Jenny Argante writes with a preview of a book coming out around Easter - Small Libraries of New Zealand. Over to you, Jenny:

In this beautifully produced book, Margaret Jenner, Reference and User Education Librarian at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in Tauranga, sets out on a journey that takes her from Port Fitzroy on Great Barrier Island to Gropers Bush in Southland.

Her record of this voyage of discovery is a thoughtful and inspiring book that will appeal not only to librarians and library readers, but anyone who is interested in books, buildings, history or landscape.

She learned photography for this project, and the pictures that accompany the text are of a high standard, both technically and artistically. She was a novice writer when she began, and the text that accompanies the pictures is both delightful in content and insightful in comment. A high achievement indeed.

At the book launch Margaret Jenner wittily outlined the conception, birth and delivery of Small Libraries in New Zealand, which owes a significant amount to the contribution of fellow-librarians across the country, and the secretaries of historical societies. Local history is a great strength of New Zealand publishing, and I'd expect copies of this book to be on every library shelf in New Zealand by Easter.

Many of the libraries continue in use, and a substantial percentage are now heritage sites. Tiny Pukekawa library is only 10×12‚ and still open for business. Plimmerton Library boldly proclaims its business with bold pink signage outside and hangs out a handcrafted banner complete with tassels during hours of business.

Katikati Library in the Uretara Domain (pictured) features on the mural Our People - Our Story, along with the first librarian Marjorie Hunter, who served from 1914-1954. And yes, the Elms Mission Library here in Tauranga is included - built in 1839 and the oldest free-standing library in New Zealand.

Albany Memorial Library is located at what was once known as Fingerpost Junction, and the Tudor style of the exterior is continued in the panelling of the interior. Glentunnel Library is red-brick and octagonal with patterned tiling on the outside walls.

Leigh Community Library is housed in The Cottage, and a typical homestead of 140 years ago, transported from Warkworth for relocation. The Akaroa library is located at 103, Rue Jolie in this appealling French settlement, and was rechristened the Akaroa Coronation Library in 1911 as a condition of grant-aid for major remodeling. The building resembles a traditional doll's house with its roof of terracotta tiles and its decorative fretwork on the façade.

Architecturally, this is my favourite. Amongst all those small libraries whose stories Jenner shares with us, what will be yours, I wonder?