Carterton Library
About the Library
Digital Resources
Locations & hours
Frequently Asked questions
Carterton Library closed 27 & 28 October
Please note these library closures for next week. Our library system is getting an upgrade! All Wairarapa Library Service libraries will be closed on Monday 27 October for Labour Weekend and Tuesday 28 October while we complete the update. You may notice some...
Carterton Toy Library and Carterton District Council
A shared statement from Carterton Community Toy Library and Carterton District Council timeline, and questions and answers on the Toy Library. Statement As Carterton Library transitions to independent operations following the disestablishment of the Wairarapa...
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...
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing?
Our systems are getting an upgrade and from Wednesday 29 October.
Carterton Library and South Wairarapa Libraries [Martinborough, Featherston, Greytown] will officially operate as two separate entities.
Each library will continue to provide all your favourite services. This means there will be seperate websites and apps.
Patrons will need to use the website and apps of their ‘home library’ [the district you live in].
How do I know which is my 'home library'?
You belong to the library based on the district you reside in. For example, if you live in the Carterton District your ‘home library’ is Carterton Library. If you live in the South Wairarapa District, your ‘home library’ is South Wairarapa Libraries.
Why is it important to have my ‘home library set up correctly?
To have a clear home base and know where to update or register your details and be able to reserve and renew items.
What do I need to do?
The current Wairarapa Library Service website will redirect you to your ‘home library’ website.
If you live in Carterton District, you will need to log in to the new Carterton Library website to access your details and reserve items.
Don’t worry: if you go to the WLS website, you will be redirected from there. If you live in the South Wairarapa District, you will need to log in to the new South Wairarapa Libraries website to access your details and reserve items.
Both websites will also provide updates on any changes and additional information you might need. You can also access the websites through these urls:
- Carterton Library: https://cartertonlibrary.spydus.co.nz/
- South Wairarapa Libraries: https://swlibrary.spydus.co.nz/
How do I access the library app?
The same way you normally do, through the WLS app, you will be automatically redirected to the Carterton Library app.
Carterton Library patrons will be able to log into the Carterton Library app from Wednesday 29 October onwards.
You will be taken there directly from the Wairarapa Library Service app.
South Wairarapa Libraries patrons will be able to access their app within the next few days.
How do I access Libby?
You will need to log in to Libby and reconfirm your ‘home library’ name as well as your library card and pin numbers. If you experience any problems please contact your ‘home library’.
How do I access Beamafilm?
You will need to log in to Beamafilm and reconfirm your ‘home library’ name as well as your library card and pin numbers. If you experience any problems please contact your ‘home library’.
Are Carterton Library and South Wairarapa Libraries still part of SMART?
Yes. Both Carterton Library and South Wairarapa Libraries patrons, along with those from our SMART partners; Masterton District Library, Hutt City Libraries, Porirua City Libraries, and Kāpiti Coast District Libraries,will still be able to access and borrow from over 600,000 items in the SMART collection.
Can I still borrow from and return books to libraries that aren't my 'home library'?
Yes, both Carterton Library and South Wairarapa Libraries remain part of the SMART network and books can be borrowed from, reserved from, and returned to any SMART library.
Do I need to get a new library card?
No. Currently, your library card number and PIN will stay unchanged.
Will Homelink still be operating?
Yes. If you reside in the Carterton district, your Homelink deliveries will be coordinated and made from Carterton Library. If you reside in the South Wairarapa district, your deliveries will be coordinated and made from South Wairarapa Libraries.
Will I still be able to take my kids to story times?
Yes, Carterton Library and all South Wairarapa Libraries will continue to run Wā Kōrero story time sessions at the same time and on the same days.
Will my ‘home library’ have its own social media platforms?
Yes, both the Carterton Library and South Wairarapa Libraries will be relaunching separate Facebook pages and Instagram accounts in early November. In the meantime, you can find information for both library networks on the Wairarapa Library Service Facebook page.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
- Carterton Library:library@cdc.govt.nz
- South Wairarapa Libraries: libraries@swdc.govt.nz