First Nelson library site

About

Plaque on site of first Nelson library. A Historic Places Trust Plaque by House of Ales marks the site of the first library founded by The Nelson Literary and Scientific Institution in May 1841.

The brainchild of Captain Arthur Wakefield, Frederick Tuckett, Alfred Domett, B.E. Duppa and W. Curling who subscribed “a sum of money which was directed back to London with directions for the selection of Books of a useful character which will thus form the germ of the Library of the Institute.” Dommett also had a role in the establishment of the General Assembly Library and a street alongside the Maitai River is named after him.

History

A historic image of a dressmaker's shop. The Historic Places Trust has placed a plaque at the top of Trafalgar street to mark the site of the first library which opened to members in 1842.  In October of that year, the Examiner newspaper praised the reading room of 30ft x 16ft and felt that libraries encouraged refinement and discouraged barbarity. 

The photograph to the right in 1892 shows the Trafalgar St building to be then occupied by Mrs Maude Cooper dressmaker. For more visit the library web page: http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/library-history/

Image right: Miss Cooper Dressmaker. The Nelson Provincial Museum, Maguire Collection 46829/4.

Location

The site of the first Nelson Library is located at Church and Selwyn Streets.

For more information

For more information on heritage walks and heritage sites please contact Arts and Heritage Team Leader.