Auckland Libraries blog

Looking for budget-friendly ways to bond with your kids, keep them engaged and help them discover new passions? That little rectangle in your wallet – yes, the library card – is the key.  The library has everything your kids need to unwind, explore their interests and create lasting memories. Here’s how you can transform those "I'm bored" groans into "Wow, this is cool!" moments! Get creative at the library's Makerspace Many Auckland Council libraries have amazing Makerspace areas, where kids can get creative with 3D printers, sewing machines, and all sorts of techy tools. Imagine your child designing their own app or whipping up a funky tote bag!  Various tech is available at different libraries, and some pre-booking is required while others allow walk-in use.  Free fun at library events  We’re busy keeping kids busy! Libraries are constantly buzzing with fun activities, especially during school holidays. Some libraries even offer after school activities l...

Tuesday 7 March 2023 is Census Day  Ko te Rātū 7 Poutūterangi 2023 te Rā Tatauranga 2023 Census is our chance to represent ourselves, our families, whānau, communities, and cultures. When we all take part in the 2023 Census, all of us count - Tatau tātou.   What is the census? The census is a nationwide survey that happens every five years. Every person who is in the country on the night of Tuesday 7 March 2023 will need to do the census. By taking part in the census, you help create a better understanding of your community and what it needs. Your identity is kept private and confidential. Read more on the census website Doing the census Stats NZ will start delivering census forms and instructions in February 2023. You will be able to do the census online or on paper, in English or te reo Māori.  Depending on where you live, a census collector may visit, or you may get a census pack in your letterbox. Your census pack will contain:  a letter with an access code, whic...

Highlights of the week ahead: 22-28 August 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 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 When she’s not winning rave reviews for her novels, such as Pieces of You , Moonli...

Highlights of the week ahead: 15 - 21 August We Read Auckland 2022 kicks off next week, and heaps of exciting events are happening across Tāmaki Makaurau! Discover what’s going on at your local library or online, from reading stories to dogs to taking midnight strolls in the bush with authors. Explore all We Read Auckland events on our website. Descended from Rangatira exhibition Monday 15 August – Sunday 28 August, 9am-5pm. Māngere Arts Centre Māori and Pasifika people have a long tradition of powerful leadership, with mana passing down from generation to generation since before recorded history. Every day during We Read Auckland, the ‘ Descended from Rangatira ’ exhibition will be sharing stories of Polynesian identity and culture to help rangatahi from different backgrounds become the rangatira they were born to be. Piringatahi | Special Collections Up Close Monday 15 August – Friday 26 August (weekdays only), 10.30am-11.15am. Special Collections Reading Room, Level 2, Central City ...

Anzac Day service, 1922 - 1929. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 755-ALB18-02-3 On our national day of remembrance, Auckland Libraries will commemorate those who served and lost their lives for our country. Although our libraries are closed, we have plenty of resources you can use to learn more about Anzac Day. Events New Zealanders at war - a national webinar series hosted by Auckland Libraries, in association with Ancestry 20 – 24 April   New Zealand’s leading historians, military, and family history experts give free live presentations online to the public during Anzac Day week 2020. Join us each day at 11am, from Monday 20 April to Friday 24 April 2020.   Learn more and make a booking to receive a link via email .   Stand at Dawn   Saturday 25 April, 6am With public Anzac Day services cancelled due to COVID-19, the RSA and the New Zealand Defence Force have invited New Zealanders to ‘Stand at Dawn’ to pay respect an...

शुभ दीपावली / Happy Diwali! Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated worldwide and is marked by Auckland Libraries as a key cultural festival. During Diwali, families, friends and communities come together in happiness to celebrate new beginnings and the victory of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, hope over despair and light over darkness.  This year, Auckland Libraries theme for Diwali is:  ‘Be the light - Spread the light,’ which is aspirational in every walk of life. Diwali is celebrated over four to five days by millions of Indians around the world, with increasing numbers of people joining in to celebrate the cultural side of the festival.  Auckland Libraries is celebrating Diwali with beautiful and informative displays and great events.   Join us from 20 October - 4 November in celebrating community, family and light! Events Discover and celebrate Indian culture, music, dance and craft with Auckland Libraries....

Caption: Image 1: Mr George George - MC for Cook Islands Stage Polyfest 2018, Manukau Sports Bowl Turou! Oro mai! Auckland Libraries is celebrating Te Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani Cook Islands Language Week from 29 July - 4 August 2018. The language week is a special opportunity for Cook Islanders living in New Zealand to acknowledge, celebrate and embrace Cook Islands culture, history, customs and, most importantly, language. Auckland is the largest Pacific city in the world with just over 35,000 people who identify as being Cook Islanders living in Tāmaki Makaurau. Auckland Libraries is delighted to connect with our Cook Islands community and celebrate the pearl of the Pacific. Kiaorana e Kia Manuia! Events O Moana Nui performing Arts Group Drummers, Turou Korero Mai exhibition opening - Corbans Estate Art Gallery 2017 Discover the stories, music and dance of the Cook Islands at Storytime sessions for kids , arts and crafts workshops or visit Central City...