7 September 2026

Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library temporary closure

Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library will close from 4pm on Sunday, 13 September to prepare for its move from the temporary location at 21 Devonport Road.

Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library temporary closure
Te Ao Mārama Tauranga Library and Community Hub is reopening on 16 October 2026.

Council’s customer service centre will remain at the same site until 5pm on Friday, 9 October.

The new Library and Community Hub at Te Manawataki o Te Papa on Willow Street will open on Friday, 16 October. It will provide a city centre location for accessing Council services such as payment enquiries and dog registrations. Council Chambers, used for council meetings, will remain at 90 Devonport Road. 

During the closure, books, archives and other items held in Tauranga Library’s collection will be unavailable. Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui and Greerton libraries, as well as the Mobile Library and eCollections (digital library), will remain open as usual, with borrowing and returns available. The returns slot at 21 Devonport Road will also remain open throughout the closure.

The move marks the return of the library to its original site at the corner of Willow and Wharf Streets, and the opening of the first new building as part of Te Manawataki o Te Papa. A community celebration day will be held on Saturday, 17 October with activities for all ages. 

Tauranga city centre offers plenty of parking, with on-street parking a great option if you’re staying for less than 2 hours. On-street parking is available on Wharf and Willow Streets and other streets in the area, including accessible spaces.  

A loading and drop-off zone will be available outside the Library and Community Hub on Wharf Street for returning books and passenger drop-offs. 

Off-street carparks and parking buildings are the best option for longer stays. The closest facilities are the Spring Street parking building and the TV3 carpark on Wharf Street.  

Parking is free every weekend,and on public holidays, and is also free after 5pm on weekdays. A 20-minute grace period, with no payment required, applies to all council-operated parking in the city centre and is helpful for quick drop-offs and pick-ups.     

For further information about affected library services, including access to your items on hold, visit: library.tauranga.govt.nz/about-us/our-new-library-and-community-hub 

Posted: 7 September 2026
Categories: News, Te Papa, City-wide
Tags: City centre, Civic redevelopment, Community, Building

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