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Dunedin Public Libraries

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Dunedin Public Libraries Association

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About this GroupEvery Library needs a friend and among the closest allies of the Dunedin Public Libraries’ (DPL) is the Dunedin Public Libraries Association (DPLA) also known as the Friends of the Library. The Friends organisation enjoys a membership of close to 90 who actively support and work to promote the DPL network. History The organisation was formed over 100 years ago in 1890 by a group of concerned citizens who wished to see a free public library established in Dunedin. Since that time the Friends have successfully campaigned for the establishment of two new public library buildings: the Carnegie Library, which opened in 1908, and the present City Library, which opened its doors in 1981. A colourful stained-glass window designed by the late Otago artist Shona McFarlane was commissioned by the Friends and this artwork features prominently on the ground floor of the City Library. In this new century, the Friends are as passionate as their 19th and 20th century counterparts and ensure our Libraries are well supported and promoted. Supporting the libraries The Friends have made substantial financial contributions towards the maintenance of the heritage book collections, the provision of a drinking fountain, trolleys, baskets and audio equipment for talking books as well as children’s toys, display cabinets and TV monitors. Through their executive body, the DPLA Committee, the Friends administer the Dunningham Fund, a handsome bequest from which various substantial grants have been authorised, such as $25,000 to help meet the cost of alterations in the New Zealand Room. The Friends also paid $18,000 towards upgrading the Blueskin Bay Library in Waitati, annually support the Books for Babies Programme in conjunction with the University Bookshop and provide a monetary prize to the winner of the unpublished poet section of the Robert Burns Poetry Competition, an annual event conducted by the Dunedin Public Libraries. More recently, the Friends contributed monies to help support the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival.External LinkDunedin Public Libraries Association

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Friends of the Library Talk Series: Robert G. Patman

The Unveiling of the Essie Summers plaque on the Dunedin Writers’ Walk

Essie Summers, Peerless Romantic

The Big Chill

Relevant Radio - A Local Perspective

Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival 2021 Talk

Georgette Heyer

Do you remember Newbolds?

Who is Archie Dunningham?

The Art of Writing on Art

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Max Quinn

Essie Summers plaque unveiling

Manuscript

New library must not be further delayed

Stories

Essie Summers Plaque – Dunedin Writers' Walk

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VideoWho is Archie Dunningham?The Art of Writing on ArtDo you remember Newbolds?GroupDunedin Public Libraries