Auckland Libraries blog

What happens when the biography you are writing is secretly a memoir and your emotional support animal has gone rogue? Will you ever find the wisdom to live in harmony with the planet?  Find out on this Literary Lounge episode of Books & Beyond with Alison and Ineka. Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Books and Beyond: Literary Lounge: Biography edition Books mentioned on the show Aroha: Māori wisdom for a contented life lived in harmony with our planet   by Dr Hinemoa Elder  Pet: stories by Kathryn van Beek   Bruce goes outside by Kathryn van Beek   My autobiography of Carson McCullers  by Jenn Shapland   The trauma cleaner: one woman's extraordinary life in the business of death, decay, and disaster  by Sarah Krasnostein   Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls-Wilder  by Caroline Fraser   Remote sympathy  by Catherine Chidgey   Last Hope Island: Britain, occupied Europe, and the brotherhood that helped turn the tide of war by Lynne Olson   Auckland Li

For the busy, on-the-go, 'just popping in' or adventurous reader, Ready-to-go Reads is a new way to get your book fix, fast! Ready-to-Go Reads book packs are the perfect pick-me-up for yourself, friends and whānau of all ages.  It's simple - our librarians will choose five great books from your favourite genres and bag them up. You drop by with your library card, grab your bag, use the self-checkout and you’re ready to go! Choose from a selection of prepacked Ready-to-Go Reads book packs during your visit, or visit our website to order a pack online . We’ll send you an email when your Ready-to-Go Reads book pack is ready to collect from your local library. Don't want a lucky dip? You can still browse our catalogue and place a request if you're wanting a particular read. Read on for how to click and collect a request. Click and collect Place a request for the hottest new blockbuster or the upcoming book in your favourite series to ensure your place in the reading qu

Hi. My name is Andrea, and my nine year old daughter and I have been immersed in all things Harry Potter lately.  This series by J. K. Rowling does not need an introduction - this book series has sold the most copies ever at 500 million sales. You can find Harry Potter in many languages and just about all its possible formats (hardback, graphic novel, audiobook, DVD, eBook, eAudiobook etc.) at Auckland Libraries , although it is currently most accessible from our OverDrive website . You can even find quite a few titles about the Harry Potter series! I remember when Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first came out in 1997. I was working in a primary school library and thought the book looked good, but much too difficult to be of interest to most of the pupils. How wrong I was! As the hype began to set in, our only copy became incredibly popular - if only as a status symbol to be seen with. Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Two-minute reviews: Harry Potter

In the world of fiction, some stories are so chilling we take comfort in the knowledge that they're fabricated. What most may not realise, is some of the biggest blockbuster books were inspired by equally spine-tingling but real stories! Perfect for this  Great Summer Read challenge , we've put together a list of books you might not have realised were based on a true story (or strongly wished they weren't!) There are murder mysteries, gripping dramas and even a heart-warming tale of acceptance. Whatever your preference, you won't be able to put them down! The Shining by Stephen King Stephen King's infamous book The Shining is a cult classic that was made even more popular when brought to life on screen by Stanley Kubrick in 1980. The book came after a trip King and his wife took in 1974 to The Stanley Hotel (Overlook Hotel). The hotel is rumoured to be haunted, and it is said that a nightmare King had whilst staying here was the brainchild for this te

Alison and Karen plan their holiday reading and recommend some great beach reads. At last, time to read! Listen to this week's episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast . Books mentioned in the show include: Forest dark: a novel by Nicole Krauss Flights by Olga Tokarczuk; translated by Jennifer Croft The right swipe: a novel by Alisha Rai Kismet: a novel by Luke Tredget The body: a guide for occupants by Bill Bryson Wild fire by Ann Cleeves The overstory: a novel by Richard Powers A sharp left turn: notes on a life in music, from Split Enz to Play It Strange by Mike Chunn Me by Elton John Janis: her life and music by Holly George-Warren Made in Scotland: my grand adventures in a wee country by Billy Connolly with Ian Gittins Year of the monkey by Patti Smith Auckland Libraries' radio show Books and Beyond explores the world of books with guest authors, recommended reads, gems from the Central City Library basement and… beyond. Catch us on Plane