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Darfield Library
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TitleDarfield Library and Service Centre
DescriptionDarfield Public Library started on 12 January 1937, after a meeting of 21 people in the Darfield Memorial Hall. A library committee was established with Mr. L. Fox as the chair. Initially the library was set up in a room of the courthouse (now demolished).
Tenders were called for the building of a library in 1941. After various sites were considered, it was decided to build it as an extension to the Memorial Hall. Builder Mr. Narbey's tender was accepted and a variety of activities raised funds for both books and the building, into which the library moved in 1942. Through the years, membership and finances fluctuated, but both were always fairly healthy.In August 1951, Mrs. Cridge donated an 'In Memoriam' plaque for the library, to sit near a display of books purchased by library patrons in memory of loved ones: this tradition continued into the 1980s.
By 1983, in the face of the demolition of Darfield Memorial Hall, a decision had to be made on the future of the library, and it was taken under the auspices of Malvern County Council, and the Malvern County Library Service was established to integrate the library service of the whole county, giving financial support to replace the membership subscriptions: but only if the community demonstrated the need for a library service. This was duly proven through increased membership and visitation, and the Council financial support increased from an initial $10,000 in 1983 to $25,000 by 1986, with a full-time librarian in place. By this time, the library was run by a committee of seven people, two of whom were Malvern County councillors.
On 19 August 1983 the library re-opened in a Council site at 3 Macmillan Street at the western end of the main street (South Terrace). The Friends of Darfield Library ran from 1991-1993 to raise funds for purchasing items and books for the library. The library remained here until the 2000's when it moved to 1 South Terrace. It was fully refurbished in 2022.SourceMalvern Libraries 1875-1986 by Mrs. J. H. Richards
DescriptionDarfield Public Library started on 12 January 1937, after a meeting of 21 people in the Darfield Memorial Hall. A library committee was established with Mr. L. Fox as the chair. Initially the library was set up in a room of the courthouse (now demolished). Tenders were called for the building of a library in 1941. After various sites were considered, it was decided to build it as an extension to the Memorial Hall. Builder Mr. Narbey's tender was accepted and a variety of activities raised funds for both books and the building, into which the library moved in 1942. Through the years, membership and finances fluctuated, but both were always fairly healthy.In August 1951, Mrs. Cridge donated an 'In Memoriam' plaque for the library, to sit near a display of books purchased by library patrons in memory of loved ones: this tradition continued into the 1980s.
By 1983, in the face of the demolition of Darfield Memorial Hall, a decision had to be made on the future of the library, and it was taken under the auspices of Malvern County Council, and the Malvern County Library Service was established to integrate the library service of the whole county, giving financial support to replace the membership subscriptions: but only if the community demonstrated the need for a library service. This was duly proven through increased membership and visitation, and the Council financial support increased from an initial $10,000 in 1983 to $25,000 by 1986, with a full-time librarian in place. By this time, the library was run by a committee of seven people, two of whom were Malvern County councillors.
On 19 August 1983 the library re-opened in a Council site at 3 Macmillan Street at the western end of the main street (South Terrace). The Friends of Darfield Library ran from 1991-1993 to raise funds for purchasing items and books for the library. The library remained here until the 2000's when it moved to 1 South Terrace. It was fully refurbished in 2022.
SourceMalvern Libraries 1875-1986 by Mrs. J. H. RichardsImage
Connections
CollectionLibraries, Halls and Community CentresPlaceDarfieldImageDarfield LibraryDarfield Memorial HallDarfield Memorial HallDarfield Library interior Darfield Library exteriorMore InformationMarch 1984 Newspaper article about the rapid growth of the Darfield LibraryJanuary 1937 Announcement of a library for DarfieldAugust 1983 Announcement of the re-opening of the Darfield Library in South TerraceJune 1983 Announcement of Malvern County Council taking over the LibraryMay 2024 Selwyn Libraries web page for Darfield Library and Service CentreAugust 1951 'In Memoriam' plaque donated by Mrs. CridgeSelwyn District Council webpage on Darfield Library and Service Centre
PlaceDarfieldImageDarfield LibraryDarfield Memorial HallDarfield Memorial HallDarfield Library interior Darfield Library exteriorMore InformationMarch 1984 Newspaper article about the rapid growth of the Darfield LibraryJanuary 1937 Announcement of a library for DarfieldAugust 1983 Announcement of the re-opening of the Darfield Library in South TerraceJune 1983 Announcement of Malvern County Council taking over the LibraryMay 2024 Selwyn Libraries web page for Darfield Library and Service CentreAugust 1951 'In Memoriam' plaque donated by Mrs. CridgeSelwyn District Council webpage on Darfield Library and Service CentreAttribution
Researched ByMrs J. H. RichardsWritten ByMrs. J. H. Richards and Sarah Davy
Written ByMrs. J. H. Richards and Sarah DavyClick on the image to add
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Darfield Library. Selwyn Stories, accessed 10/12/2025, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6115
