New Zealand Odyssey: Hokitika's Free Public Library

'New Zealand Odyssey', published in 1989 by Heinemann, was authored by me, Don Donovan (who did the text and illustrations) and Euan Sarginson, who did the photography and design. In this series of blog posts, I will publish some of my drawings

In the late 1980s the Hokitika Free Library was on its last legs but I understand that a 'heritage' group of angels saved it from oblivion and that it's now used for community events. 

It is a 'Carnegie' library, largely paid for by a Scots/American philanthropist who believed that anybody who could read should have ready access to books. These libraries exist in other parts of New Zealand and the rest of the world.

Hokitika's Free Library was opened in 1908 and I'm sure, was responsible for educating gold miners in their off hours - or at least entertaining them as an alternative to the scores of pubs that dotted the town in those days.

© DON DONOVAN

donovan@ihug.co.nz

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