Last updated June 2026
The Youth Space is Palmerston North’s dedicated teen hub, a branch of the Palmerston North City Library network located next to the Central Library in Coleman Mall. It provides a safe, welcoming, alcohol- and drug-free space for young people aged 13 to 19 to relax, socialise, study, and take part in free activities and events. The facility offers a youth library collection, public computers, gaming consoles including PS5 and Xbox, musical gear, sports equipment, arts and crafts supplies, and a small stage. All activities and events are free of charge, with membership available through the city library system.
Practical Information
| Location | Cnr Coleman Mall & George Street, next to Central Library, Palmerston North |
| Target ages | 13-19 |
| Cost | Free entry, free activities and events; library membership required for borrowing |
| Facilities | Youth library, public computers, PS5 and Xbox, musical gear, sports equipment, arts and crafts supplies, small stage, study spaces |
| Hours | Typically Tuesday to Saturday 12:00pm-5:00pm; closed Sundays and Mondays (confirm current schedule) |
| Best for | Teens seeking study support, gaming, creative workshops, socialising and youth-led events |
About the Youth Space
The Youth Space operates as a purpose-built branch of the Palmerston North City Library, giving rangatahi aged 13-19 their own dedicated environment separate from the main Central Library. It functions as a safe community hub where young people can connect with friends, access library resources, and participate in activities designed around their interests and needs.
Daily and monthly programmes are partly youth-led, allowing participants to help shape events such as cooking classes, karaoke nights, origami workshops, sewing sessions, gaming tournaments, talent quests and special events like a rainbow youth ball. The Youth Services team provides support and guidance alongside these activities.
The space complements the wider Palmerston North City Library network by focusing specifically on teen users, while still offering core library services including borrowing from the youth collection. Community groups can book the venue for youth-focused events at no or low cost, with priority given to youth-led initiatives.
Facilities and Programmes
Key facilities include a youth library collection, public computers for study and research, gaming consoles (PS5 and Xbox), musical instruments and gear, sports equipment, arts and crafts supplies, and a small stage for performances or events. Study spaces support schoolwork and homework, while the overall layout encourages both quiet individual use and group activities.
Regular programmes cover creative skills, gaming sessions, music-related activities and social events. The monthly schedule often features workshops and tournaments that change based on youth input. Holiday programmes run during school breaks with additional creativity, challenges, music and fun sessions.
What Visitors Often Say
Teens and young adults appreciate the dedicated space as a safe, free place to hang out after school, access computers and gaming, and join creative or social activities without pressure. Parents and caregivers note it as a reliable supervised environment for rangatahi.
Practical advice includes joining the library for full access, checking the monthly activity schedule in advance, arriving early for popular gaming or workshop sessions, and respecting the shared space rules. Many highlight the welcoming staff and youth-led elements as standout features.
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Library – Youth Space: official page with current hours, location details and booking information.
Palmerston North City Council – Youth Space: details on activities, facilities and community booking options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the Youth Space?
It is open to young people aged 13-19. Younger children are directed to other library branches or programmes.
Is it free?
Yes, entry and all activities and events are free. Library membership enables borrowing privileges.
What facilities are available?
Youth library collection, public computers, PS5 and Xbox consoles, musical gear, sports equipment, arts and crafts supplies, study spaces and a small stage.
Can I play games there?
Yes, gaming sessions and tournaments using PS5 and Xbox are part of the regular programme.
Are there study facilities?
Yes, public computers and study spaces support school assignments and homework.
How do I book the space?
Community groups can submit a booking form or contact the Youth Services team by phone or email for events supporting youth development.
What is the difference from the Central Library?
Youth Space is a dedicated teen branch with age-specific facilities, gaming, creative supplies and youth-led programming, while the Central Library serves all ages with broader collections and services.
Are events youth-led?
Many monthly activities are designed and run with input from rangatahi, giving them opportunities to shape the programme.
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