At that time books were supplied by the National Library Service and the library was open once a week on boat days. In the late 1970's the wharf, including the shed, were demolished and a new wharf was built. The library books were moved to an old generator shed, just up the road from the wharf.  This shed stood on road reserve and belonged to the 'Nurses Cottage'.

In 1978 Mary Blake-Palmer became the librarian, shelving was put up in the generator shed and Mary filled these with the library books which were mainly children's books, reference, biographies, preschool puzzles and jigsaws. The concrete pad for the generator dominated the shed and rats, slaters and spiders were bountiful within. For 5 years the library was available free of charge to locals and open 3 mornings a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In the early 1980's a small fee was instigated to cover the freight costs for the National Library Service books.

Eventually the shed was weatherproofed and a coat of paint was applied. Slaters and spiders were then relegated to luxurious outdoor living.

In 1986 Peta Stavelli became the community librarian and her desire was to replace the generator shed with a new library building. Permission for this was not approved by the community board and at a liquid infused dinner party a plan was hatched to erect a building under cover of darkness and see what happened. However, this wasn't necessary as permission was subsequently granted.

Fundraising began and two dances were held at the Port FitzRoy Boating Club. These dances raised about $3,000 and $600 was raised at an annual gala. $4,500 was the cost of the building which was designed and built by John Lowe and many volunteers from the community.

P&D Timber from Patumahoe offered a good discount to cut and supply the timber for walls, floors and decks and they also donated the timber for the shelving. A visiting builder, Mike Waterhouse, saw the building under construction and asked if anything was needed. On the next freight barge a set of French doors arrived, free of charge. The other recycled windows were also donated. The building required sanding and painting with many locals giving their time and energy to the project. Barry Fenn made and donated the stained glass window in the front of the building. Open Day, in the late 1980's was celebrated with champagne cocktails. Local kaumatua, Opo Ngawaka, blessed the building.

Books for the library are no longer sourced from the National Library Service but are purchased with community funding and many are donated, often boxes appearing at the store or the library with no details of where they have come from.   This generosity is very much appreciated and keeps our library shelves full for the members. 

For many years the role of librarian was filled by Connie Quirk who ran the Port FitzRoy Store.  She was followed by Shelley Amos, Denise LaNauze and Kay Stowell. Over the years various library committees have formed and many people have been involved in this community venture, supporting the librarian and offering practical help when it is required. The library has always been run on a voluntary basis. 

In 1999 a computer database was made of all the books in the library from lists meticulously handwritten by Connie Quirk. In 2003 funding was sought and received to build a step around the library deck with timber and materials generously donated by Glen Bracewell.

The North Barrier Library holds about 1800 books and still charges a minimal yearly subscription.

Copyright Article