Tonga's first public library in Kolovai Photo: Kahoa Meimuli Corbett
The Queen of Tonga is putting her support behind the building of a new public library in Nuku'alofa. Land has been set aside for the new library on the Royal estate in Kolomotu'a.
The first public library in Nuku'alofa was founded by Kahoa Meimuli-Corbett and her husband Brendan Corbett. In 2018 the Corbetts opened the library in the village of Kolovai, on the western coast of Tongatapu.
In the seven years since its opening, the Kolovai library has become a busy hub, used by locals of all ages from both the village and wider community.
Kahoa Meimuli Corbett at the public library in Kolovai Photo: Kahoa Meimuli Corbett
Since then, they have had their sights set on establishing a second public library.
Three years ago, while looking for potential library sites, Kahoa contacted Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau'u, to inquire about an older property which was owned by the Monarchy.
Kahoa was pleasantly surprised when her Majesty replied, generously offering land on the palace estate; located at the intersection of Hala Vaha'akolo and Vuna Road towards Sio Ko Veiongo.
Donations of books, for the library, have been continuously arriving from New Zealand and the from around the World.
As the Kolovai library only has so much storage space, thousands of these books have been donated onward to local schools.
Her Majesty, Queen Nanasipau'u, has taken a keen interest in the library project and has been helping wherever she can, including with storage costs.
Tonga's first public library in Kolovai Photo: Kahoa Meimuli Corbett
Kahoa said it is a great privilege to have been gifted this property from the King and Queen of Tonga, She knows this has been a unique opportunity, to build a state-of-the-art library for the Tongan people.
Kahoa explained that the library's plans were completed by Michael O'Leary, an Auckland-based architect, and family friend.
"So, I sent him the map, where the king and the queen wanted the library to be built and he said what an amazing piece of land. So, he did draw up the plans"
The new Library will be multi-functional, providing free access to books and digital resources, as well as having community spaces for workshops, performances, and cultural exchange.
The library will also have accessibility features, to ensure that everyone can benefit from its storehouse of knowledge.
