Libraries popularity grows in new yearly stats
New stats show Whangārei libraries are thriving community hubs! 📔
Library Manager Paula Urlich says it’s really encouraging to see the use of libraries continuing to increase. “In the past, people thought that libraries would become obsolete with the rise of eBooks. In fact, we’re finding the opposite; people still want to read physical books and the borrowing of physical books is increasing at a faster rate than that of eBooks.”
The average number of items borrowed per month, over the past year is 66,000 and average monthly visitors to the libraries is 32,000. This is an increase from the previous year, which saw an average of 63,000 items borrowed per month and 31,000 average monthly visitors.
📸 Picture: Library staff are still buzzing from the Night Café Whangārei at the Central Library during the Love it Here Festival. Performances, tutorials, tours, board games and writing competitions generated a warm, inviting atmosphere where visitors could hang out and ‘just be’.
Sunday Christmas Market @ Reyburn House Town Basin
Sunday 14 December · 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei
Get ready for a festive day out at our Sunday Christmas Market!
Wander through a wonderland of arts, crafts, handmade gifts, delicious food, and unique local shopping—perfect for those last-minute Christmas presents or a special treat for yourself!
- Dog Friendly – Bring your furry friends along
- Free Parking
- Free Entry – Everyone welcome!
Whether you're supporting local makers, enjoying the holiday atmosphere, or just looking for a relaxing Sunday outing by the water, this is the place to be.
Location: 17–30 Reyburn House Lane, Town Basin, Whangārei
Come and celebrate the magic of the season with us! ✨
See you there!
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
Poll: Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in Northland?
When tourists take over the streets and parking disappears, where do you find your calm?
Or is summer’s hustle something to enjoy rather than escape?
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75% I enjoy the summer hubbub!
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25% Please, give me some peace
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0% I escape the region during summer
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