This year marks a significant milestone for a community group that has had a large impact on literacy in Tauranga.

The Friends of the Tauranga City Libraries are celebrating 40 years of passionate support, advocacy, and love for local libraries.

A special anniversary celebration will take place at their next monthly meeting on Thursday, July 24 at Te Ao Mārama - Greerton Library, where the public is warmly invited to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate.

Formed in 1985 by a determined and book-loving Miss Edith of Otūmoetai, the Friends have stood by the libraries through political debates, protests, and technological change. Miss Edith, once a staff member at the National Library, never attended a meeting due to frailty, but her legacy endures.

Longtime member Sue Pharo, who has been with the group since its beginning, recalls those early days vividly.

“It was tough times being caught between a community that loved its library services and a Council that had other priorities,” she said

From lobbying to prevent cuts to library services, to backing the building of Greerton Library and saving the Mobile Library—twice—the Friends have played a key role in shaping Tauranga’s library landscape. They’ve also championed reading and learning for generations of children through their support of the ever-popular Summer Reading Programme.

Some of the group’s early advocacy helped raise more than $200,000 for new collection items, thanks to a city-wide campaign led by Councillor Mary Dillon who enlisted the help of local radio to attract contributions—even from children promising their pocket money.

Sue also remembers the poignant impact of the first meeting:

“About ten people came. It was very moving. One person said they loved libraries because it was a safe place to go during an epileptic turn. I remember Councillor Joy Drayton going to the phone and calling Ōkārito in the South Island to ask Keri Hulme of the Bone People to come to Tauranga to speak at the first public function.”

Members of the Friends of the Tauranga City Libraries enjoying the temporary library at He Puna Manawa. Photo / Supplied.

The Friends were even there during one of the most challenging times for the library: the protest occupation of the new central library.

“We were just moving in when we were locked out and caught in the middle of a Council dispute,” said Pharo.

“The Friends helped with the recovery from damage to the building and sorting of books for repair or withdrawal, depending on whether they could be saved. We strung fishing lines to dry books, wiped wallpaper paste off them, baked scones ... They were true friends.”

Jill Best, another long-standing Friend, said that the support required of the Friends hasn’t changed while noting the evolution of libraries.

“In 1985 the emphasis for libraries was very much on books and quiet study. Now libraries also provide a range of programmes for all ages, and there’s much less 'hush'," Best said.

Joanna Thomas, Manager: Libraries and Community Hubs, said she is grateful for the group's continued dedication.

“We so appreciate the support of the Friends. Their passion for libraries is amazing and their contribution to our libraries throughout their long history is immense. I look forward to hearing many stories as they look back and reflect on their achievements.”

The Friends' legacy includes not just advocacy, but cultural enrichment—thanks to a remarkable effort which saw the Maori Women's Welfare League, chaired by Waima (Pat) Borrell, teaching library staff about tukutuku panels. The 19 beautiful tukutuku produced more than 30 years ago are still on display at the city library.

“Libraries for me are amazing places,” said Pharo. “Preserving the past as well as moving with the times. I visit libraries wherever I go. I’ve watched my mokopuna learning to read with the wonderful collections which cater to all ages and interests.”

Anyone can join the Friends from 10.30am-12noon on Thursday, July 24 at Greerton Library to celebrate a story of community, resilience, and an enduring appreciation of the power of books.