My earliest memories are of the regular weekly trips to the Library in the Old Chamber Buildings, in the mid 1960s.
It was the highlight of the week, and much anticipated since I would have read the books from the previous visit in the first couple of days, and it seemed an interminable wait until Saturday morning came round again. I can see the librarians now, in their smocks, and the queues of children waiting to have their books recorded by hand in long written lists.
It was a magical place, and I always discovered wonderful new books to read, and old favourites that I enjoyed time and time again.
I remember that one day my teacher at primary school organised for a “chosen few” to accompany him into town to select some books – I was devastated not to be picked, but he explained to me that not all children have the opportunity to visit the library, and that he wanted to give those children a chance to love the Library like I did.
When I was old enough to go to the “Young Adults” section it was like a dream come true as another whole new world opened up to me.
My experiences at the Christchurch Public Library paved the way for a lifelong love of books and reading – so much so that I became a librarian, and even to this day when I drive past the old Library I feel nostalgic pangs of pleasure at
the many happy hours I spent there.
Happy Birthday, Christchurch City Libraries, may you continue to bring pleasure to many more generations
of Christchurch children.
Vicki Clark
Collections Librarian (Serials)
Central Library
University of Canterbury
