WIP · World in Pocket

Karamea War Memorial Library

Karamea, Italy

Karamea War Memorial Library

Karamea War Memorial Library, also known as Karamea Community Library, is a community public library located in the settlement of Karamea in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand. The library was built in 1954 using a government grant which funded World War II memorial projects, m

atching donations pound for pound. It was built by volunteer labour on land donated by the Nelson Education Board. There was some competition for the grant, with the Returned and Services' Association wanting funding for a building newly-moved to Market Cross for their use. At the time, Karamea had no library, and the Plunket Society since the 1940s was using a small building on the current library site. At first the building was divided between Plunket and the library, and administered by a committee of five (two from Plunket, two representing the library and an independent chairman); there was some concern over "scholars misusing the Plunket Rooms for smok-ing." Funding was always an issue: a "Talent Quest and Novelty Dance" in 1966 raised £34, and the following year a concert raised £31. In later years the committee separated into War Memorial and Library committees, but these were merged...

Listen to the audio guide for Karamea War Memorial Library Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off

Nearby