Heritage research and services

Special collections

Special Collections is located on the level 2 of the Central City Library and is open to all library visitors. All materials are Reference Only, and may be used in our Reading Room. Our collections contain materials that require special care or handling because of their uniqueness, rarity, value or condition.

• Digital Library eresources - The Special Collections team maintain a range of useful databases including: Heritage Images Online, Maps Online, Manuscripts Online, the Ephemera index and a Photographers database. Plus they have digitised a rare William Blake book.
• Heritage images order service
• Special collections - overview
• Special Collections hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5pm
  • Saturday: 10am to 4pm
  • Sunday: Reading Room CLOSED, Exhibition Room 12pm to 4pm

Auckland Research Centre

The Auckland Research Centre is designed for research into both family and local history. We are located on level two of the Central City Library. 

• Collections in the Auckland Research Centre
• Family history research service
• Databases

Te Rōpu Rātonga Māori - Māori services team

We are specialists in researching family history, iwi history, Māori culture, issues of preservation and conservation and Māori intellectual property.

• Māori family history research service.
• Iwidex - for information on iwi history, genealogy, biographies, and historic issues such as tribal wars, events, or Māori movements
• Other useful databases