National Children's Collection
The National Children’s Collection contains books written for children and young people. Our collection of over 100,000 books includes New Zealand and Pacific titles, award-winning and controversial children’s books.
The National Children's Collection was started in 1942 and represents an extensive collection of books written for children and young adults.
Most of the books in the collection were published in Britain, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. The majority of the books are written in English, but we also have many books in Māori and Pasifika languages.
Since 1993 we have added selectively to this collection. We have focused on:
- New Zealand and Pacific children's books
- books that have won awards
- highly recommended or star reviewed books
- books that have caused controversy
- titles written by notable, important or controversial authors and illustrators.
Access items in this collection
Search for collection items and make a booking request by clicking "Request to view" or contacting us.
Items can be used in the Wellington Reading Room.
Get copies from items in this collection
Copies can be made from items in this collection if copying doesn’t breach copyright. Photocopiers, and printers for microfiche and microfilm readers are available for use in the Library's Reading Room.
More about copyright and privacy
Borrow items in this collection
You can borrow items from this collection by interloan through your local library. We lend to New Zealand and overseas libraries.