Christchurch City Libraries Digital Collections and Heritage (Canterbury Stories / Kōrero)

History and Founding

Christchurch City Libraries (Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi) have provided public library services since 1859, making the library system one of the oldest in New Zealand. The libraries have developed extensive digital heritage programs to preserve and provide online access to historical materials relating to Christchurch, Canterbury, and New Zealand. The central library, Tūranga, is located at 60 Cathedral Square in central Christchurch.

Collections and Holdings

The digital heritage collections encompass a wide range of materials: digitized photographs from early Christchurch and Canterbury; archival diaries, journals, and correspondence; historical newspapers (including the Christchurch Press and the Star); historical maps of Christchurch and Canterbury; architectural plans and drawings; 1980s rock music posters; items from the 1981 Springbok Tour; visual arts publications and exhibition catalogues; emigration documents and ship-board diaries; and genealogical resources. The archives hold significant collections including WWI memorabilia and personal papers. The library system also maintains the Canterbury Stories digital heritage repository (formerly Kōrero), accessible at my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/korero/.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

Historical holdings include the Christchurch Press and Star newspapers on microfilm, with a searchable index of the Press (1995–) and Star (1998–). A notable digitized item is the November 23, 1963 edition of the Star documenting the assassination of President Kennedy. The library also holds the Christchurch Star front page that played a role in Oliver Stone's film JFK (1992).

Access and Usage

Digital collections are freely available online. Heritage materials in physical format are available for in-person consultation at Tūranga (Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2). Most heritage items are not available for loan. Genealogical resources, electoral rolls, and family history guides are also available.