We Read Auckland 2022 | Ka Pānui Tātau i Tāmaki Makaurau - Week Two

Highlights of the week ahead: 22-28 August

Collage of images of events for We Read Auckland 2022

With We Read Auckland 2022 about to enter its second and final week, it’s time to take a look at the wonderful events happening in our libraries and online.

From discovering the hidden female figures of 19th century Aotearoa to a pop-up book club at the pub, We Read Auckland offers scores of opportunities to celebrate reading, writing and storytelling!

Beanstack Online Reading Challenge

1 – 31 August, Online

Graphic of Auckland landmarks

The Beanstack Online Reading Challenge is running all through August.

Open to all ages, you can earn cool prizes just by logging the hours you spend reading. You can also complete fun activities which give you more chances to win.

Download the Beanstack Tracker app on your Apple or Android device and select ‘Auckland Libraries’ or visit the Beanstack website to register.

Author talk: Eileen Merriman

Tuesday 23 August, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, Warkworth Masonic Hall

Eileen Merriman holding up her own book

When she’s not winning rave reviews for her novels, such as Pieces of You, Moonlight Sonata and The Silence of Snow, Eileen Merriman works as a haematologist at North Shore Hospital.

The award-winning author will be appearing at the Warkworth Masonic Hall for a one-hour talk about her life and works. The talk will be followed by signings and refreshments.

Contact Lisa Outwin at lisa.outwin@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call 021 611 239 to book your space.

Transcending Tala – Moana Exhibition

Wednesday 24 August, 10am-9pm. Fale o Samoa, Māngere

Transcending Tala

Auckland Council Libraries’ Pasifika specialists will demonstrate and explain how the people of the Moana have passed down ancient knowledge across generations.

This fun and informative event features recordings of tangata of the Moana speaking about their experiences and expertise, photos and videos from our heritage and research collections, live music and performances, and interactive workshops for rangatahi.

Hidden women of the Cyclopedia of New Zealand

Wednesday 24 August, 5pm-8pm. Research Central

Cyclopedia of New Zealand

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand was an encyclopaedia published in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although an important historical resource, the Cyclopedia suffers from a relatively low number of entries for women.

Come along to this in-person-only workshop as genealogy specialist Fiona Brooker uncovers the powerful women hidden between the lines of this weighty old tome.

Reading Between the Wines – Beer edition

Wednesday 24 August 6.30pm-8.30pm

Reading between the wines

Back by popular demand and better than ever!

Birkenhead Library and The Beer Spot Northcote are teaming up to host the return of a crowd favourite – Reading Between the Wines.

Join us for some books, banter, a bite and a bevvy.

Don’t have a library card? Come along anyway, and we’ll sign you up on the night and send you away with some books to read too!

Writer Sprints – Creative Writing Workshop

Thursday 25 August, 5.30pm – 7pm, East Coast Bays Library

Boy drawing on a wall

Keen to improve your creative writing skills?

Come along to East Coast Bays Library for this fun, fast-paced workshop. You’ll take part in three ‘sprints’ where you’ll be given 20 minutes to write as much as you can on a random topic.

Whatever your age or ability, you’re welcome to give it a go!

Register on Eventbrite.

Rangatahi Poetry Showcase

Thursday 25 August 2022 6.30pm-8.30pm. New Lynn War Memorial Library

Rangatahi poetry book cover

This exciting event showcases a group of up-and-coming rangatahi poets who are publishing their first collection.

Come along and enjoy some light refreshments as the young poets share their words with their loved ones.

There will be an opportunity to purchase the book on the night, with all proceeds going directly to the poets!

The book will also be added to the Auckland Council Libraries catalogue.

Romance thrives in Glen Innes

Friday 26 August, 2pm – 3pm

Pages of a book bent to form a love heart

Romance fiction has existed for literally thousands of years. But what is it about this genre that has us so smitten?

At Glen Innes Library, we’ll be discussing the hot-blooded history of romance fiction and its various tropes.

Come along for a delightful afternoon, it’s a date!

Mandarin Zoom Talk – Discussing Food in Literature

Saturday 27 August, 11am-12noon. Online via Zoom.

Collage of various Chinese foods

Presented in Mandarin, this online talk explores the lives and works of iconic Chinese food literature authors.

Writers profiled in this talk include Shen Hong Fei, Cai Lan and Jiao Tong.

Song writing workshop and beat mixing master class

Saturday 27 August, 12noon – 3pm, Te Atatū Peninsula Library

Music making equipment

Whether you’re a newbie, a seasoned pro or just a casual enthusiast, this free event will give you all the tools to explore your next step.

Suitable for those aged 15-19, the session is composed of a song writing workshop and a beat mixing masterclass conducted by professionals who work in the recording industry.

And, as if you needed more convincing, there will be free pizza!

Bookings are essential. Book on Eventbrite.

Whiriwhiri Kōrero – Woven Stories

Sunday 28 August 2022 12.30pm-3.30pm. Highland Park Library

Two women seated talking to each other

Closeout We Read Auckland 2022 by reading a living book.

Come along to Highland Park Library, and you can “borrow” a person for a one-on-one conversation.

This is a chance to learn about the fascinating lives of people entirely unlike yourself and even share some stories of your own.

Comments