Botany Library

I wish this library was bigger. If you’re gonna make a library, please make it big, to fit as many beautiful books in as possible. There’s nothing worse in my world than going to a place that you expect to find a lot of books at, but there’s not. Sigh.
The library is nice enough. Nice, modern interior. Lots of seating and I noticed a large area where a lot of school students were sat studying. It’s in a good location, next to a café and in the middle of a mall so you can do something fun after the disappointment of no books. Also, being part of the Manukau Libraries group, it has a good, interconnected request system. But… they need more books.
If they made the place bigger and got more books, this place would get more stars.

The library is comfortable, nicely decorated and next to great shops, cafes and the cinema if you get bored. And trust me, the likelihood of you getting bored is rather large. Don’t get me wrong, I love books and sitting down with one to travel to a galaxy far, far away. BUT, they don’t usually have that book which will transport me there. It’s a good thing they are next to Whitcoulls in that case, so at least you may be able to buy that book and take it home.
There are far better libraries in Auckland, but if you’re desperate for a quiet corner and have no particular book in mind, wonder on in.

This is my least favourite library out of the Auckland Libraries that I’ve been to, and I’ve been to qutie a few (at least 10). It’s small, never has any of the books I want available when I happen to pop in (and I always have a massive ongoing list of books I want to read), and it has a weird layout that doesn’t seem to flow naturally.
On the plus side, being next to Whitcoulls, if you saw some books in the shop that you wanted to read but not quite enough to want to buy, you can pop into the library and request them (because let’s be real, they won’t have them on the shelf) while they’re still fresh in your mind.
Also, a good point is that being part of Botany Town Centre means it’s open longer hours, and at least one night a week a JP (Justice of the Peace) is available if you need documents verified. Super handy and no need to book, just turn up.