THE COOK ISLANDS LIBRARY & MUSEUM SOCIETY

Experience Our Nation’s Heritage

The Cook Islands Library and Museum Society Story

The Cook Islands Library and Museum is a private organization dedicated to the preservation of the history and culture of the Cook Islands. It is entirely run and funded by volunteers whose passion for the country has kept many of the artefacts for posterity.

The first ever library in the Cook Islands was a mobile library housed in the back of a bus, which was driven around the island in the early 1950s by an expatriate, an obliging woman from New Zealand, whose name, unfortunately, is lost to history.

In the early 1960s, through the drive and support of many prominent community leaders, a series of discussions and public meetings were held with a view to establishing a more permanent facility.

From funds raised locally and with voluntary labour, a building was erected on land donated for the purpose by Makea Nui Teremoana Ariki. Those foundation members, included Rev. Bernard Thorogood, Judge Jack Morgan, Stuart Kingan, Tony Utanga, Makea Nui Teremoana Ariki, Ron Crocombe, Sir Tom Davis and many others.

Architect Ken Mills designed the building (steel frame with concrete block panels, wooden ceiling linings and corrugated galvanised iron for the roof). The building was completed in 1963 and opened on 22 December 1964.

Conveniently located within a pleasant parkland of exotic and indigenous trees, adjacent to some of Rarotonga’s oldest historic buildings associated with the early missionary period, the Library and Museum is a short walking distance from the main business centre of Avarua, the capital and largest town.

The administration of the library and museum, through a council of 12 elected members, is the responsibility of the Library and Museum Society that was formed and incorporated in 1963 with the main following objects stated in the registered constitution: ‘the advancement of science, education and culture by the provision of and maintenance of a public library and museum; the encouragement of original investigation and research, by the reading, discussion and publication of papers, the delivery of lectures and by any other means that may be found desirable; to secure the interest, support and cooperation of all sectors of the community within the Cook Islands and of all agencies, organisations and institutions (of whatsoever nature and whether within or without the Cook Islands) in the work of the Society…’

The library and museum is run by two permanent staff-members, with the support of 6-8 volunteers. The current library membership stands at around 1000 active members, with visitor numbers to the museum averaging about 500 per month.

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9am-1pm
Tuesday Evenings 4pm-7pm

Location

Makea Tinirau Rd, Avarua District, Cook Islands

Mailing Address

PO Box 71, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Contact

Phone: +682 26468

Email: library@cookislandsmuseum.com

Membership

5-14 years old: $10 per year
15-18 years old: $15 per year
Adults: $25 per year

Museum Entrance Fee

Adults $5.00
Children under 15 years $2.50
We have special rates for schools and tour groups.