But such was the press of numbers at the front door that it was flung open early for people to rush inside and savour the smell of new books and fresh carpet.
Developers said the library was unique because it was specifically aimed at youngsters and had a 50-50 mix of digital and print resources.
Library manager Rosetta Reti Simanu said the touch-screen computers were set up for children's programmes, word processing, the internet and compact discs.
Youngsters immediately flocked to the computers, where there was much mouse-pointing, clicking and one-finger typing.
Eleven-year-old Erin McGrath, from Clover Park Middle School, was unequivocal in his praise. "It's da bomb."
He would come to the library to do his homework.
The library's impact on the community is the subject of a long-term study by Victoria University.
Library managers already have plans to boost that impact with community involvement such as reading and writing programmes.
Five years in the planning, the library was paid for by Manukau City. Mayor Sir Barry Curtis said it was crucial for youngsters to have access to technology in a rapidly changing world.
The name Tupu signified "new growth" in Maori and several Pacific Island languages.
And in Kerikeri, the town's new library will benefit from a large gift from an elderly couple.
Ken Procter, who is 84, and his 80-year-old wife, Jeffray, decided they were too old to hang on to their dollars and thought they would give $650,000 to help build a new library in the Northland town they never left since arriving on their honeymoon 57 years ago.
Mr Procter said libraries endured and everyone could use them. As for money, "you can't take it with you".
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