Board games have arrived at Auckland Council Libraries! Whether you're into strategy, party games, or a bit of friendly competition, you can now borrow a board game to play at home – for free.
Kēmu papa Board games
This pilot collection is designed with adults in mind – think sophisticated strategy games and party favourites. Browse games at one of 10 participating libraries across the region or place a hold online to collect your game from any chosen library.
Gather your whānau, rally your friends and get ready for hours of fun!
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2 players aged 10+. Complexity 2/5, takes 30 minutes to play.
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3-6 players aged 12+. Complexity 2.5/5, takes 60 minutes to play.
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3-4 players aged 10+. Complexity 2/5, takes 60-120 minutes to play.
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Complexity: 1/5 Players: 2-8 Ages: 10+ Playing time: 15 minutes
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2-4 players aged 10+. Complexity 3.8/5, takes 60-90 minutes to play.
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2-4 players aged 10+. Complexity 3.8/5, takes 60-90 minutes to play.
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5-10 players aged 13+. Complexity 2/5, takes 30 minutes to play.
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2-5 players aged 8+. Complexity 2/5, takes 30-60 minutes to play.
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2-5 players aged 8+. Complexity 2/5, takes 45 minutes to play.
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Plus Wingspan Oceania Expansion! 1-5 players aged 10+. Complexity 2.5/5.
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1-5 players aged 10+. Complexity 2.5/5, takes 40-70 minutes to play.
Library locations
Browse board games at one of ten participating libraries:
- Botany Library
- Central City Library
- East Coast Bays Library
- Glenfield Library
- Māngere Bridge Library
- Manurewa Library
- Mt Albert Library
- Onehunga Library
- Papatoetoe War Memorial Library
- Waitākere Central (Henderson) Library
See library details
How to borrow board games
Ready to roll the dice? Choose a game in person or place a hold online – it’s that easy. Follow these simple steps to start playing!
You will need a library card to borrow a board game. Don’t have one yet? Join for free online or visit your local library to sign up.
Things to know before you borrow
- You must be 18+ to borrow a board game.
- You can borrow one game at a time.
- The loan period is two weeks. Renewals are not available.
- There are no late fees, just like our library books.
- Remember to make time to set up and pack away the game.
- Pieces must be carefully put back into their assigned packages before returning the game.
Borrow at a library
- Visit one of the ten participating libraries and pick up an empty display box from the shelf.
- Bring the box to the front desk, where staff will give you the full game in a plastic sleeve.
- Games can’t be issued via self-check machines.
Reserve a game online
- Place a hold using the library online catalogue.
- You can choose to collect it from any library. Your game will be behind the desk, not on the usual holds shelf.
- If a game isn’t available right away, simply ‘request’ it to join the waitlist and be notified when it’s your turn!
Return a game
- You can bring your game back to any Auckland Council Library. Please return it to the front desk instead of the returns chute.
- Make sure all pieces are packed away into the labelled packages before you return the game.
- If a game is missing pieces or too damaged to play, please let staff know.
- A replacement fee may apply for lost or unplayable items.
Books for game lovers
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What happens if I lose a piece?
If your game is missing a piece when you return it, please let library staff know. Depending on how essential the missing piece is, the game may still be playable, or it might need to be removed from the collection. A replacement fee may apply if the game is no longer playable due to missing or damaged parts.
- Can I recommend a new game?
Not at this stage. We're piloting this collection with a curated list of board games, and we’re excited to keep expanding it over the next few years. While we’re not taking public suggestions, there’ll be plenty of new games to discover as the collection grows.
- Can kids borrow board games?
This pilot collection is aimed at adults, so you must be 18 or older to borrow a board game. Of course, you're welcome to enjoy them with friends and whānau of all ages once you've checked them out!
- Why are there no renewals?
We want to give as many people as possible the chance to borrow and enjoy these games. That’s why we’ve set a two-week loan period with no renewals.
- Can I use the self-check machine to borrow a board game?
No. Because we need to make sure all the pieces are included, board games need to be checked out at the front desk.
- Can I play the games inside the library without borrowing them?
Not at this stage. This helps us maintain a peaceful environment for everyone using the library. Watch this space as we are looking at options for the future!