Magnificent New Library

Fortunate Gisborne is now the possessor of one of the finest library buildings in the country, thanks to the generosity of the late Mr H. B. Williams. The new library, situated on the old British Empire Hotel site in Peel Street, with additional access from Bright Street, has an area of 11,600 sq.ft. The Williams family gave £97,000 for the project, and this fine addition to the city's cultural amenities will be known as the H. B. Williams Memorial Library.

Designed by Glengarry, Corson and Pilbrow, in association with Mr E. Armstrong, and built by Story and Lomas, the building was opened by the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Fergusson, on the 7th April.

The Peel street entrance to the library.

The view from the mezzanine floor showing some of the 42,000 books the library contains.

The entrance from Bright street.

Looking towards the main entrance.

Sir Bernard, Mr H. B. Williams, jnr, chief librarian Miss R. S. McKay and Mrs H. B. Williams, snr, admire the portrait of the late Mr H. B. Williams in the library foyer.

His Excellency enters the library and greets Lesley Mayes

Sir Bernard admires the "The World" presented to him by Mr Williams

Lady Fergusson is introduced to Christine Scholium and Susan Crosby by Mrs Eve Davy

Mr Jim Mackay who is publishing a second edition of "Historic Poverty Bay" which was written by his father.
A copy of the first edition was presented to His Excellency.

Williams--Rogers. Jean Winifred, daughter of Mr and Mrs W. J. Rogers, Waioeka, Opotiki, to Malcolm Kenneth, son of Mr and Mrs K. G. Williams, 15 Clifford Street.

Gerrard--Campbell. Yvonne Dorothy Lillian, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Hugh Campbell, Tolaga Bay, to Tairawhiti (Boy), son of Mr R. T. Gerrard, Waimata Valley, and the late Mrs T. Gerrard. (Mayfair Studios).

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 154 : April 14, 1967

Magnificent New Library