Christchurch Library Hours 2026
Christchurch's library network includes 6 listed locations across New Zealand's largest South Island city. The public branches are Christchurch Community Library, Christchurch Local Library - East Branch, and Christchurch Main Library. Two specialist facilities, the Christchurch Reference Library and Christchurch Law Library, serve more focused needs. The University of Christchurch College Library rounds out the listings. Public branches provide Wi-Fi, computer access, printing, study rooms, and children's sections. Rare book collections feature at most locations, and archival resources are held at the Community Library, Local Library, Main Library, and Reference Library. All branches open on Sundays from 13:00 to 17:00, while the university library extends its weekday hours from 07:00 to 23:00. Research support and exhibitions appear across multiple branches, giving Christchurch residents broad access to both general and specialist resources.
⚡ Quick Actions - Christchurch Libraries
Helpful links for Christchurch library visitors. Always verify current hours before visiting.
Christchurch Public Library Branches
Christchurch Community Library
Public library
Address: 6828 Church St, Christchurch 5033, New Zealand
Phone: +64 2 764 8080
Website: christchurchcommunit.govt.nz
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Services: Free WiFi, Printing & copying, Research help, Archives, Rare books, Manuscripts, Exhibitions
Christchurch Local Library - East Branch
Public library
Address: 6148 Queen St, Christchurch 4600, New Zealand
Phone: +64 1 523 5234
Website: christchurchlocallib.govt.nz
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Services: Free WiFi, Public computers, Study rooms, Printing & copying, Archives, Events & talks, Children's area, Rare books, Exhibitions
Christchurch Main Library
Public library
Address: 7630 High St, Christchurch 9756, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 418 8693
Website: christchurchmainlibr.govt.nz
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Services: Free WiFi, Study rooms, Printing & copying, Research help, Archives, Children's area, Rare books, Manuscripts, 24-hour access
University & Specialist Libraries in Christchurch
University of Christchurch - College Library
University library
Address: 1286 First St, Christchurch 3936, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 218 1162
Website: universityofchristch.govt.nz
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
Services: Public computers, Study rooms, Printing & copying, Research help, Events & talks, Manuscripts, Exhibitions
Christchurch Reference Library
Special library
Address: 5034 Church St, Christchurch 7218, New Zealand
Phone: +64 8 242 1593
Website: christchurchreferenc.govt.nz
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Services: Study rooms, Printing & copying, Research help, Archives, Children's area, Rare books, Exhibitions, 24-hour access
Christchurch Law Library
Special library
Address: 6018 Oak St, Christchurch 6101, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 198 9293
Website: christchurchlawlibra.govt.nz
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Services: Free WiFi, Public computers, Study rooms, Printing & copying, Children's area, Rare books
Christchurch Library Visitor Tips
All public and specialist branches share the same Sunday hours (13:00-17:00), so pick the one closest to you.
The Main Library offers 24-hour access features alongside rare books and manuscripts, making it a strong choice for extended research visits.
If you need legal materials, the Christchurch Law Library provides dedicated resources alongside general services like Wi-Fi and study rooms.
About Christchurch Libraries
Library membership in Christchurch is free for New Zealand residents. A single card provides borrowing access at public branches, and items can be returned at any participating location. Digital collections are available through platforms like Libby and BorrowBox, offering e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines at no extra cost. PressReader gives cardholders access to international newspapers. Study rooms are available at the Local Library, Main Library, Reference Library, Law Library, and the university library. Printing and photocopying are offered at all six locations. Children's programmes operate at the Local Library, Main Library, Reference Library, and Law Library. The Reference Library holds archival and rare book collections suited to historical and genealogical research. The Law Library provides specialist legal resources. For current event schedules or to place holds on materials, contact the branch using the details listed above.
Christchurch libraries at a glance
- 6 libraries listed: 3 public libraries, 2 special libraries, 1 university library
- Earliest weekday opening: 7:00 AM — University of Christchurch - College Library (Monday)
- Latest weekday closing: 11:00 PM — University of Christchurch - College Library (Monday)
- Open on Sunday: 6 of 6 libraries
- Most common services: Printing & copying (6), Study rooms (5), Rare books (5), Research help (4), Exhibitions (4)
Visitor Tip: Hours on this page are the published weekly schedule for each Christchurch branch. Public holidays, term breaks and special events can change them — the phone number and website on each card are the fastest way to confirm before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Christchurch library is open on Sunday?
All six locations open on Sundays. The five non-university branches all open from 13:00 to 17:00. The University of Christchurch College Library opens from 11:00 to 23:00.
What are the opening hours of Christchurch Main Library?
The Main Library opens Monday to Thursday 09:00-20:00, Friday 09:00-17:00, Saturday 09:00-17:00, and Sunday 13:00-17:00.
How many public libraries are listed in Christchurch?
Six library locations are listed: three public branches (Community Library, Local Library - East Branch, Main Library), two specialist libraries (Reference Library, Law Library), and one university library.
Which Christchurch library opens earliest on weekdays?
The University of Christchurch College Library opens earliest at 07:00. All other branches open at 09:00 on weekdays.