Auckland Libraries blog

These school holidays we're shining bright!  Join us at your local libraries and from home for fun activities themed around light and the stars. We're conducting experiments, making art, becoming performing stars and taking part in Matariki celebrations. If the cooler weather is keeping your whānau indoors, we have the tools you need for some extreme staycationing! Keep tamariki sparkling with free online resources to entertain, educate or distract! Your Auckland Libraries membership gives you full access - just log in with your library card and password or PIN, and jump right in! No library card? No worries!  Sign up for an eMembership  for full access to our eResources, all from the comfort of your own home. Relax with a read Research has shown that reading relaxes the body and the mind, even more than listening to music or going for a walk! Here are some great ways to escape the world around you and bring the family closer. Make the most of having everyone together by choos

Pīataata   mai  – Shine your light on  Matariki     The  whetū  (stars) guide us in this special  Matariki  episode of Books & Beyond. Alison and Ineka are joined in the studio by two special guests: Jenny Barnett, who is the Poutuitui Ahunga Māori (Māori Service Coach) and Teri  Ta’ala  who is the  Poukōkiri  Tapoko  Tāpaenga  (Senior Librarian – Māori Collections). Listen to this week's episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast. Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Books and Beyond: Pīataata mai - Shine your light on Matariki Books mentioned in the show:  Matariki: the star of the year  by  Rangi  Matamua   Matariki: te whetū tapu o te tau   nā   Rangi  Matamua  ngā  korero   The seven stars of Matariki  by Toni Rolleston-Cummins   Te Huihui o Matariki   nā  Toni Rolleston-Cummins  ngā  korero   Puanga: star of the Māori New Year  by Sam T. Rerekura   Te reka o te kai - kai atua : maara kai practical guide  compiled by  Te  Waka Kai Ora   Living by the moon = Te mara

This episode comes to you on a somewhat sombre note, as we mark the worldwide protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Alison and Ineka talk about being an ally to the cause and the rich resources available at libraries to help you lean in, listen and learn. Listen to this weeks episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast. Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Books and Beyond: Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable   Books mentioned in the show: An American Marriage  by Tayari Jones   The Nickel Boys  by Colson Whitehead   Nobody: Casualties of America's War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond   by Marc Lamont Hill     Brit(ish)Brit(ish): on race, identity and belonging   by Afua Hirsch    Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race  by Reni Eddo-Lodge   The Vanishing Half     by Brit Bennett   The Mothers   by Brit Bennett   I’m judging you: the do-better-manual  by Luvvie Ajayi   The vulture  by Gil-Scott Heron   Imagining de

For the busy, on-the-go, 'just popping in' or adventurous reader, Ready-to-go Reads is a new way to get your book fix, fast! Ready-to-Go Reads book packs are the perfect pick-me-up for yourself, friends and whānau of all ages.  It's simple - our librarians will choose five great books from your favourite genres and bag them up. You drop by with your library card, grab your bag, use the self-checkout and you’re ready to go! Choose from a selection of prepacked Ready-to-Go Reads book packs during your visit, or visit our website to order a pack online . We’ll send you an email when your Ready-to-Go Reads book pack is ready to collect from your local library. Don't want a lucky dip? You can still browse our catalogue and place a request if you're wanting a particular read. Read on for how to click and collect a request. Click and collect Place a request for the hottest new blockbuster or the upcoming book in your favourite series to ensure your place in the reading qu