Welcome to the Dunedin Athenaeum & Mechanic’s Institute – a lending library, in the heart of the Octagon for over 150 years!

We welcome members of all ages and encourage curiosity and learning.

Our vast collection is constantly evolving. We have a diverse range of New Zealand fiction, general fiction, fantasy/ science fiction, crime, cosy mysteries, poetry, non-fiction and biographies.

We host a range of events, meetings and book clubs, which are open to members and non-members.

Our unique library is also available for hire for literary and literary adjacent events. Enquires welcome.