Auckland Libraries blog

Mānawatia a Matariki Winter brings a time for reflection and celebration in Aotearoa. The Matariki star cluster rises in the winter skies, marking the start of the Māori new year. Traditionally, Māori astronomers meticulously observed the night sky, weaving celestial movements into all facets of life. Matariki wasn't just a new year, it was a time for whānau to reflect on the past year, plan for a bountiful harvest, and celebrate with kai, kōrero and entertainment.  Matariki is a special time to come together, acknowledge and reflect on the year and look ahead to the future. Read on to discover a constellation of library events and books to help navigate the Matariki season in 2024. Books about Matariki As winter chills settle in, why not cosy up with a book from your library and delve deeper into its rich meaning? Grow your understanding before the festivities begin with free online access or by visiting a comfy spot in your local branch.  With these recommended reads, c...

Need a book that feels like a warm hug? Cosy up with these nostalgic throwbacks and soul-healing new titles, hand-picked by librarians – the experts in settling down with a good story. We all need a pick-me-up during the cold winter months. Luckily, long nights are a perfect time to escape into faraway lands. Getting comfy is the easy part. Put on some winter warmies, fill up your favourite mug and wrap up under a blanket. If you’re feeling extra atmospheric, light a candle or fireplace for a touch of warmth.  The hard part is deciding on a perfect book to fit the mood. Whether you yearn for fantasy adventures, compelling mysteries, historical nostalgia or a slice of real life, we’ve got you covered. Our six favourite comfort reads come with guaranteed cosy vibes to warm up the cold season. Once you’re comfortable, open your chosen story or press play on your eAudiobook and let your mind be whisked away.   Best cosy books for winter  1. Legends and Lattes by Travi...

Ōrewa Library is getting a major makeover! This exciting transformation will begin in June. A temporary mini library will be set up nearby at the Ōrewa Community Centre.   This major upgrade will address ongoing maintenance needs and ensure the library continues to meet the growing demand from our community.  What to expect during the closure  Ōrewa library will be closed from 10 June for approximately 15 months to allow for construction. For the first month, you can access services and council resources at Whangaparoa Library. From 8 July a temporary mini library will open in the small hall at the nearby Ōrewa Community Centre. Our dedicated library staff are committed to minimising disruption. They'll be readily available at the mini library to assist you with accessing available services and resources.  Why the upgrade?  The upgrade will make the library more usable by rearranging the existing space and adding a new middle floor. This will create much-ne...

John's Place, Rialto Arcade, Newmarket, 1971. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1269-19710522-04. Back in 2017, UNESCO recognised the long, rich musical history of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland by designating it as a City of Music . The future of our local music scene is just as bright. Skip forward to May 2024, and it's time to celebrate the rich sounds of Aotearoa with New Zealand Music Month at Auckland Libraries! This year's theme, Amplifying Aotearoa | Paorotia Aotearoa , puts the spotlight on everyone who makes our music scene sing - from rising stars to dedicated fans. Dust off your instruments and explore our extensive collection of sheet music, featuring iconic Kiwi artists and timeless classics. Dive deeper with music documentaries and biographies available through our library resources.  Throughout May, we're hosting a series of special events. Experience heritage concerts showcasing local legends and aspiring newcomers, plus exciting opportunities to disc...