Athenaeum Library & Mechanics Institute - Dunedin

31/07/2026

This is excellent to see heritage buildings being championed and supported here in Ōtepoti Dunedin. It is going to be an interesting time for the Athenaeum building. We aim to keep our status as the longest continuing library in New Zealand, with the hope we will retain our prominence in this building. Which was purpose built as a library and community space 156 years ago!

The battle to hang onto Dunedin’s heritage

30/07/2026

https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/books/book-returned-to-nsw-library-150-years-after-being-borrowed

There'll be no late return fine for The Antiquities of Athens borrowed in the 19th Century and discovered inside a chest in a bricked fireplace during a renovation.

30/07/2026

Important meeting tonight to defend the future of the University Bookshop. Great turnout. A sense of some part of Dunedin - an old, sometimes quiet part - mobilising to protect what makes this place special.

21/07/2026

Dominic Hoey is hosting a writing workshop here at the Athenaeum & Mechanics' Institute - on Saturday 22nd August! Details below ⤵💫💫

Ōtepoti! I'm coming down to run an in-person workshop teaching how to create characters and get them speaking. Sign up link in comments

16/07/2026

A great review of Tony Eyre's book 'The Book Collector' .
Tony is our wonderful committee Chair at the Athenaeum & Mechanic's Institute.

https://hail.to/dunedin-unesco-city-of-literature/article/DjLkbpr?fbclid=IwY2xjawTFDyNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEegMd6rZ2eq3-72PjHfJt1SewKU9tYx5YPm34Z2nhUmluhWllOZXfaLF85CcA_aem_dImQtaw5clT_3JBmYkS8Lw

The Book Collector: Reading and Living with Literature by Tony Eyre (Mary Egan Publishing, 2023)

03/07/2026

Lots of great new titles in at the library!

To see all our recent books- check out our website: https://www.dunedinathenaeum.org.nz/recent-books/

30/06/2026

Tune in for Bella and Holly's last radio show- Books Uncovered .
It's been an amazing experience doing this show and we have learned heaps and read so many wonderful books along the way. With much gratitude and aroha to all the wonderful people at OAR FM Dunedin - Community Access Media- thank you! 🥰

And thank you to all our listeners!

Bella and Holly bid farewell in their final podcast of Books Uncove...