News
Introducing AWA - a new chapter in digital library access
We are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership between Selwyn District Council and Christchurch City Council. From 1 July 2025, we’ll be launching AWA, a shared digital library collection with Christchurch City Libraries, available through the Libby app.
What does this mean for me?
What this collaboration means for Selwyn Libraries members is that you’ll have access to more than 100,000 eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines – a massive increase on the approximately 30,000 currently available on Libby. With more content available, there will also likely be a reduction in hold times.
What do I need to do?
If you are an existing Libby user, you will need to reset your account to add AWA as your new library collection to enjoy the expanded offering. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to do this here.
If you haven’t yet discovered the flexibility that eBooks and eAudiobooks can offer, you can get ready for the launch of AWA by downloading the Libby app on your digital device and setting up an account with your library card number and pin. If you need help with this, please speak to one of our friendly team at any of our locations and they can get you started.
What's the story behind AWA?
The new service is named AWA, in reflection of the network of rivers and waterways that flow through our shared Canterbury landscape. It also symbolises the flow between places and people, as seen by the many residents who live in Selwyn and work in Christchurch City and vice versa.
The partnership builds on the existing foundation of the Gammack Trust, where children and young people aged 0-18 years in the Selwyn District can register for a Christchurch City Libraries card to access their physical collections. This new digital library service has been made possible through existing budgets and has not required any additional ratepayer funding.
We’re really excited about the enhanced library experience this partnership will bring, and hope that you are too! We’ll be sharing more information about AWA in the lead-up to 1st July, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions before then.
FAQs
What is the new partnership about?
Christchurch City Libraries and Selwyn Libraries are partnering to operate a shared digital collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines through the Libby library reading app.
When will the partnership start and is it a permanent arrangement?
This is a trial partnership lasting for a two-year period, from 1 July 2025. Over that timeframe both Selwyn Libraries and Christchurch City Libraries will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage. Parties will meet twice per annum to review the past period and forward plan. Prior to June 2027, we will review the success of the collaboration.
What are the benefits of this partnership?
Expanded Collection: Selwyn District users will see a massive increase in available eBook and eAudio content, totalling over 100,000 titles (currently we have around 30,000).
More Choices: Users will have access to a richer variety of content and potentially shorter waiting times for popular items.
Convenient Access: Residents of Selwyn and Christchurch can easily access library collections, making it convenient for those who work in one place and live in the other.
Will there be any additional costs for library users?
No, there will be no additional costs for library users. The partnership is within existing budgets and delivers better value for money.
How will the transition to the shared digital collection work?
The transition will be seamless for current Libby users, requiring you to simply log in to the app again, using your existing membership number and pin. If you can’t remember your pin, you can reset it here, or contact us for help.
Will there be any changes to the Libby app?
The app that you are used to using may have a slightly different look and feel following the launch of AWA, but all the great features such as tags and accessibility tools will remain.
What will happen to my reading history and existing holds on Libby?
Because AWA uses the existing Libby platform, there will be no change to your user profile, and your reading history and lists will be retained. Your holds will be carried over to AWA, but with an increased collection size and wider user base, your wait times may differ to what was previously predicted on the Libby app; in many cases it will be shorter.
How do I access the new content?
If you are a current Libby user, you just need to log in to the app again after 1 July, and you will automatically have access to the expanded offering, which you can find using the usual search or browse functions. The new content will also appear in our online catalogue.
If you don’t have Libby yet, you can download the app to your digital device here. Set up your account using your library card number and pin and you’re ready to go.
Where can I find some help on getting started with AWA on Libby?
The Libby library app has an excellent Help section which covers getting started, how to search, borrow, renew and return books, etc, available here.
You can also call in to Te Ara Ātea or any of our library and service centres at Lincoln, Leeston and Darfield and speak to one of our team – they’ll be happy to help get you set up.
What is the Gammack Trust and how does it relate to this partnership?
The Gammack Trust provides free access to physical collections at Christchurch City Libraries for under-18-year-olds living in the Selwyn District. This partnership builds on that foundation by extending access to digital collections to all members.
Why was this partnership proposed?
The partnership came about following requests to investigate collaboration opportunities between Christchurch City Libraries and Selwyn District Libraries, given the permeable boundaries and the need for easier access to collections for residents who live and work in different areas.