Not only does 2019 mark the 150th anniversary of the North Otago township's library, it has also been expanded and refurbished to better serve about 200 members.
Over the past several weeks, the library, which once occupied a single room in the Hampden Community Hall, has been expanded and now takes up three rooms.
Hampden Library volunteer convener Alison MacTavish said there was now ample space for the library's 2000 books and 500 DVDs, which was lacking in the past.
The library also housed national and local government information and was in line to have its ageing technology updated.
"We were very cramped and with a modern library, you don't just come in and borrow books," Mrs MacTavish said.
"We tried to make the library as useful as we could for as many people as we could and one room was clearly inadequate.
"You can come in and chose a book at your leisure without the feeling that you've got four or five people breathing over your shoulder and listening to every word you utter."
She said the library was a "great place for social connection", which was particularly important for small, rural communities.
Waitaki district libraries deputy library and community services manager Jean Rivett said that the expansion was desperately needed, and it was likely similar initiatives would be carried out at the district's other libraries.
She said each library offered an important service.
"The Waitaki district is a large rural area ... We have got five smaller libraries outside Oamaru and each has its own character.
"Each library was set up for different people at different times and what they all have is that wonderful community spirit."
Mrs MacTavish said the original library was in the town's first public building, constructed by the Hampden Mechanics Institute.
At the time, there were about 20 houses in the town.
"They had the foresight to see that they actually had to provide ... entertainment and also information for the rural population so they didn't stagnate.
"We've kept on going for 150 years, so I think it's a pretty remarkable story."
