Editing Oamaru (section)

== Recreation and leisure ==
The beautiful [[Oamaru Opera House]] on Thames Street, officially opened on 7 October 1907,<ref>{{Cite web|title=History|url=https://oamaruoperahouse.co.nz/visiting-our-venue/history/|access-date=25 April 2021|website=Oamaru Opera House|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428081233/https://oamaruoperahouse.co.nz/visiting-our-venue/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> is home to much of Oamaru's live entertainment and performances. It was restored in 2009. The refurbishment won the Public Architecture category of the 2010 Southern Architecture Awards and the 2011 NZIA Heritage award for Heritage Conservation. Oamaru Opera House is one of the most significant heritage sites in Oamaru, important to the town and nationally to New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Search the List {{!}} Oamaru Town Hall and Opera House (Former) {{!}} Heritage New Zealand|url=https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/7356|access-date=25 April 2021|website=www.heritage.org.nz|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428043319/https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/7356|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Waitaki District Library has branches situated in Oamaru, Palmerston, Kurow, Hampden, Omarama, and Otematata (forming the Waitaki District Libraries syndicate).<ref>{{Cite web|title=About {{!}} Culture Waitaki|url=https://www.culturewaitaki.org.nz/waitaki-district-libraries/about|access-date=25 April 2021|website=www.culturewaitaki.org.nz|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425082514/https://www.culturewaitaki.org.nz/waitaki-district-libraries/about|url-status=live}}</ref>

Oamaru Public Library began life as the Oamaru Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute in 1878, but by 1973, library services had outgrown the building. A new library building was proposed, situated next-door to the 'old' Athenaeum library, and the new library was officially opened by the Mayor, Mr R.D. Allen on 19 September 1975.

Oamaru Repertory Theatre<ref>{{Cite web|title=Oamaru Repertory Society|url=https://www.waitakigroups.co.nz/listing/oamaru-repertory-society/|access-date=25 April 2021|website=Waitaki Groups and Clubs Directory|language=en-US}}</ref> is located on Itchen Street and is the home of Oamaru's live theatre productions.