Auckland Libraries blog

Can’t get enough of the Bridgertons? The glitz and glamour? The all-consuming drama of the ton? The hit Netflix series is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Julia Quinn’s world of hot scandal, true love and unshakable duty. Whether you're a devoted Bridgerton fan or a newcomer to the world of Regency romance, these books are sure to make you swoon faster than Cressida Cowper at a ball. This spoiler-free list contains all the books in and around the Bridgerton series, so you can keep your fire burning until the next season graces our screens.  The original Bridgerton books Why not start with the captivating tales of the Bridgerton siblings themselves?  If you're keen to relive the beloved narratives seen on Netflix or eager to get ahead before the next season, these books offer an immersive journey into the world of the Bridgertons. These nine novels by Julia Quinn let you dwell among the family's charming exploits for as long as it takes to turn each page. The duk...

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...

Women's stories deserve to be heard and celebrated. Through the power of books, women authors have accelerated progress toward a stronger and more inclusive world for all.  This International Women's Day , we’re sharing powerful narratives and diverse perspectives of women writers through a collection of recommended reads available to borrow from Auckland Council Libraries. Find your sense of belonging among these unique reads and remember – your voice matters! Unearthing her-story and the power of the past Delve into the captivating world of women's history with our expertly curated lists. Compiled by our passionate librarians, these selections shed light on true stories of extraordinary women throughout the ages who went unheard in their own time. Explore the journeys of changemakers, pioneers and everyday heroes who have shaped our world. Women's histories – unveil hidden figures behind historical events and the empires of times long past. Inspire inclusion – uncov...

This year is the centenary of Katherine Mansfield (1888–1923). A founding and influential writer of the modernist movement, Mansfield grew up in Aotearoa and many of her much-loved short stories explore this setting. To celebrate Mansfield’s legacy in 2023, we’re sharing a selection of works by or about her from the Auckland Council Libraries collections. Read our brief introduction to her life and work, and explore the reading suggestions below for a chance to dip into the world of Mansfield. A brief introduction Katherine Mansfield was born in Wellington in 1888 and spent much of her childhood in the suburb of Karori. The city and its surroundings form the backdrop of many of her well-known stories, such as “Prelude” (1918), “At the Bay” (1922) and “The Doll’s House” (1922).   In 1908, Mansfield moved to London and became involved with the influential Bloomsbury Group of modernist writers, artists and intellectuals. She began contributing to literary magazines and her writin...

As part of our annual festival of reading and writing, We Read Auckland / Ka Pānui Tātau i Tāmaki Makaurau 2023, Auckland Libraries launched our new Bestie collection. Making it easier to access the best popular reads at our libraries, we featured 10 books by Auckland authors for our first Bestie selection. Find out how Bestie works But the fun doesn’t stop there. If you’ve missed getting your hands on a copy so far, or loved a Bestie so much you didn’t want it to end, our expert team have recommended ‘read-alikes’ for each book in the collection. Check out the full list below. Plus, tune in to our podcast interviews with three of the Bestie authors!  Listen on SoundCloud Find your next reading match Go beyond the local bestsellers in our first Bestie collection with our curated selection of similar reads! You can find and borrow them in the library catalogue as usual.  Read-alikes: 'The Doctor’s Wife' by Fiona Sussman  If you loved Sussman’s medical murder mystery, try t...

 Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa / Samoa Language Week, 28 May - 3 June 2023 The theme for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa 2023 is ‘Mitamita i lau gagana, maua’a lou fa’asinomaga’ which means ‘Be proud of your language and grounded in your identity’. Here at Auckland Council Libraries, we are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of a new bilingual book in Samoan and English and share reading recommendations curated by Veronica Ligaliga, Senior Librarian Pacific Content, in celebration of Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa! The overarching theme for Pacific Language Weeks 2023 is sustainability, to help keep our Pacific languages, cultures and identities thriving in Aotearoa. Learn more about Pacific Language Weeks from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples . We are also proud to share a new video about village life in the Pacific Islands from the Auckland Libraries YouTube channel . And we encourage you to stay connected with Pasifika news and upcoming events on the Auckland Libraries Talanoa Facebook pa...