Westport Carnegie Library

Westport was having a lucky day in 1904 when US Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie saw fit to make a donation for nearly $10,000 to build a free library in the town. A local man, Mr James Powell, also supported the project financially. Up it went, like hundreds he built around the globe, and here it remains, heritage listed on Lyndhurst Street, unfortunately now not serving any purpose other than worrying the locals as to how to maintain it.

Council has taken over library services here but there is not yet a plan for management of the old library, which is opposite the Council buildings. Reportedly earthquake prone, it is also said to be intact and original inside, just looking for a new purpose and an injection of maintenance.

Image Credit: The New Westport Free Library, 1904, Auckland Weekly New, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections,