Last updated June 2026
Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library, also known as Te Takapū o Patukawenga Mervyn Kemp Library, serves the northern suburb of Tawa as the northernmost branch in the Wellington City Libraries network. It is located at 158 Main Road on the corner of Cambridge Street and provides standard library services to residents of Tawa and the upper Porirua Basin. The library operates with consistent weekday hours and offers free entry along with EFTPOS for printing and other services. It sits within easy reach of Tawa train station on the Kāpiti Line and the local shopping area. As part of Wellington City Libraries, it marks the northern boundary of the council’s library provision.
Practical Information
| Address | 158 Main Road, corner of Cambridge Street, Tawa, Wellington |
| Phone | 04 232 1690 |
| Monday – Friday | 10am – 5:30pm |
| Saturday | 10am – 4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Cost | Free entry; EFTPOS for printing and services |
| Parking | Street parking on Main Road or Cambridge Street; disabled parking at rear |
| Cycling | Two bicycle stands at rear of building |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access; after-hours return chute |
| Free wifi | Yes, plus public computers |
About Mervyn Kemp Library
Tawa lies along the main rail corridor approximately 14–15 kilometres north of Wellington’s CBD. The suburb has its own centre along Main Road, and the library is positioned for convenient access by train, bus, or on foot from the station and shops. It forms part of the Wellington City Libraries network and serves as the northernmost branch within Wellington City Council boundaries.
The library carries the Māori name Te Takapū o Patukawenga alongside its English name. It joined the Wellington system in 1990 following local government reorganisation, having previously operated as the Tawa Borough Library. The branch provides a full range of Wellington City Libraries services and collections to the local community.
Regular programmes and events are listed on the Wellington City Libraries event calendar. The library supplies council rubbish and recycling bags along with parking coupons and maintains special collections including Māori resources, large print, graphic novels, and world languages materials.
Collections and Services
The library holds fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, magazines, and other materials as part of the shared Wellington City Libraries catalogue. Items not available on site can be requested from other branches for collection here. Free wifi, computer access, printing, photocopying, and scanning are available, with EFTPOS accepted for paid services.
Additional facilities include an after-hours return chute, wheelchair access throughout, and iPad lending. The branch also participates in the He Kete Pupuri Mahara memory bags programme and offers learning English resources.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Libraries – Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library: Official page with current opening hours, services, programmes, and contact details.
Wellington City Libraries – Opening Hours: Current hours for all branches including any public holiday variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mervyn Kemp Library?
At 158 Main Road on the corner of Cambridge Street in Tawa, Wellington. It is within walking distance of Tawa train station on the Kāpiti Line.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday 10am–5:30pm, Saturday 10am–4pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Is there parking available?
Street parking is available on Main Road and Cambridge Street. Disabled parking and two bicycle stands are located at the rear of the building.
Why is it the northernmost Wellington City Libraries branch?
It sits at the northern boundary of Wellington City Council territory. Areas further north, such as Porirua, are served by Porirua City libraries.
Can I request items from other branches?
Yes. Items from any Wellington City Libraries branch can be requested online or in person and collected at Mervyn Kemp Library.
What accessibility features are available?
The library offers wheelchair access, an after-hours return chute, and disabled parking at the rear.
Does the library run programmes or events?
Yes. Regular children’s events and other programmes are listed on the Wellington City Libraries event calendar.
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