Auckland University Library Hours 2025 - All Campuses
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University of Auckland Libraries (Waipapa Taumata Rau - Māori name meaning "elevated platform of learning") serve New Zealand's largest university with 40,000+ students across 8 specialized libraries and over 4 million items. The flagship General Library at City Campus operates 24 hours, 7 days during teaching weeks (term time), making it one of the Southern Hemisphere's most accessible academic libraries with 2,000+ study seats, Kate Edger Information Commons 24hr space, and New Zealand's largest academic collection.
Located just 3 minutes' walk from Britomart Train Station in Auckland CBD, General Library (Building 109, 5 Alfred Street) welcomes community visitors for reference use - no University ID needed for browsing, research, WiFi, and study spaces (borrowing requires University affiliation or paid Community Borrower membership). The iconic 1960s Brutalist concrete building houses 9 floors of resources from silent study zones (Levels 5-7) to collaborative group rooms, PhD carrels, and the after-hours Kate Edger Information Commons that provides round-the-clock access during peak study periods.
University of Auckland (ranked #68 worldwide in QS 2025) operates specialist libraries including Fine Arts, Architecture & Planning, Medical & Health Sciences (Grafton Campus), Davis Law Library, and the unique Māori & Pacific Collection reflecting Aotearoa New Zealand's bicultural heritage. With free WiFi throughout, 100+ bookable group study rooms, extensive digital resources, and extended hours during semester (Feb-June, July-Nov), Auckland University Libraries offer world-class facilities for students, researchers, and Auckland community members seeking academic resources beyond public library collections.
📚 General Library (Main Library)
Address: Building 109, 5 Alfred Street, Auckland CBD 1010
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext. 87000
Email: libraryhelpdesk@auckland.ac.nz
Website: library.auckland.ac.nz
Current Opening Hours
| Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| During Teaching Weeks (Semester 1: Feb-June, Semester 2: July-Nov) | |
| Monday - Sunday | 24 HOURS (Continuous 24/7 access) |
| After-Hours Entry | Kate Edger Information Commons (Level B1) via swipe card |
| Outside Teaching Weeks (Mid-year break, End-of-year, Exam-only periods) | |
| Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| University Holidays | |
| Christmas/New Year (Mid-Dec to late Jan) | CLOSED or reduced hours (check website) |
| ANZAC Day (25 April) | CLOSED |
| Waitangi Day (6 Feb), Queen's Birthday, Labour Day | Reduced hours or CLOSED |
⚠️ Hours vary by academic calendar. Teaching weeks = when classes are running (NOT exam-only weeks or mid-semester breaks). Check library.auckland.ac.nz/about-us/contact-us/opening-hours for today's hours and current semester dates. Kate Edger Information Commons provides 24hr access during teaching weeks via University ID swipe.
Getting to General Library
🚂 Train (BEST OPTION)
From Britomart Station: Just 3 minutes' walk! Exit Britomart → Walk up Queen Street 100m → Turn right onto Customs Street East → Becomes Alfred Street → General Library on left (Building 109, distinctive concrete Brutalist building). Fully flat, wheelchair-accessible route.
Why Train is Best: Britomart is Auckland's main train hub, served by all Auckland Transport train lines (Western, Southern, Eastern, Onehunga). Direct trains from Newmarket (8 mins), Parnell (3 mins), Glen Innes (25 mins), Henderson (35 mins). Trains every 10-20 minutes peak times. HOP card $2.50-4.50 depending on zones.
From Auckland Airport: SkyBus direct to Britomart (45-60 mins, $18 adult) → 3-minute walk to library.
🚌 Bus
Hundreds of Auckland Transport routes serve City Campus. Key stops:
- Symonds Street (outside Engineering Building) - 2-minute walk to General Library. Routes: 18, 22N, 24, 27, 274, 295, 309, 70, NX1, NX2
- Alfred Street - Directly outside library. Routes: INNER, OUTER Link (free within city), 274, 277
- Princes Street - 3-minute walk. Routes: 18, 24, 27, 274, 277, 295, 309
Use HOP card (Auckland's transport card) for best fares. Single bus trip $2.50-4.50. Day pass $18. Buy HOP card at Britomart, convenience stores, or use contactless credit card.
🚗 Driving & Parking
⚠️ WARNING: City Campus parking is VERY LIMITED and EXPENSIVE. Public transport strongly recommended!
If you must drive:
- Clocktower Car Park (22 Princes Street) - 200m from General Library. $5/hour, $25/day. Often full weekdays 9am-5pm. Tiny spiral ramp - large vehicles difficult!
- Civic Car Park (Mayoral Drive/Greys Avenue) - 400m walk. $4.50/hour, $18/day. Larger capacity, easier access.
- Auckland Domain Car Park (Park Road) - FREE! 800m walk (10 mins). Often has space. Beautiful walk through Auckland Domain (largest park).
- Wilson Parking Airedale Street - $5/hour, $30/day. 600m walk.
Visitor Parking: VERY limited visitor parking on campus (Engineering Road, Wynyard Street). 2-hour max, $6/hour via PayByPhone app. Wardens patrol constantly - tickets $60+!
Directions: From Southern Motorway (SH1) → Exit 423 Symonds Street → Follow Symonds Street through Newmarket → Becomes Grafton Road → Turn left onto Alten Road → Right onto Alfred Street. From Northern Motorway → Exit at Fanshawe Street → Follow to Symonds Street → Turn right, library 5 minutes ahead.
🚴 Cycling
Bike parking at General Library rear (Wynyard Street side) - 50+ Sheffield stands, free, covered, monitored by CCTV. Auckland cycleway network growing - Northwestern Cycleway connects to city. Be cautious - Auckland hills steep, traffic busy!
What Makes General Library Special
- 24/7 Access During Teaching Weeks - General Library operates continuously Monday-Sunday during Semester 1 (Feb-June) and Semester 2 (July-Nov) teaching weeks. Kate Edger Information Commons (Level B1) provides after-hours access with University ID swipe.
- Kate Edger Information Commons (Level B1) - 24-hour study space during term with 400+ seats, desktop computers, WiFi, power outlets, group study rooms, vending machines. Named after Kate Edger, New Zealand's first female university graduate (1877). After-hours security via swipe-card entry.
- Silent Study Zones (Levels 5-7) - Absolutely NO talking enforced. Individual carrels with desk lamps, perfect for deep concentration during exams. Level 7 most popular but fills first - try Level 5 for better seat availability!
- 100+ Group Study Rooms - Bookable online via MyUniverse student portal (or ask staff if visiting). Rooms 4-12 people, whiteboards, monitors with HDMI. Book up to 7 days ahead. During exams (Nov/June), rooms reserved solid - book early morning of day before!
- New Zealand's Largest Academic Collection - 4+ million items including 2 million books, 500,000+ e-books, journals, databases, theses, archives. Special Collections including rare NZ & Pacific materials, manuscripts, University Archives.
- Special Collections & Archives (Level 1) - Rare books, manuscripts, historical documents, University of Auckland Archives. Sir George Grey Special Collections (19th-century NZ history). Viewing by appointment - email specialcollections@auckland.ac.nz.
- Research Help Desk (Level 2) - Staffed by librarians Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Get help with research strategies, finding materials, citations, database searching. Subject librarians for specialist help. "Ask a Librarian" online chat available library hours.
- Free WiFi Throughout - "UoA" network for University members (login required), "eduroam" for visiting academics from other universities, visitor WiFi for community users (register at desk). Excellent coverage all 9 floors.
- Printing & Scanning - MultiFunction Devices (MFDs) on all floors. Students get printing credit ($10/semester included). Visitors can print via pay station (cash/card). Scanning FREE for everyone - scan to email/USB. Color printing available.
- PhD Study Carrels - Lockable individual study carrels for PhD students (apply via library). Long-term dedicated space for doctoral research. Limited availability, allocated annually.
🎨 Fine Arts Library (Elam)
Location: Building 301, 20 Whitaker Place, Auckland 1010
Phone: +64 9 923 2833
Current Hours
| Monday - Thursday (Term) | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday (Term) | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | CLOSED |
What's Here: Fine Arts Library serves Elam School of Fine Arts with 40,000+ books on art history, contemporary art, photography, design, film. Extensive periodicals, exhibition catalogs, artist monographs. Beautiful small library in historic Elam building. Perfect for art students, art historians, practicing artists researching techniques/movements.
⚖️ Davis Law Library
Location: Building 801, 9-11 Eden Crescent, Auckland 1010
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext. 88501
Current Hours
| Monday - Friday (Term) | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday (Term) | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
What's Here: Davis Law Library (opened 2017, part of new Owen G Glenn Law Building) serves Auckland Law School with comprehensive legal collection: NZ case law, statutes, legal journals, international law, comparative law databases. Modern study spaces with silent zones, group rooms, café. Public can access for legal research (reference only). Largest law library in NZ.
📖 Study Spaces Guide (General Library)
Silent Study Zones (Levels 5-7)
Noise Level: ABSOLUTE SILENCE - no talking, no phone calls, no group work
Best For: Exam revision, thesis writing, reading dense textbooks, deep concentration
Features: Individual study carrels with desk lamps, ergonomic chairs, windows overlooking Auckland CBD
Capacity: 600+ individual seats across three floors
Note: Level 7 most popular (fills by 10am during exams). Level 5 often has better availability. Library monitors enforce silence - you'll be asked to leave if talking/on phone!
Kate Edger Information Commons (Level B1)
Noise Level: Moderate - talking allowed, collaborative friendly
Best For: Late-night study (24hr during term), group discussions, laptop work, after-hours access
Features: 400+ seats, 100+ desktop PCs, printing, vending machines, toilets, WiFi, after-hours security entry
Hours: 24/7 during teaching weeks (swipe card entry midnight-7am). Outside term: closes 10pm weekdays, 6pm weekends
Fun Fact: Known as "The Cave" by students due to basement location. Legendary all-nighter study spot during exam periods!
Group Study Rooms (All Levels)
Noise Level: Normal conversation, presentations allowed
Best For: Group assignments, presentation practice, study groups, collaborative projects
Features: Whiteboards, monitors with HDMI, 4-12 person capacity, bookable online
Booking: Reserve via MyUniverse portal up to 7 days ahead (2-hour max, can rebook). Walk-ins possible if available (check digital signage outside rooms).
Rooms: 100+ across General Library. Most popular: Level 3-4 rooms (near café, convenient)
Collaborative Learning Spaces (Levels 2-4)
Noise Level: Moderate conversation, laptop-friendly
Best For: Casual study, between-class work, meeting friends, coffee breaks
Features: Comfortable seating, power outlets, near General Library Café (Level 3), natural light
🌟 Top 3 Study Spots at Auckland University Libraries
1. General Library Silent Study (Level 7)
Why Students Love It: Absolute silence, stunning views overlooking Auckland Domain and CBD skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Perfect for hardcore exam prep when you need ZERO distractions.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings before 10am (less crowded). During exams, arrive by 8am or it's full! Quietest: Friday afternoons (many students finished for week).
Insider Tip: Window seats most coveted but can have glare 2-5pm on sunny days. Central carrels better lighting control. Bring water bottle - no food/drink except water, and it's a long trek back to Level 3 café!
2. Kate Edger Information Commons (Level B1) - "The Cave"
Why Students Love It: 24-HOUR ACCESS during term! Perfect for night owls, all-nighters before assignment deadlines, international students adjusting to NZ timezone. Vending machines + toilets inside = no leaving after midnight!
Best Time to Visit: 10pm-7am (seriously!). Surprisingly busy 1-4am during assignment deadline weeks. Quieter: weekday afternoons 2-5pm.
Insider Tip: Basement = no natural light. Bring desk lamp if you're sensitive to fluorescent lighting. Stock up on snacks before midnight (vending machines expensive). Security staff patrol after hours - show student ID on entry.
3. Davis Law Library (Owen G Glenn Building)
Why Students Love It: NEWEST library (opened 2017), modern design, amazing views, less crowded than General Library. Café on ground floor, beautiful architecture. Non-law students welcome!
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings (8-11am) before law lectures. Weekends surprisingly quiet - law students take Saturdays off!
Insider Tip: Upper levels have spectacular views across Auckland. Study rooms book out less quickly than General Library (law students use specialist collections, fewer study room bookings). Perfect overflow when General Library packed!
💡 6 Insider Tips for Auckland University Libraries
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Exam Period = War Zone - Arrive EARLY or Use Alternatives
General Library during "swot vac" (study week before exams) and exam periods (June, November) is PACKED by 9am. Silent Study (Levels 5-7) full by 8:30am, group rooms booked solid. Pro strategies: (1) Arrive 7:30am for seat choice, (2) Use Davis Law Library (less crowded, just as good), (3) Kate Edger 24hr access (study midnight-7am when quiet), (4) Try Architecture Library or Fine Arts Library (tiny but peaceful), (5) Auckland City Library (Lorne Street, 10-min walk, public library, often overlooked by students). Don't waste time hunting for seats 10am onwards during exams!
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Book Group Study Rooms at Midnight - 7 Days Ahead!
MyUniverse portal opens bookings exactly 7 days ahead at midnight. During semester, popular times (weekday evenings 5-9pm) book out within HOURS. Hack: Set phone alarm for 11:55pm, log into MyUniverse at midnight, book your preferred room/time for next week. Alternatively: mornings (8-10am) and Friday afternoons less popular, better availability. You can book max 2 hours, but rebook immediately after for another 2-hour slot if available (system allows back-to-back if not reserved by others).
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Public Transport is Genuinely Easier Than Driving
Britomart Train Station is 3-MINUTE WALK from General Library - faster than finding parking! Trains from North Shore (via Parnell), South Auckland, West Auckland every 10-20 mins. HOP card $2.50-4.50 return vs parking $25/day + stress finding space. Clocktower Car Park (closest to library) has tiny spiral ramp - large cars/SUVs struggle. Auckland Domain Car Park is FREE but 10-min walk. During semester, campus parking full by 8:30am. Train = stress-free, cheaper, faster. Trust Aucklanders on this!
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Community Visitors CAN Use Libraries - But Know the Rules
Non-students CAN visit for research, study spaces, WiFi (ask info desk for visitor WiFi). You CANNOT borrow books without University affiliation. Bring photo ID for building entry (security checks at doors). Best times for visitors: weekday mornings (fewer students), mid-semester breaks, summer (Jan-Feb). Community Borrower membership ($100/year) gives borrowing privileges if you need materials regularly - worth it for researchers, teachers, professionals needing academic resources. Alternatively: Auckland City Libraries (FREE borrowing) has good collections for general public.
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Food & Drink Policy - Where You Can Eat
General Library Café (Level 3) sells coffee, sandwiches, snacks - open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closes 3pm during uni holidays). Food/drinks allowed ONLY in designated areas: Level 3 near café, Kate Edger Information Commons (Level B1). Floors 5-7 Silent Study = WATER BOTTLES WITH LIDS ONLY, strictly enforced. Staff will confiscate food/coffee! Bring sealed water bottle for upper floors. Lunch break options: Engineering Café (Building 401), Shadows Bar & Café (Student Union), or walk 5 minutes to Queen Street/High Street for hundreds of options (sushi, pies, kebabs, cafés).
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Use "Swot Vac" Week Wisely - It's Not a Holiday!
"Swot vac" (study vacation) is the week BEFORE exams with no lectures - prime revision time. This is when General Library goes absolutely mental - 24hr access utilized heavily, students camping out overnight, every seat taken by 8am. If you're serious about study: (1) Claim your spot early (arrive 7:30am), (2) Use less popular libraries (Davis Law, Fine Arts, Architecture), (3) Study at home if you have good setup (library will stress you out when packed), (4) Overnight sessions at Kate Edger (1-6am surprisingly productive, fewer distractions). Swot vac is make-or-break for many students - don't waste it library seat-hunting!
📇 Getting Library Access
For University of Auckland Students, Staff & Researchers
Card Type: University ID card (student/staff card doubles as library card)
Borrowing Privileges: Full access - borrow books/equipment, reserve study rooms, printing credit, database access, interlibrary loans
How to Get: Card issued upon enrollment/employment. Automatically activated for library use.
Loan Limits: Undergrads 50 items, Postgrads 100 items. 2-4 week loan periods, renewals allowed (if no holds).
For Community Members & Visitors
In-Library Use: FREE! Visitors welcome for research, study, WiFi, browsing. Bring photo ID for building entry. Cannot borrow materials without membership.
Community Borrower Membership:
- Cost: $100/year (renews annually)
- Eligibility: Anyone 18+ with NZ or international ID + proof of address
- Borrowing: 10 items maximum, 2-week loans, renewals allowed
- Apply: Visit General Library Help Desk (Level 2) with photo ID + proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, tenancy agreement). Pay by EFTPOS/credit card.
- Benefits: Access General Library + all specialist libraries, online catalogue, interlibrary loans. Does NOT include printing credit, study room booking (University students only), or database/e-resource access.
Alternative - Auckland City Libraries: FREE public library service for anyone living/working in Auckland. 57 branches, 2+ million items, free borrowing, online resources. Central Library at Lorne Street (10-min walk from University). Perfect for recreational reading, general reference. University libraries better for academic/specialist research.
📞 Contact & Additional Information
General Library Help Desk
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext. 87000
Email: libraryhelpdesk@auckland.ac.nz
Location: Level 2, General Library
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (staffed desk)
Research Help & Subject Librarians
Ask a Librarian (Chat): Available during library hours
Book Research Appointment: Email subject librarian
Find Your Librarian: library.auckland.ac.nz/about-us/contact-us
Special Collections & Archives
Email: specialcollections@auckland.ac.nz
Viewing Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (appointment required)
Location: Level 1, General Library
Parking & Campus Information
Campus Parking: +64 9 373 7599 ext. 82900
Campus Security (24hr): +64 9 373 7599 ext. 89999
Visitor Info: auckland.ac.nz/visit
Important Links:
- Library Hours (All Libraries): library.auckland.ac.nz/about-us/contact-us/opening-hours
- Book Study Rooms: MyUniverse portal → Library → Book a Room
- Library Catalogue (Search): library.auckland.ac.nz
- Academic Calendar (Semester Dates): auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/life-on-campus/semester-dates-breaks.html
- Auckland Transport (Bus/Train): at.govt.nz
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Kate Edger Information Commons" and why is it famous?
Kate Edger Information Commons (Level B1, General Library) is the legendary 24-HOUR study space during teaching weeks - open continuously Monday morning through Sunday night during semester. Named after Kate Edger, NZ's first female university graduate (1877), it's known as "The Cave" by students due to basement location. Features 400+ seats, computers, vending machines, toilets, WiFi. After midnight requires University ID swipe entry (security staffed). Famous for all-nighter study sessions before assignment deadlines and exams - you'll see students camping out with sleeping bags, snacks, and determination during swot vac!
Can I really study at 3am in the library?
YES during teaching weeks! General Library operates 24/7 continuously during Semester 1 (Feb-June) and Semester 2 (July-Nov) when classes are running. Kate Edger Information Commons (Level B1) provides after-hours access - swipe your University ID at entry after midnight. Security staff patrol overnight. Many international students and night owls utilize 1-6am study time (surprisingly busy during exam periods!). Outside teaching weeks, library closes 10pm weekdays, 6pm weekends. Check website for current term dates - "teaching weeks" ≠ exam weeks or mid-semester breaks.
I'm not a student - can I still use the library?
YES! General Library welcomes community visitors for reference use, study spaces, research, and WiFi. Bring photo ID for building entry (security checks at doors). You can browse collections, use study desks, access WiFi (ask Help Desk for visitor network). You CANNOT borrow books without University affiliation or Community Borrower membership ($100/year). Perfect for: researchers, professionals needing academic resources, anyone wanting quiet study space. Busiest during semester (Feb-June, July-Nov) - come during mid-year break (July) or summer (Dec-Jan) for quieter visits.
How do I book a group study room?
University students/staff: Log into MyUniverse portal → Library tab → "Book a Room". Can book up to 7 days ahead, 2-hour maximum (can rebook for additional time if available). Bookings open midnight (exactly 7 days before). Tip: Popular times (weekday evenings) book out fast - book at midnight or choose unpopular times (early mornings, Friday afternoons). Walk-ins possible if rooms available - check digital signage outside rooms. Community visitors: Cannot book online, but can use rooms if available (ask Help Desk). During exams, rooms booked solid - book early or study in open areas!
Where can I print assignments?
General Library has MultiFunction Devices (MFDs) on all floors for printing/scanning/copying. STUDENTS get $10 printing credit per semester (usually covers 200 black & white pages). Print from: (1) Library computers (send to print queue), (2) Your laptop via MyPrint service (upload online), (3) USB stick at MFD. Costs after credit exhausted: $0.05/page B&W, $0.40 color. VISITORS can print via pay station (cash/credit card), same pricing plus $1 admin fee. Scanning is FREE for everyone - scan to email or USB. Color printing at Help Desk. Tip: Check credit balance before big assignment printing - top-ups available online!
What's "swot vac" and how does it affect library access?
"Swot vac" (study vacation) is the week BEFORE exams with no lectures - prime revision time. Occurs June (mid-year exams) and November (end-of-year exams). During swot vac: General Library is PACKED - every seat taken by 8:30am, group rooms booked solid, students camping overnight in Kate Edger, Silent Study zones absolutely rammed. This is peak library usage all year! Strategy: (1) Arrive 7:30am for seat choice, (2) Use alternative libraries (Davis Law, Fine Arts less crowded), (3) Study overnight 10pm-7am when quieter, (4) Consider studying at home if you have good setup. Swot vac + exam period (3-4 weeks total) is when you see true dedication - students with pillows, mega coffee supplies, and determination!
Plan Your Visit to Auckland University Libraries
Whether you're a University of Auckland student tackling assignments, researcher accessing specialist collections, Auckland resident needing academic resources, or visitor exploring New Zealand's largest university library, General Library and specialist libraries offer world-class facilities, 24-hour access during term, and welcoming study environments.
Before you visit: Check today's hours at library.auckland.ac.nz/opening-hours (hours vary by semester and holidays). Take train to Britomart (3-minute walk to General Library). Bring photo ID for building entry. During semester, arrive before 9am for best seat selection!
Questions? Call +64 9 373 7599 ext. 87000 or email libraryhelpdesk@auckland.ac.nz. Kia ora and happy studying! 📚🇳🇿
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Auckland University Libraries
What time do libraries open in Auckland University?
Most public libraries in Auckland University open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Auckland University libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Auckland University public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Auckland University libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.