Old Carnegie Library (55 Princes Street)

Onehunga possessed the first free library in New Zealand, with books worth £100 sent with the Fencibles in 1847. In 1911, the Library Committee approached American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie for funds to erect a new library building, and he ended up contributing £2,000 out of the £2,665 required. The classical façade reflects the stylistic influences of the Carnegie libraries in America, while the ‘triumphal arch’ is unusual and owes more to British Edwardian eclecticism. The architect, John Park, later became Mayor of Onehunga. The library was moved to its present site in 1970 with this building subsequently being used for community activities. It is now a gastropub.

Turn around and return to Onehunga Mall. Cross at the protected crossing.