Collections

Overview

Libraries Horowhenua holds a collection of books, magazines, audio books and DVDs which are available for lending. We also have newspapers and reference resources which can be accessed online or used when visiting one of our branches.

If you can't find what you're looking for, please ask us or email [email protected].

We also welcome suggestions of what we could buy to enhance our collection - view our catalogue page for more information.

In addition to general recreational collections we have a number of special interest collections. These include:

  • Local and family history resources
  • Māori Land Court Otaki Minute Books
  • Telephone directories
  • Electoral rolls
  • Consumer magazine.

Children

We keep all of our collections fresh and up to date and the children's library is no exception. Within the children's section there are picture books to share with younger children, including books by New Zealand authors, and a growing collection of picture books in Te Reo Māori and Pacific Island languages.

Children's fiction ranges from the first readers to full length novels for the more advanced reader, and a wide range of subjects are covered by non-fiction books written for children.

Youth

We have a comprehensive collection available to young adults.  These collections include recreational fiction reads, non-fiction, magazines and graphic novels. 

Te Ao Māori

Te Ao Māori is a specialised collection of books relating to Te Ao Māori - the Māori World. This collection contains tribal histories, Māori language resources, information on the Treaty of Waitangi, issues before the Māori land court and magazines.

Large Print

Our collection of large print books is especially valued by our senior library members and we are continually building this collection.

Audio Books

We have a core collection of audio books which belong to our library and we also have a rotating collection from the National Library. If you don't have a player for CDs, we have a small but growing online collection of downloadable audiobooks. 

DVDs

Libraries Horowhenua has a varied collection of DVDs for loan.  Our collection for children and adults contain new and classic titles and includes movies, television series, documentaries and music.   

Magazines

We have a wide range of titles on all subjects, from gardening to genealogy, the economist to photography, health and fitness to fine arts and craftwork. Come and have a browse - there is sure to be something to please.  If you can't find a magazine you are looking for in the library try our online collection of magazines through PressReader which can be found in our online databases.

Electronic Databases / eResources

We subscribe to a number of electronic reference resources which you can access using your library card. Most of these are available for you to access anywhere at any time of the day.

View our Databases

Some resources, such as Ancestory.com. are only available for use within our branches.