Our library branches are in most suburbs. I'm between a very poor one to the west which is closer and has a big parking area by the library, and a bigger library in a very rich suburb to the east where you have to pay for parking. It's an easy choice. I can order on-line from any Auckland branch and have the books delivered to the branch of my choice; it's a great system.

I think it's always been different here. Books have always been too expensive, but NZers are great readers and use the library a lot more than others probably do. Friends, esp those with kids, always have library books lying around. I have friends in the US who buy everything and have thousands of books; I have about 200 which I know I'll read again, and borrow everything else. How else could I read up to six books a week?

Sadly, AF's Players books are not at the library. Sorrow, but in my sense.