About the John Kinder Theological Library
The John Kinder Theological Library is the knowledge and archive hub of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia — Te Hāhi Mihinare ki Aotearoa ki Niu Tireni, ki Ngā Moutere o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa. Formerly known as the Kinder Library at St John’s Theological College, it continues to grow as a vibrant centre for theological learning, cultural insight, and historical preservation.
A Rich and Growing Collection
Our Library holds more than 120,000 books and other print resources, complemented by an expanding range of eBooks and eJournals. We specialise in materials that support Anglican ministry and scholarship across:
- Biblical studies
- Theology
- Ministry and pastoral care
- Anglicanism
- Church history
- Mission studies
Our collections place particular emphasis on contextual theology, the life of the Three Tikanga Anglican Church, and the voices, histories, and scholarship of Māori and Pacific communities.
Treasures of the Past and Present
Archives, manuscripts, specialist print, and digital resources preserve the story of the Anglican Church throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. These collections offer unique insights into faith, history, and the development of Christian mission in the region.
Serving the Methodist Church
We also to support the Methodist Church of New Zealand – Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, housing the former Trinity Methodist Theological College library and a significant collection of early Methodist mission manuscripts.
Visitors and Membership
The Library welcomes all visitors for study and research.
Membership is primarily available to members of the Anglican and Methodist Churches, as well as partner churches with reciprocal agreements. Our staff are happy to explain membership options, including paid memberships available to the wider public.
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Kinder Library Oversight Committee
Oversight of the Library is provided by the Kinder Library Oversight Committee, which reports to Te Kotahitanga, a Standing Commission of the General Synod of the Anglican Church. Te Kotahitanga has oversight and coordination across the three tikanga of the Church, to facilitate the resourcing of ministry and mission needs for theological education and ministry training.