Building a Reading Room at the Manurewa Community Library

The Manurewa Community Library has long been one of the most loved community spaces in South Auckland — but the children's section had been operating out of a corner of the main floor for years. When the library committee asked whether we could help fit out a dedicated children's reading room, we said yes immediately.

What We Did

Over three months, our team helped with two parts of the project. First, we covered the fit-out costs — flooring, soft seating, low shelving, and the lovely curved book display that the kids now climb on. Second, on the install weekend, around fifteen of us turned up on a Saturday morning with our families and helped move furniture, assemble shelves, and paint a feature wall.

Opening Day

The room opened to the public on a Sunday afternoon in March. By 2pm, every cushion was occupied and the librarian had run out of storytime sign-up sheets. We are told the room has been busy ever since.