Learn how the first public library in Tonga has grown in the last five years using Koha library management system.

Before 2019, Tonga never had a public library. Libraries were a new concept before the Kolovai Library opened. Lil Green, the current volunteer librarian, shares that "The Kolovai Library is a real treasure here on the island. There are many strings to the bow that make this unique resource sing." And, in the last four months alone, there's been a 115% increase in library patrons.

Founded by Kahoa and Brendan Corbett back in 2019, the library was made a reality with donations from more than 50 Auckland Council libraries. Five years on, the Kolovai Library is a thriving community space where library users can borrow books, DVDs, bikes, use laptops, do arts and crafts, and take music lessons. Lil says "It's really nice to see a library that has many branches. It's not just a single stream of books going in and out. I've dreamt of spaces like this, libraries that have different elements to them."

To catalogue their growing collection, the Kolovai Library uses the Koha library management system, hosted and sponsored by Catalyst. Loni Fifita, Pasifika Senior Librarian at Auckland Council and the first volunteer librarian at the Kolovai library shares, "I'm grateful that Koha existed to help this library. Honestly, to have a library system with these books is actually very satisfying."

A place to bring the community together

A library can be a starting point for many journeys: education, leisure, connection, and even learning how to ride a bike. Local student, Matai, who recently moved from New Zealand to Tonga, is a new member of the library and shares that "it's been a really big help for my education." His classmate Christian, who has seen the library grow from the beginning, agrees.

Lil chimes in that the older students helped with a recent story time and activity with younger children. The children were inspired to test parachute designs from a book where a dog gets swept away by an umbrella. So, the children used the laptops to watch tutorials on how to create parachutes for eggs. Then, they made parachutes from materials around the library. The students enjoyed helping the younger kids test out their experiments.

Customising Koha for the community

With more of a programming and engagement background working in publishing (No Bindings) and libraries (Glasgow's Women's Library, Lil was excited to dive into cataloguing at Kolovai Library and to learn how to use Koha. Since the library is run with the help of volunteers, Lil wants to ensure stability for the community. One way Lil is doing this for the next librarian is by customising the catalogue in a way that works for the library users.

Self-taught on how to use Koha, Lil says "It's so empowering to have those digital skills, to be able to change things – to build something that works [for your users]."

'The picture books have recently been finalised and Lil is proud of the new display. "People can look online at what books we have, and that can be sent around. And it means that when kids are coming to check things out, it's really quick." Lil has also used Koha's report function to create a leaderboard to celebrate the reading achievements of the children.

While developing best practices for the library, Lil shares "I've taken quite a physical, literal approach to locations, and just translated that to a location code, and then the collection codes draw out the different areas of interest that I see amongst the members. I'm trying to make that balance of themes and having a technically sound catalogue."

Librarian, Lil smiles with library users holding their latest poetry collection Kalokalo.Recently, the library was sent copies of the new poetry book Kalokalo by Tongan-Fijian writer Arieta Rika. It's easy for Lil to create an original record in Koha without any technical support.Lil shares "I can imagine that if you're a Technical Services Librarian, Koha is dreamy because it's so customisable [you can] build a system that works for you."

Decolonising collections

Lil is particularly interested in collection management and decolonising collections. With Koha, you can use a collection code to boost certain texts outside of Dewey Decimal. "So now we can build up a Pasifika collection, and a Tongan collection. And the more you learn how to use the tech, the more you can undo biases built into cataloguing." Since the library collection is shaped by donations, they're grateful for the resources that are shared with them. Plus, Koha is translated for over 40 languages, and translation is something anyone can contribute to Koha to ensure access to collections in the people's own languages.

If you'd like to donate books to the Kolovai library, Loni and Lil emphasise the importance of stocking the shelves with high-quality and inclusive books. You can contact Loni with questions about what kind of books the library is looking for and learn more about donating to the library by heading to their website.

Many volunteers like Lil and Loni have helped shape the library and there are so many ways you can support the space, whether that's a long-term placement, funding, or short-term operational or educational projects. The following people have helped make Kolovai Library what it is today:

Aleisha Amohia and Rōpū kohinga at Catalyst, Aleisha is the technical lead for Rōpū kohinga and set up the library system on Koha. Catalyst has hosted the library since 2019.

Mele Kamoto, a former civil servant from A'hau has been the longest-serving volunteer for five years. She also helps take care of visiting volunteers.

Wendy McGaskill, a librarian from Christchurch, Aotearoa, spent one month improving the children's collection.

Janine Gillions, a librarian from Aotearoa, spent a week helping get the library set up.

Peter Lund, an English teacher from the UK, coordinated a school trip to the library for students in town.

Laiyawa Leone, a high school librarian from Fiji spent two months at the library, delivering engagement programmes and deep cleaning the library.

Diana Lee and Katy Olson, US Peace Corps English teachers who regularly assist with children's reading programmes.

Rachel Hollis, a librarian with the US Peace Corps here in Tonga, has helped Lil improve the cataloguing system.

The Corbett family, the library owners who set up the library, provide funding for the WiFi, bills, building upkeep and repairs, as well as coordinating book donations and resources like laptops, musical instruments, and craft materials.

If you'd like to help keep the library doors open and volunteer as a librarian at Kolovai, please send your CV and cover letter to kolovaipubliclibrary@gmail.com.

A library system that works for your library

Rōpū kohinga at Catalyst are proud to be able to support Kolovai Library and has sponsored the hosting for the library since it began in 2019.