Former Library Building (2 The Strand)

Constructed on land donated by R & W Hellaby using funds provided by Catherine Trimble in honour of her sister, Fanny, the first purpose-built Takapuna Library opened on 13 March 1956. It was originally just the single-story, pink stone clad structure on the right side of the building.

Shortly after the library opened, another resident, Grace A. Abbott, left a large bequest to the Takapuna Borough Council, also to be used to help fund a library building. By the time the money was made available to the council, the new library was already open, so the funds were put toward a substantial two-story extension of the facility. The Grace A. Abbott Bequest annex, designed by Sargent & Smith, opened to the public on 9 February 1963.

This first library remained in continuous use until 1989, when it was replaced by the new library across the road. On one occasion, though, Takapuna Library returned to its earlier structure. In 2014, the newer building underwent a major renovation that required the collection and staff to move back across the road, albeit only briefly.

Continue to the end of The Strand and cross to the top of Hurstmere Road.