Using other libraries

Agreement with Hamilton City Libraries ending 30 September

The agreement allowing our residents to use Hamilton City Libraries will come to an end on 30 September.

Instead, we will use that money towards enhancing and growing the services in the Waikato district. We’ll also be working with other councils, including Hamilton City Council, to create a shared service across the region.

Residents that live close to Hamilton are the most affected by this decision.  As a result, those that that are active Hamilton City Library users in near-by areas will receive one free 12-month library membership per household.

Access to libraries in Waipa, Matamata-Piako and Hauraki district will remain free for Waikato District Council residents and ratepayers.

Exciting times ahead! 

In the next 12 months we will be working with you to find out what services you require, now and into the future.  We’ll also be working with other councils, including Hamilton City Council, to create a shared service across the region.

Note: In 2017 Waikato District Council began the process of reviewing its library contracts with Hamilton City Council and with Waipa District Council. At this time the public was asked to provide feedback. We received more than 5000 submissions.

• 47.4% wanted status quo – for Council to continue negotiating agreements so that residents could access libraries in our neighbouring districts
• 21.4% wanted us to cancel the agreements
• 20.3% wanted us to cancel the agreements and introduce an e-book collection and mobile library service
• 10.8% wanted us to cancel the agreements and work with our communities to get new ideas.

After undertaking contract re-negotiations it has become clear that the amount money we were spending with Hamilton City Council would be better used to enhance our own services and investing a shared service across the entire Waikato region. Your feedback clearly showed that our libraries are very valued in our communities and we want to be able to provide the best service possible to meet your needs, now and into the future.