author
John Barr
1887–1971
A Scottish-born librarian who helped reshape public library service in New Zealand, he spent decades making books more accessible to ordinary readers. His name is especially linked with Auckland's library system and with a landmark report on the future of libraries in New Zealand.
1 Audiobook
The City of Auckland, New Zealand, 1840-1920
by John Barr
About the author
Born in Glasgow on 28 July 1887, he began library work very young at the Mitchell Library and later gained professional qualifications in librarianship. After time in Australia, he moved to New Zealand and in 1913 became chief librarian of the Auckland Public Library.
He held that post until 1952 and became known for pushing library service beyond a single reading room. Under his leadership, Auckland's system expanded through branches and wider public access, and he was a steady advocate for free library service.
He also played an important national role. With Ralph Munn, he co-authored the 1934 Munn-Barr Report, a study often credited with helping set the direction for New Zealand's modern library system. He died in 1971, remembered less as a literary celebrity than as one of the people who made reading easier for generations of New Zealanders.