The current COVID-19 outbreak could affect our services at short notice. Find out everything you need to know about visiting the library and our available services. Find out more
Leys Institute is closed until further notice. You can visit Leys Institute Little Library on 14 Jervois Rd. Read more
FridayClosedSaturdayClosedSundayClosedMondayClosedTuesdayClosedWednesdayClosedThursdayClosed
09 377 0209
Contact us
While Leys Institute Library is closed find out more about the closure and your options for returning items on our blog here.
You can also visit Leys Institute Little Library.
William Leys was Chairman of the Ponsonby School Committee in the late 1800s. Leys was concerned about the education of the boys he saw loitering on local street corners. After his death in 1899, funds provided from his bequest and by his brother, Thomson Leys, made possible the building of the Leys Institute Library in 1905. In 1906 a gymnasium was added to the complex, built from a donation made by local resident, William Mason.
In the early 1900s the complex was a vibrant community centre, with an active library, gym and halls used by various clubs. In addition to gifting the library to Auckland in 1964, the family bequeathed trusts that still help to maintain it to this day.
William Leys left a substantial bequest for the building of the library.
Crowds flocked to the opening of the Leys Institute in 1905.
Leys Institute Library reading room, early 1900s.
Enjoy special events at your local library and check out our Matariki reading lists and resources.
Learn about Matariki at home or out and about through our fun-filled Ngā Tamariki o Matariki school holiday activities for tamariki and rangatahi.
Whether you want to expand your mind, beat your mates at Wordle, or escape into a book, your library card is the key to starting something great!
Was this page useful?
To ask for help or information, contact us.