Linwood Public Library
Dates
- Existence: 1909 - 1993
Biography
The Linwood Citizens’ Association, established in 1908 under the leadership of Daniel Richardson (1854-1936), opened a Library in 1909 leasing the old Linwood Borough Council building on the corner of Stanmore and Worcester Streets from the Christchurch City Council for this purpose. A public meeting was held on 30 April “to establish a public library in Linwood”. The library’s stated goals being to improve public utilities in the suburb, and to safeguard and enhance general civic welfare. The initial subscription fee was 5 shillings per annum. A free children's service was introduced in 1954. This service was supported by Council rates through the Public Library, with books being purchased from a special fund. The Canterbury Public Library was taken over by the City Council in 1948 and opened its first surburban library in Spreydon in 1971. It was not until November 1993 that Linwood Public Library was finally opened opposite the new Eastgate shopping mall. This building was closed by earthquake damage and later arson. A new library was opened upstairs in the Eastgate mall on 30 April 2013