery records, shipping information, directories and electoral rolls, many on microfiche.

Local newspapers are on microfilm and are partially indexed.

Wairarapa local history material and general New Zealand history is available for reference.

An explanatory booklet, "Genealogy at Masterton District Library", is available on request. Photocopying is generally allowed.

Housebound
The Housebound Service is available to Masterton residents who, because of incapacitating illness or age, are unable to come to the library and choose their own books. An initial visit is made to the person in order to find out what sort of books are required. Arrangements are then made so that books can be delivered on a regular fortnightly basis by a volunteer driver.

NB: Unfortunately casual illnesses such as flu etc. do not qualify for this service

Talking Books
The library has a collection of over 1,000 talking books which are available on cassette tapes, CDs and MP3 CDs. Borrowers who are visually impaired or housebound can register at the library to borrow these items at no charge.

Reservations/Inter-loan
A book already on loan may be reserved. If the book is not in the library, we can try to obtain it through the National Library.

Children's Programmes
During term time a pre-school programme 'Rainbow Kids' is offered every Wednesday morning and a Kohanga Reo programme every Thursday. During the school holidays programmes or activities are run for children, and each year the Summer Reading Programme is held over the summer holidays. The Winter Warmers reading programme is also available in the middle of the year and a numeracy programme, Maths Is Fun, is offered in the July school holidays.

Adult Programmes
On the fourth Tuesday of each month a guest speaker or performer appears at the library as part of our Seniors Celebrate programme. On the fourth Monday of each month the Masterton District Library Book Club meet for a complimentary cup of tea and discussion of some new, and not so new books.

Library Staff
District Librarian - vacant
Customer Services Librarian - Sandy Green
Support Services - Lin Workman
Acquisitions Librarian - Lyn Carroll
Team Leader Customer Services - Christine Hawker
Team Leader Children's Services - Mary Buckner
Community Outreach Librarian - Jon Adams
Takawaenga - Frances Reiri-Smith
Children's Services Assistant - Jane Horsham
Housebound/Interloans Assistant - Thea Prenzler
Desktop Publishing/Acquisitions Assistant - Cindy-Jane Anderson
Interloans/Acquisitions Assistant - Janelle Preston-Searle
Part-time Assistants - Waverly Bootten, Paul Cooper, Cicely Wallace

Archivist - Gareth Winter
Archive Librarian - Neil Frances
Archivist Assistant - Jenny Davidson

UCOL Librarian - Bill Leahy