A new website has been launched to give people free online access to the Hastings District Libraries community archives that are a treasure trove of local history.

The initiative has been enabled through funding from the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme with the National Libraries of New Zealand, aimed at supporting librarians and library services across the country.

Hastings District Libraries assistant Albany Murdoch sorts through the archive items to be digitised. Photo/Supplied.

Havelock North Library houses the Hastings Libraries' community archives. This is made up of thousands of objects including documents, music programmes, photographs, trophies, maps and slides.
These are all being digitised and uploaded to an online platform called Recollect. 

The public can access Recollect through the Hastings District Libraries website to take a trip down memory lane or research local history. 
Hastings District Libraries collections and content team leader Mya Robertson said Recollect can be used to take a look at where you grew up or remember places around Hastings that have changed over the years, like Fantasyland or the city centre.

“Thanks to the additional funding for this project we have been able to have dedicated staff work on Recollect.  We are delighted to see the website go live and be ready for people to interact with.”

Recollect can be accessed at https://hastings.recollect.co.nz/.

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