Inside New Zealand's tiny lonely libraries! Amazing photographs show the beautiful buildings where isolated communities gather to share their love of books

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As big as a small bedroom or a small shed, these libraries located around New Zealand are probably the smallest in the world.

Based in old churches, attached to halls and post offices or stand alone iron sheds, the tiny libraries set their own opening hours which can be a few hours a day, weekly, monthly or by even request only. 

Organised by dedicated community members these tiny libraries don't have the bustling atmosphere government owned libraries feature.

Instead they provide the community with a quiet welcome, and an area where locals can relax and enjoy their surroundings.

Puhoi library known to be one of the smallest in New Zealand even boasts its own website, claiming to have over 4000 books and 500 DVDs. Entering the library is 'like stepping back in time; in winter the fire will be going and the warm smile of the volunteer librarian greets you.' 

Although not all have entered the realm of the World Wide Web they all share a connection with the locals whether its through their historical significance or the services they provide.

Waipiata Library was established in 1879 for the small community of Waipiata-Hamiltons goldfield in Central Otago, in New Zealand's South Island. Now a historic building it continues to be of service to this day.

Granity public library which appears to be a very small cottage, was opened in 1989 and is now considered to be a heritage listed property.

Located in between small towns and away from the hustle of a big city, these tiny libraries are small gems a tourist stumbles across when moving away from the classic tourist trail. 

Puhoi Town Library which even has its own website, is known as 'a small library with a big heart'

Puhoi Town Library which even has its own website, is known as 'a small library with a big heart'

The Kaukapakapa Library holds story time for its local residents and visitors

The Kaukapakapa Library holds story time for its local residents and visitors

Patearoa Library has been treasured by locals since 1885 and is considered a magnet for those passing through the local community of Otago in the South Island of New Zealand

Patearoa Library has been treasured by locals since 1885 and is considered a magnet for those passing through the local community of Otago in the South Island of New Zealand

Granity Library: the opening and closing times are placed on the window for the local residents and interested tourists 

Granity Library: the opening and closing times are placed on the window for the local residents and interested tourists 

Granity Library was registered in 1989 and is considered to be a heritage listed property

Granity Library was registered in 1989 and is considered to be a heritage listed property

Established in the 1870's, Waipiata Library is one of the remaining historic buildings found along the famous  Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand's south island

Established in the 1870's, Waipiata Library is one of the remaining historic buildings found along the famous Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand's south island

Naseby Library: the tiny libraries are located in between towns around New Zealand and are open to the public 

Naseby Library: the tiny libraries are located in between towns around New Zealand and are open to the public 

The Search for Tiny Libraries in New Zealand will air on the BBC World Service on Tuesday, July 28 at 5.30pm. Listen on 810 AM via the Auckland Radio Trust. The programme will also be available via bbcworldservice.com on Tuesday, July 28 at 2.30pm and Wednesday, July 29 at 9.30am. 

 

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