Last updated June 2026
Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library, also known by its Māori name Te Awa-a-Taia, serves the southeastern Wellington suburb of Kilbirnie as one of the city’s busier branch libraries. It is located at 101 Kilbirnie Crescent and shares a building with community facilities near the Kilbirnie shops and Aquatic Centre. The library provides free access to the full Wellington City Libraries catalogue, public computers, wifi, and a range of programmes and services. It was renamed in 2000 to honour former councillor Ruth Gotlieb for her advocacy of library access across the city.
Practical Information
| Address | 101 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington |
| Phone | 04 387 1480 |
| Monday – Friday | 10am – 6pm |
| Saturday | 10am – 4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Cost | Free entry; EFTPOS for printing and services |
| Parking | Two on-site car parks (Kilbirnie Crescent and Evans Bay Parade entrances) |
| Free wifi | Yes |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible; after-hours return chute |
About Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library
The library occupies a central position in the flat, densely settled suburb of Kilbirnie, between the airport and Evans Bay. It sits a short walk from the Kilbirnie shopping precinct and is well served by bus routes linking the area to the CBD and eastern suburbs. The building also houses additional community services and provides convenient access to nearby recreational facilities including the Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre.
The branch carries the complete Wellington City Libraries shared catalogue, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s materials, audiovisual items, magazines and graphic novels. Patrons can request items from any other branch for collection here. Special collections include Māori resources, world languages, English learning materials, large print, and a Kurapae collection. Additional services encompass printing, photocopying, scanning, iPad lending, household battery recycling, and supply of council rubbish and parking items.
The library runs regular children’s programmes, community events and reading initiatives. Current listings are available on the Wellington City Libraries event calendar. A Justice of the Peace visits weekly. The branch is fully wheelchair accessible and offers an after-hours returns chute for borrower convenience.
History and Naming
The library was renamed in 2000 in honour of Ruth Gotlieb QSO (1923–2019), who served as a Wellington City Councillor for the Eastern Ward from 1983 to 2001. Gotlieb was a consistent advocate for public library services, supporting the mobile library and housebound delivery programmes. She received the Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in 1995 for her public service contributions.
The Māori name Te Awa-a-Taia refers to a historical channel across the Kilbirnie isthmus that once provided a second entrance to Wellington Harbour. The name commemorates the area’s pre-earthquake geography and is shared with other local references.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the convenient location near shops and the aquatic centre, along with the helpful staff and good range of resources for all ages. Many note the reliable free wifi and computer access as practical benefits for the community.
Regular users value the children’s programmes and community events, describing the branch as welcoming and well-stocked. Parking on site and the after-hours return option receive positive mentions for ease of use.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Libraries — Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library: Official page with current hours, services, programmes and special collections.
Ruth Gotlieb — Wikipedia: Biography covering her political career, library advocacy and community contributions in Wellington.
Wellington City Libraries — Māori branch names: Details on the provenance and meaning of Te Awa-a-Taia and other library names.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library?
At 101 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington, near the shopping area and Aquatic Centre with good bus connections.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–4pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.
Who was Ruth Gotlieb?
Ruth Gotlieb QSO (1923–2019) served as Wellington City Councillor for the Eastern Ward from 1983 to 2001 and strongly advocated for library services. The library was renamed in her honour in 2000.
What does Te Awa-a-Taia mean?
It is the Māori name for the Kilbirnie area, referring to a historical channel across the isthmus that once connected to Wellington Harbour; it translates as ‘the channel of Taia’.
Is parking available?
Yes, the library has two on-site car parking areas, one off Kilbirnie Crescent and another off Evans Bay Parade.
What services and collections are offered?
Full shared catalogue access, free wifi and computers, printing, special Māori and language collections, children’s programmes, JP visits and recycling services.
Is the library wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and an after-hours returns chute.
Are children’s programmes available?
Yes, regular events and programmes run at the branch; check the Wellington City Libraries event calendar for current details.
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