Brief Overview

The Piha Library, housed in its lovely purpose-built structure designed by a local architect, Peter Joyce, is situated in the hub of the Piha Village with parking directly outside and safety gates at the entrance to keep children safe from traffic. It has a collection of well over 7000 items – books, magazines, DVDs and audiovisual materials.

We welcome new members from the 3 areas we service. Eligibility for membership is ownership or long-term rental of property in the area. The library is open for limited hours 5 days of the week, including Saturday and Sunday.

It is thanks to Mrs Dulcie Ussher and Mrs Tene Erdman that Piha has its own Community Library today. Dulcie Ussher took the first steps in the 1950s by approaching the Hamilton based Country Library Service for help through Piha’s Country Woman’s Institute. From those small beginnings, initially housed in a private home, we progressed to a rather broken down old Council implement shed and from this to the wonderful building we all know as the Piha Community Library today. Our collection has now expanded from a small book exchange to a wide range of quality stock which is much appreciated by the 3 local communities.

Visitors to the library are welcome and we take much pleasure in offering them, and our members, a reading area in which to relax and look out on the best view – Piha’s surf beach with its impressive Lion Rock in the middle of the frame!