Franklin: The Centre (12 Massey Avenue)

Pukekohe has a long association with libraries. The first library in the area was founded at Pukekohe East in 1873. The first official town library was opened on 11 August 1903 on Edinburgh Street. It held 780 books and had a reading room and lecture hall. Two years after its construction, the newly formed Town Board chose it as its meeting place. In 1913 the library came under the Pukekohe Borough Council and remained there for decades. In 1960, the building was expanded to be used as the Franklin County Council Chambers. As a consequence, the library was shifted to a new addition at the back of the facility.

In 1976, a new much larger library was opened at Edinburgh Street. This solution lasted until the summer of 1992, when the library was entirely relocated in Roulston Street. A ceremony commemorating the opening of the new facility was held in June 1993. The former library building was taken over by the Franklin Bridge Club and is still held by them.

On 3 July 2007, Franklin: The Centre opened to the public. This new district-funded facility combined a new public library, known originally as Bookinopolis, with the Franklin Arts Centre. The Centre includes two art galleries—New Zealand Steel Gallery and the Community Gallery—a café, gallery shop, the Pukekohe Library and Service Centre, the Franklin Local Board offices, public meeting rooms, and two businesses.

From immediately outside The Centre, follow the pathway east to the adjacent white building.