Ponsonby local history

History of the Leys Institute Community Library

In the late 1800s William Leys, who was then the Chairman of the Ponsonby School Committee, was concerned about boys loitering on the street corners, losing the benefit of school education. He had a vision to build a library to encourage recreational reading and learning. After William Leys' death in 1899, funds provided from his bequest and funds also provided by his brother Thomson Leys made possible the building of the Leys Institute which was opened in 1905. In 1906 a gymnasium was added to the complex, built from a bequest made by William Mason, a local resident.

In the early 1900s the complex was a real community centre, with an active library and gym club, and the halls being used by various clubs. Over the years members of the family have been heavily involved in the running of the library, also making outstanding financial commitments.

The complex was handed over to the Auckland City Council in 1964 and trusts bequeathed by the Leys family have continued to enhance the services provided.

Local history resources include:

• Ponsonby local history file.
• Newspaper clippings.
• Pamphlets and booklets.
• Extensive photographs of prominent buildings and historic views.
• Online heritage images (search Heritage Images Online).
• Heritage Trail leaflet

Books of local historical interest held are:

• Ponsonby, a bibliography compiled by Rosemary Cooke, 1964. 
• Ponsonby 1982.
• Beauty of the Bay - St Mary’s Bay and Westhaven by Glenys Hopkinson, 2001.
• One man’s dream: the Leys Institute and the family who founded it by Coral Ridling, c 2001.
• A hundred years in Herne Bay by Marjory F. E. Adams, c 2001.

Take a look at the Virtual exhibition that shows images of Ponsonby and the Leys institute from the past and the present, along with photos from the recent centenary celebrations.

Talks to groups on local history and tours of the library can be arranged - for more information, contact us.