Karori Library is the community library for Wellington’s largest western suburb, located at 247 Karori Road within easy reach of the Karori Mall and Recreation Centre. It’s one of the more generously stocked branch libraries in the city, with a café in the building, a Māori collection, a Chinese collection, an adult Spanish collection, and extended Thursday evening hours. It also has one of the few EV charging stations at a Wellington library car park.
Practical Information
| Address | 247 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Phone | 04 476 8413 |
| Monday – Wednesday | 9:30am – 6pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am – 8pm |
| Friday | 9:30am – 6pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am – 4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Cost | Free entry; EFTPOS for printing |
| Cafe | Yes, in the library building |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| Parking | 2-hour parking at Karori Mall; 4 disabled parks + 2 EV charging parks at Recreation Centre carpark (behind library) |
About Karori Library
Karori is Wellington’s largest suburb by population, a sprawling residential area in a wide valley west of the city centre. The library sits at the heart of the suburb’s commercial strip, adjacent to the Karori Mall and close to the Karori Recreation Centre. The earlier 9:30am opening compared to most branch libraries makes it practical for morning visits before work or school, and the Thursday evening hours extend access for those who work standard hours.
The suburb is home to the Zealandia eco-sanctuary, one of Wellington’s major nature attractions, which is a 10-minute walk from the library area. The library sits on one of the main bus routes connecting Karori to the Wellington CBD.
Collections and Services
Beyond the standard WCL collection, Karori Library holds a Māori (Kurapae) collection, a Chinese collection, and an adult Spanish collection — reflecting the diverse community the branch serves. There are also children’s toys available for use in the library, making it family-friendly for those with young children. Battery recycling is available for household batteries. Services include free wifi, public computer access, printing, photocopying, and scanning. An after-hours return chute allows items to be returned outside opening hours.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Libraries — Karori Library: Official page with current hours, upcoming events and programmes, and full collection details.
Wellington City Libraries — Opening Hours: Current hours for all WCL branches including any public holiday variations.
FAQ
Where is Karori Library?
At 247 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington — next to the Karori Mall and close to the Karori Recreation Centre. Served by regular bus routes from the Wellington CBD.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Wednesday 9:30am-6pm, Thursday 9:30am-8pm, Friday 9:30am-6pm, Saturday 9:30am-4pm. Closed Sunday and public holidays.
Is there parking near Karori Library?
Yes. There is 2-hour parking at Karori Mall. The Recreation Centre carpark behind the library has 4 disabled parks and 2 fast EV charging parks (also 2-hour limit). Short-term parking is available along Karori Road.
Is there a café at Karori Library?
Yes, a café is located within the library building.
What languages are in the collection?
In addition to the main English-language collection, Karori holds a Māori (Kurapae) collection, a Chinese collection, and an adult Spanish collection. Magazines in various languages are also available.
Can I bring young children?
Yes. The library has toys available for children to use on-site, and the children’s collection is well stocked.
Explore more things to do on the Things to Do in Wellington page, or read about Johnsonville Library at Waitohi and Khandallah Library for other suburban branches.