Archives room a great research tool

The archives room at the Far North District Council's Procter Library at Kerikeri
is becoming increasingly popular as a research facility as users realise just how
extensive the catalogue has become.

The scope of the collection comprises documentary material, photographs, letters,
minute books, and personal histories of individuals and local families in the Bay of
Islands, Whangaroa and Hokianga.

Now included is material from the Society for the Preservation of the Stone Store,
the Kerikeri Beautifying Society, St John’s Ambulance, Citizens Advice Bureau,
local schools and a complete set of the issues of the Kerikeri Chronicle (now Bay
Chronicle).

"A considerable effort has been put in to bring the catalogue up-to-date. Now we
are finding schools, historians and researchers are starting to use the archives more
frequently and the number of inquiries is increasing," Community and Customer
Services Manager Jacine Warmington says.

"The next step will be to expand the oral history sections. We would encourage
members of the public who would like to add to the collection, donate new material or
wish to know more, to contact the library," she says.