Queenstown Lakes Libraries launches Sign-up Month

Queenstown Lakes Libraries is launching Sign-up Month this March with a playful campaign to boost membership among adults and young people. Queenstown Lakes District Library Services Manager Sue Gwillam said adults aged 20 – 40 are under‑represented in membership numbers, and this year’s campaign takes a fresh approach to reach them. “The promotional material pairs older adults with Gen Z and Alpha slang to create a surprising, attention‑grabbing moment,” said Ms Gwillam.

Sign‑up Month is also an opportunity to highlight the range of library services available, said Ms Gwillam. “It would probably surprise most people just how much our Libraries offer. While we remain a haven for booklovers – with more than 100,000 physical books on our shelves – we’re also navigating the growing digital world. Check‑outs for eAudiobooks and eBooks continue to grow, and our members are making great use of the Libraries, Libby, and Borrowbox apps.”

Libraries recently launched access to UniversalClass, an online learning platform offering hundreds of courses from finance and investment to science and psychology.

Having a physical presence in communities continues to be important. Libraries host a wide range of free community events, often in partnership with local groups. Examples include Te Kākano flax‑weaving workshops, Reading to Dogs, te reo Māori conversation classes, and teen book clubs.

Throughout March, there are also special promotions for children and the young at heart. Library members can enjoy half‑price entry to Alpine Aqualand’s hydroslide at Queenstown Events Centre by presenting their library card or app. Children under 18 can also enter a competition to win tickets to the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Dazzlehands, with entry forms available at all local libraries. “We know how important it is for children to get on the literacy ladder early and for reading to become a lifelong habit,” said Ms Gwillam.

Recent survey results show strong community support for Queenstown Lakes Libraries. Results from QLDC’s Community Insights Survey 2025, showed 78% of respondents were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with Libraries. The national Community Impact Survey Results 2024 showed 89.5% of survey participants agreed that Queenstown Lakes Libraries “increased my feelings of happiness and wellbeing”.

Joining the library is simple. Pop into your local library with ID and proof of residence. There are eight library branches across the district, from Glenorchy to Luggate and Kingston to Makarora.

ENDS | KUA MUTU

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