Auckland Libraries blog

  If you’ve ever used a streaming service, you’ve probably found yourself scrolling endlessly, and it feels like you take more time choosing something than watching it. Why not stop the scroll and try Beamafilm instead? The synopsis Beamafilm is an ad-free, on-demand streaming service that aims to champion local, diverse and independent voices from Australasia and showcase high-quality, engaging international productions. One of this unique streaming service’s aims is to promote great films that might not otherwise get much attention or distribution. You will find a diverse and eclectic selection of movies and TV shows that often cannot be found on other platforms. Beamafilm uses a handy system that makes it easy to find something to watch based on subject and genre. The list is exhaustive – you will find everything from the ‘ Criterion Collection ’ and ‘ New Zealand documentaries ’ to ‘ Horror ’ and ‘ Music ’! And it’s free?! Yes! Your library card gives you unlimited str...

When our libraries are closed – don't worry! We have a world of online offerings you can access anytime, anywhere. Enjoy streaming films, online courses and browse the latest eCollections and podcasts all from the comfort of home. Read an eBook, learn a new skill, travel around the world (virtually) or simply curl up with an old classic.  Check out what we have to offer, it's all completely free with your library membership! Haven't got a library membership? Sign up for an Auckland Libraries eMembership ! It only takes a couple of easy steps and can be done entirely from home! Libby by OverDrive Download the Libby by OverDrive app , and you’ll be sorted for all of your eBook, eAudiobook and eMagazine needs! Browse a huge range of quality New Zealand and international fiction and nonfiction on your favourite device. ​eMagazines are now available on Overdrive and your Libby app! Read thousands of international and local magazines with no limits or waitlists. You...

You’re now able to stream hundreds of documentaries, indie films and classic movies using your Auckland Libraries membership! Our streaming service, Beamafilm has a unique collection of documentaries, movies and subject-specific content available to stream 24/7 and completely free with your libraries membership. From classic genres such as crime, sports and lifestyle to award-winning films and documentaries - there’s hundreds of undeniably binge-worthy titles to choose from!  To access Beamafilm, visit their website and use your library membership details to create an account. Once you’ve verified your details, you can browse your favourite titles and start streaming – simple! Alongside Beamafilm, we’ve added videos to our OverDrive offer! Just visit the Auckland Libraries OverDrive page and log in with your library barcode to check out what’s available to watch. Visit our website for more information and start browsing now!

Hot drinks, knitwear and cosying up with a good book – we all have our tried and tested ways of surviving the winter weather in Tāmaki Makaurau. Whether you head out to brave the cold or like to stay tucked up at home, our inviting and cosy spaces, binge-worthy collections, and portable Home Energy Audit Toolkits are here to help keep you and your whānau safe, entertained and warm this winter. Make our libraries your lounge If you want to escape the harsh winter weather, pop into your local library to kick back and relax! Browse the shelves, charge your phone, connect to the free WiFi, listen to a Book Bite or find a comfy couch and hunker down for an hour or two.  Rānui and Devonport Library even have their own fireplaces, so make yourself at home! Free WiFi A friendly reminder ​that all of our libraries across Tāmaki Makaurau offer free wireless internet access (WiFi), including mobile libraries. Bring in your laptop, tablet or smartphone to access the internet. If you don’t...

With libraries closed and Aotearoa in lockdown over the last 8 weeks, many Aucklanders turned to our eCollections and online resources to read, watch and learn while staying safe at home. A whopping 498,287 eBooks and eAudiobooks were issued, and we welcomed 3,772 new members to the Auckland Libraries whānau. Our staff were also getting busy, making over 15,000 calls to members of Auckland's over 70s community and offering support in these difficult times.  Many of our heritage collections staff spent time transcribing nineteenth-century letters in the collections , making them more accessible for keyword searching. Our Stay Connected series on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter saw Aucklanders share with us (and each other!) their stories, whakapapa, lockdown lives and more. We also got creative and started offering our popular events and programmes online. With musical performances, craft activities, storytimes, webinars, virtual bookclubs and knitting groups, it’s been amazing...

In celebration of Pasifika 2020, we’ve put together a list of our film favourites for you to watch throughout the month! It features life stories of some of our greatest sportspeople, courageous tales of Pasifika heroes and a powerful yet timely documentary on the urgency of climate change. Haven't got an account yet?  Click here to sign up using your library membership and start streaming ! With our step-by-step instructions and the great app, it's easy to watch at home or on the go. Anger within: Jonah Lomu Set in New Zealand. 2013 || Rated M Documentary. New Zealand born Tongan Jonah Lomu, was without a doubt, the most famous rugby player of all time. His outstanding physique, his power, his speed, and determination helped revolutionise the game around the world. The Orator Set in Samoa 2011 || Rated PG The Orator (O Le Tulafale) is a contemporary drama about courage, forgiveness and love. Small in stature and humble, Saili lives a simple life with his...

Auckland Libraries customers know when they're getting a great deal - that's why thousands of Aucklanders visit and use our library services every year!  Check out five ways Aucklanders are using their library membership to save themselves hundreds of dollars. 1. Try before buy Libraries are the perfect opportunity to try before you buy!  Save hundreds of dollars by borrowing books rather than buying them (and conserve shelf space at home) Play the latest console games for a small rental charge before committing Check out eAudiobooks for free in the easy-to-use Libby by Overdrive app instead of spending your monthly Audible credits.  Love browsing the latest magazines? Check them out for free on the RBdigital app - and keep them! Our libraries also invest in some of the latest technology so you can give it a go and see whether it's right for you. We offer in-library access to VR technology, Playstation 4 consoles, 3D printers, rob...