Libraries

Johnsonville Library at Waitohi: Wellington Northern Branch Library

Last updated June 2026

Johnsonville Library at Waitohi is the largest branch library in northern Wellington and a well-equipped community space. It opened in December 2019 as the centrepiece of the Waitohi Community Hub at 34 Moorefield Road. The library sits alongside a café and the Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten, with direct connections through landscaped areas to the Keith Spry Pool and Johnsonville Community Centre. It features a makerspace known as Tūhura | The HIVE, a recording studio, an extensive Māori collection, and operates seven days a week with extended hours.

Practical Information

Address 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville, Wellington
Part of Waitohi Community Hub
Monday – Friday 10am – 7pm
Saturday – Sunday 10am – 4pm
Cost Free entry; EFTPOS for printing
Accessibility Wheelchair accessible
Free wifi Yes
Makerspace Yes, Tūhura | The HIVE available for public use
Recording studio Yes, available for public booking
Cafe Yes, within the Waitohi Hub

About Johnsonville Library at Waitohi

Waitohi opened on 14 December 2019 as a purpose-built community hub in Johnsonville. Construction of the $22.5 million facility began in January 2018. The library serves as the hub’s main feature and holds a larger collection than smaller northern branches while offering a broader range of events and workshops.

Johnsonville lies about 20 minutes north of the Wellington CBD by train on the Johnsonville Line. The suburb features a busy shopping centre, and the Waitohi Hub stands a short walk from Johnsonville station.

The hub functions as a connected community space. From the library, visitors can move directly to the kindergarten and, via outdoor areas, reach the Keith Spry Pool and Johnsonville Community Centre. A council service desk also operates from the library location.

Collections, Makerspace and Studio

The library maintains an extensive general collection of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and materials in multiple languages, along with a significant Māori collection. Tūhura | The HIVE makerspace on the lower ground floor provides equipment for creative and digital projects, including laser cutting, 3D printing, sewing and arts materials. The recording studio within the makerspace supports music recording, podcasting and other audio work, with bookings available through the library system. Regular events such as storytelling, author talks and workshops take place; current details appear on the Wellington City Libraries events calendar.

Where to Learn More

Wellington City Libraries – Johnsonville Library at Waitohi Hub: Official page with current hours, events and makerspace booking information.

Wellington City Council – Waitohi Johnsonville Community Hub: Overview of the full hub, including connections to the pool and community centre.

Wellington City Libraries – Makerspaces: Details on Tūhura | The HIVE equipment, services and recording studio bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Johnsonville Library at Waitohi?
At 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville, Wellington, as part of the Waitohi Community Hub. It is a short walk from Johnsonville train station on the Johnsonville Line.

What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm. Hours may vary on public holidays; check the WCL website for updates.

What is the makerspace?
Tūhura | The HIVE is a creative workspace available for public use, offering tools for making and digital projects such as laser cutting and 3D printing. Booking details are on the WCL website.

Is there a recording studio?
Yes. The studio at Johnsonville Library is available for booking and suits music recording, podcasting and audio production. Details and bookings are via wcl.govt.nz.

Is there a cafe at the library?
Yes. A café operates within the Waitohi Community Hub alongside the library.

What else is at the Waitohi Hub?
The hub includes the library, a café, the Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten, a council service desk and connections via landscaped areas to the Keith Spry Pool and Johnsonville Community Centre.

Is the library wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The facility is designed to be wheelchair accessible with free wifi available throughout.

Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.