Nau mai, haere mai, whakatau mai
ki te Pātaka Mātāpuna o Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Welcome to the
Auckland Museum Research Library
Formed in November 1867 as part of the Auckland Institute, the Auckland War Memorial Museum Research Library Te Pātaka Mātāpuna is one of New Zealand’s major research libraries.
Opening hours
The Research Library is openTuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm.
The library is not open on weekends or public holidays.
If you would like to access material from our collections you will need to book your appointment. We require at least one week's notice ahead of your visit to ensure we are able to retrieve your selected material.
To book an appointment, please fill out this form.
In-person research visits
Up to three researchers are permitted to use the Research Library per day. Please plan your visit in advance and give us at least one week's notice.
While in the museum, please ensure you follow all health and safety guidelines.
Tīmata
Search
Delve into the rich social, artistic and commercial history of Tāmaki Makaurau through original letters and diaries, photographs and artwork, maps, fascinating ephemera, rare books, early newspapers and much more…
Whare Pukapuka
Reading Room
In addition to an extensive collection of contemporary books and serials, our browseable collections also include facsimile maps and access to some digital resources. We also have displays that complement current exhibitions and showcase curatorial research.
Tono Urunga
Book a Visit
We welcome requests to view original Documentary Heritage material in our Research Library, which is open by appointment. We ask that you give us two working days' notice so that we can prepare material. We also welcome your enquiries about collections or research more generally.
Ngā Pātai
Enquiries
We welcome research enquiries relating to our collections, as well as broader subject-matter and general enquiries, including whakapapa (genealogy) enquiries and questions from students. We aim to respond within five working days.
Ngā Whakaahua
Image Orders
Images of Museum objects are supplied for a wide range of purposes, from private research to commercial publication. Because orders can be complicated by copyright and other concerns, we suggest allowing considerable lead time.
Images that depict Māori and Pacific taonga are subject to cultural permissions protections.
Ngā Kōrero o ngā Hōia
Military History
Visitors to Pou Maumahara, our Memorial Discovery Centre, can research our nation’s military history and make personal discoveries about those who have served in the armed forces for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Mō ngā Ākonga
For Students
The Library offers research-skills workshops for Year 11, 12 and 13 students, with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with original material. These sessions can be tailored to a particular subject or thematic study area.
Ngā Koha
Donating objects
The Museum is home to millions of taonga, every one of which tells a story that helps interpret, understand, and illuminate the history of Aotearoa and its people. We welcome object-donation proposals that would fit within our collecting plans and enhance existing collections.