Leys Institute is closed until further notice. You can visit Leys Institute Little Library on 14 Jervois Rd. Read more
Monday*ClosedTuesdayClosedWednesdayClosedThursdayClosedFridayClosedSaturdayClosedSunday*Closed
*ANZAC Day (Observed)*ANZAC Day
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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.
From fun learning activities to engaging reads, we've got you covered over the school holidays!
Find opening hours for our libraries over Anzac weekend.
Reflect on Aotearoa's first COVID-19 lockdown with the Kei Roto i te Miru / Inside the Bubble oral history collection on Kura Heritage Collections Online.
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