What's On Offer
Explore
Inside Te Ara Ātea you will find a modern library with an extensive selection of books, magazines and reference material but also a tamariki zone with a sensory space, a studio, café, workshop area and exhibition and performance spaces.
At Home exhibition
8 November 2023 - 25 May 2024
Te Ara Ātea's new exhibition, At Home, presents artworks by Edith Amituanai (MNZM), Jamie Berry, Megan Brady, Areez Katki, Steven Junil Park, and Marilynn Webb (ONZM). These artists show us that there are many ways to make a home; from objects we use to furnish our houses, to the communities that support us, to the connection we have to the whenua and waterways that surround us, to the reminders we keep of a home that is now far away.
At Home explores what home looks and feels like for those of us who have made our homes together in Aotearoa New Zealand, Waitaha Canterbury, and here in Waikirikiri Selwyn.
Collections
Te Ara Ātea offers more of all the books you have become used to seeing at our libraries, as well as some great new collections to try.
The Kohikohika Māori is a rich, growing collection with a special emphasis on Te Ao Māori.
The Selwyn Heritage Collection has been consolidated to share the unique history, places and people of our district. A great place to start your family history research!
You will find a range of family board games to borrow and beautiful new jigsaw puzzles.
Your library card is your pathway to read, learn and play. Kia manahau!
Latest technology
The studio space features 3D printers, production software and the latest fun tech kits to challenge your digital skills.
Art experience
Te Ara Ātea is a new whare for the arts in Selwyn and launches with four major visual artworks from prominent Canterbury artists Hannah Beehre (painting), Areta Wilkinson and Mark Adams (jewellery and photography), Piri Cowie (sculpture) and Nathan Pohio (video installation).
Explore the jewel in the crown, Te Waka Huia with its beautifully curated taonga displays.
Te Ara Ātea will regularly host live music and performances, engaging artist talks, panels, and hands on learning programmes for all ages to participate in the arts. Keep an eye on our events page for details.
Museum experience
Museum-style experiences are integrated throughout the building; explore the stories of people, places and journeys throughout the district.
This storytelling celebrates our rich heritage and diversity as well as our beautifully unique landscape.
Tours
Talk to us to arrange a tour of Te Ara Ᾱtea, where we'll tell you about the secrets of the building, show you where to find all your favourite books and sharing with you our art and heritage exhibitions.