Access or restriction : how did New Zealand and international regulations affect Somes Island Internment Camp Library, 1939-1945?

Abstract

This historical research project investigates the wartime experience of Somes Island internment camp library 1939-1945. It was regulated by International authorities on one hand, who were committed to access and openness, and New Zealand authorities on the other, whose priority was to control information and literature. This study considers how these conflicting forces interacted and influenced the development of the library and its reading material. It considers the library's role in the wider New Zealand library and cultural context, and the role of reading and books among a politico-culturally diverse reader community. A smaller archival study traces the provenance of a collection of German, and one French, books from the library. The internment camp library is a success story as New Zealand and International regulatory forces conciliated to largely meet the needs of internees. Internees shaped the library according to their needs, which were educational. It was a culturally dynamic library as books were provided from New Zealand and International sources.