Check it out: Auckland Council Libraries trial board game lending

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council Libraries have announced a new offering – board games lending, giving Aucklanders the opportunity to borrow popular tabletop games like Catan and Ticket To Ride: Europe to ramp up their game night.

Launched as a trial across 10 library branches, the board game lending programme gives Aucklanders the opportunity to connect, play and learn together, with modern strategy games that appeal to a wide range of adults.

Councillor Julie Fairey, deputy chair of the Community Committee, says the new initiative shows how libraries are evolving to meet our community’s changing needs.

“Our libraries are so much more than just books – they’re places for fun and connection, and they are always looking for new ways to serve Aucklanders,” says Councillor Fairey.

“My whānau loves board games and we will definitely be accessing this new collection now available through our public libraries.  Often these games are quite expensive to buy and this is a way people can play a wide range of games and find new favourites to enjoy.”

The popular titles, which include games such as Exploding Kittens and Wingspan are available for borrowing by any library card holder aged 18+ for a two-week loan.

While the games are on display at 10 sites, customers can place holds, collect and return the board games from any of our 56 libraries across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Auckland Council’s Head of Library and Learning Services, Catherine Leonard, says the new offering is an exciting way to welcome more Aucklanders into libraries.

“International trends show board games are booming, especially among 20–30-year-olds – a group we don’t see as often in our libraries,” says Ms Leonard.

“Board games are a fantastic tool for learning, collaboration and fun – but above all, they bring people together. We’d love to see more Aucklanders heading into our libraries and taking home a sought-after title to level up their next game night.”

This initiative aligns with the Belonging and Participation aspect of the Auckland Plan by increasing educational achievement, lifelong learning and training.

As with books, there are no late fees for board games, and borrowers won’t be charged for the occasional missing piece — but if a game is returned unplayable, a replacement fee will apply.

The trial will run for 12 months with a view to rolling it out to more libraries and adding more board games in the future.

To find out more about the board game collection and reserve a game, go to Auckland Council Libraries website.

Love this initiative and want the best for Auckland’s future? Stand for council in Auckland’s Local Elections 2025. Nominations open 4 July 2025 and close 1 August 2025, midday. If you’d like to learn more about what’s involved in standing, visit Vote Auckland.

Available board games:

• 7 Wonders: Duel 
• Betrayal at House on the Hill
• Catan
• Codenames: Pictures
• Exploding Kittens
• Root
• Ticket to Ride: Europ
• The Resistance: Avalo
• Tokaido
• Wingspan (Oceania Expansion)

Participating libraries:

MIL OSI