From its beginnings in the Mechanics Institute to installation in the present art gallery building (pictured) and now on Lorne Street, find out how Auckland got its free public library.

Sir George Grey's donation of his substantial private collection provided the core of the initial library collection. Rare books specialist Georgia Prince describes the nature of that initial donation and discusses possible drivers behind Grey's desire to provide Auckland with a public library.

Also former manager Geoff Chamberlain shares his memories of the "Grey Annexe" - a less than ideal space used to store special collections in the old library building.

And Rob Eruera, Poukokiri Taonga Tuku Iho Maori, discusses the complexities of keeping taonga Maori collections items within a European oriented public library system.

Image Credit: Tibor Donner, Auckland Public Library, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 1950/12 (1933)

Music credit: Run Come - Shaolin Dub

Produced by Mark Gosper - 2019-2020