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The recession has changed Kiwis' spending habits with many finding new ways to do things while paying a little less.
That has led to a huge revival of a free facility many people just don't visit these days - the library.
New initiatives like Wriggle and Rhyme - where babies and toddlers can play with their parents and caregivers in an active movement session - is just one of the things attracting a new audience.
Nationwide, Kiwis are rushing back to the library with figures released to ONE News showing business is up 54%.
That includes visitor numbers, book borrowings, enquiries and everything else.
Librarian Karen Craig says libraries have changed with the times - you can get a coffee, the free internet is a big drawcard and you can hire a DVD or simply share a seat with a friend.
"It's like being in a mall. You can people watch or you can just sit around, you can chat, you can meet friends and you are not expected to buy something ... and I think people appreciate that," says Craig.
The library still has books and plenty of quiet places but it's the new things like the Wriggling that is attracting plenty of fans.
