Queenstown Lakes Libraries is launching ‘Sign-up Month’ this March with a campaign to boost membership among adults and young people.

Queenstown Lakes District library services manager Sue Gwilliam said adults aged 20-40 are under-represented in membership numbers and the campaign aims to get more people using library services.

Sign‑up Month is also an opportunity to highlight the range of library services available, Sue said.

“It would probably surprise most people just how much our libraries offer,” she said. 

“While we remain a haven for booklovers - with more than 100,000 physical books on our shelves - we’re also navigating the growing digital world.

“Check‑outs for eAudiobooks and eBooks continue to grow, and our members are making great use of the Libraries, Libby, and Borrowbox apps.”

Queenstown Lakes Libraries recently launched access to UniversalClass, an online learning platform offering hundreds of courses from finance and investment to science and psychology.

The libraries host a wide range of free community events, often in partnership with local groups, including Te Kākano flax‑weaving workshops, Reading to Dogs, te reo Māori conversation classes, and teen book clubs.

Recent survey results show strong community support for Queenstown Lakes Libraries. 

Results from QLDC’s Community Insights Survey 2025, showed 78 percent of respondents were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the libraries and a year earlier the survey showed 89.5 percent of survey participants agreed that Queenstown Lakes Libraries increased feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

Throughout March, there are also special promotions for children and the young at heart. 

Library members can enjoy half‑price entry to Alpine Aqualand’s hydroslide at Queenstown Events Centre by presenting their library card or app, and children under 18 can also enter a competition to win tickets to the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Dazzlehands, with entry forms available at all local libraries. 

Joining the library is simple, Sue said: Head into your local library with ID and proof of residence. 

PHOTO: Wānaka App