World Languages Collections

This page is a brief guide to our collection of fiction and non-fiction in various languages. We call it our World Languages Collection.

For most languages in our World Languages Collection we have both adult and children's titles. In a few instances we have only children's material. We have titles available in the following languages:

All our libraries have titles in te reo Māori in their Ngā Pounamu Māori collections.

For more information please see our World Languages Collection Policy.

Are you new to Christchurch? Kia ora and welcome! We have a good range of resources and services on offer to new residents. You can find more information on our newcomers pages.

World languages collections by library

World languages collections include adult fiction and non-fiction. Some children’s material is also available in these languages at each of these libraries. Please note that the children’s resources in world languages are usually shelved in the children’s areas.

Aranui Library
Niuean, Rarotongan, Samoan, Tokelauan and Tongan. A large proportion of this material is for children.
Fendalton Library
Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre
Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.
Hornby Library
Chinese
Linwood Library
Chinese, Hindi, Korean, and Russian.  Some of this material is for children.
Papanui Library
Chinese, Japanese and Korean plus children's books in Chinese.
South Library
Chinese, Dutch, German, Japanese, and Korean
Shirley Library
Chinese and Japanese
Tūranga
Afrikaans, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Niuean, Persian, Polish, Rarotongan, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Thai, Tokelauan, and Tongan. Adult as well as some children’s material is available in these languages. There is also a small selection of magazines in the following languages - Afrikaans, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese and Russian.
Upper Riccarton Library
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog  plus children’s books in Dutch.

Language eResources

Mango Languages

Mango provides access to over sixty languages for those wanting to learn a language from basic right through to advanced levels with grammar and cultural notes. It also has instructions on how to learn English if you are not a native speaker.
Access this with your library card number and password / PIN, or at our libraries.

OverDrive

Free downloadable eBook and eAudiobook collection containing thousands of fiction and non-fiction titles. OverDrive includes a number of eBooks in Chinese, Korean and Tagalog. Borrow with your library card and password / PIN.

Road to IELTS: Academic

Access a self-study preparation course to help candidates prepare for the globally recognised IELTS exam. It tests English proficiency at an academic level.
Access this with your library card number and password / PIN, or at our libraries.

Road to IELTS: General

Access a self-study preparation course to help candidates prepare for the globally recognised IELTS exam. It tests English proficiency at a general level.
Access this with your library card number and password / PIN, or at our libraries.

World Book Discover

Access to reference resources on all subjects from agriculture to zoology for those who are learning English as a second language. Access this with your library card number and password / PIN, or at our libraries.

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