author
John Barr
1887–1971
A pioneering New Zealand librarian, he helped shape modern public library service in Auckland and across the country. His career stretched from the early 1900s into the postwar years, leaving a lasting mark on how libraries served everyday readers.
1 Audiobook
The City of Auckland, New Zealand, 1840-1920
by John Barr
About the author
Born in Glasgow on 28 July 1887, he moved to New Zealand as a child and was educated in Auckland. He joined the Auckland Public Library in his teens and, remarkably young, became chief librarian in 1913.
Over the next four decades he played a major part in developing library services in Auckland. He also became influential nationally, especially through work connected with improving New Zealand's public libraries and encouraging higher professional standards.
He remained chief librarian until 1952 and died on 25 December 1971. Remembered as one of the key figures in New Zealand librarianship, he helped turn the public library into a stronger, more organized service for communities across the country.