Carterton Library
Last updated: 12 May, 2025 11:25am
WLS Update: May 2025
About the Library
Digital Resources
Locations & hours
Carterton and South Wairarapa Councils to seek to end shared library service and transition to independent models from 1 July
*Please note this is subject to Council approval at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 14 May, 2025. Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils will seek resolutions from their respective elected representatives that from 1 July 2025, their library...
Wairarapa Library Service: Q&As
General questions on WLS Services Library hours Programmes & events Branding & identity Costs What next? General What is changing? The WLS is ending. From 1 July 2025, Carterton and South Wairarapa councils will each run their own library services. Why is this...
Carterton Library is New Zealand’s oldest purpose-built library, proudly serving the community since 1881 and the service extends even further back.
The library began with just 200 books and quickly became a cornerstone of local learning. Located on Holloway Street, the library offers a wide range of services including books, eBooks, audiobooks, free Wi-Fi, printing, and community events, continuing its long-standing role as a welcoming hub for knowledge and connection.
Open Monday to Saturday, our library provides access to collections, a range of regular workshops and services, and one-off events.
Collections are available in print and online. This means access to over 60,000 print books and many thousands of eBooks, eMagazines and audiobooks.
As a SMART library, your library card gives you access to Featherston, Greytown and Martinborough libraries, plus Masterton, Kapiti Coast, Porirua, Lower Hutt, Whitireia and WelTec.
Digital Resources
The Libby app provides free access to all digital collections (eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks).
The Library website and WLS app gives you easy access to collections, what’s on and your account. You can reserve, renew, request and search for new items 24×7.
Sign up online to get started and then visit one of the libraries to collect your library card. It’s free!
Locations & Hours
Through the SMART Library Service, you can return books to any Wairarapa library or many others in the Wellington Region.
Other Library sites
Masterton Library open Tuesday. 9:30am – 5:30pm ; Wednesday. 9:30am – 5:30pm ; Thursday. 9:30am – 6:30pm ; Friday. 9:30am – 5:30pm ; Saturday. 9:30am – 1pm.
All other libraries open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5pm, and Saturday 9:30am to 12pm.