Auckland Libraries blog

These school holidays we're shining bright!  Join us at your local libraries and from home for fun activities themed around light and the stars. We're conducting experiments, making art, becoming performing stars and taking part in Matariki celebrations. If the cooler weather is keeping your whānau indoors, we have the tools you need for some extreme staycationing! Keep tamariki sparkling with free online resources to entertain, educate or distract! Your Auckland Libraries membership gives you full access - just log in with your library card and password or PIN, and jump right in! No library card? No worries!  Sign up for an eMembership  for full access to our eResources, all from the comfort of your own home. Relax with a read Research has shown that reading relaxes the body and the mind, even more than listening to music or going for a walk! Here are some great ways to escape the world around you and bring the family closer. Make the most of having everyone together by...

Pīataata   mai  – Shine your light on  Matariki     The  whetū  (stars) guide us in this special  Matariki  episode of Books & Beyond. Alison and Ineka are joined in the studio by two special guests: Jenny Barnett, who is the Poutuitui Ahunga Māori (Māori Service Coach) and Teri  Ta’ala  who is the  Poukōkiri  Tapoko  Tāpaenga  (Senior Librarian – Māori Collections). Listen to this week's episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast. Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Books and Beyond: Pīataata mai - Shine your light on Matariki Books mentioned in the show:  Matariki: the star of the year  by  Rangi  Matamua   Matariki: te whetū tapu o te tau   nā   Rangi  Matamua  ngā  korero   The seven stars of Matariki  by Toni Rolleston-Cummins   Te Huihui o Matariki   nā  Toni Rolleston-Cummins  ngā  korero   Puan...

This episode comes to you on a somewhat sombre note, as we mark the worldwide protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Alison and Ineka talk about being an ally to the cause and the rich resources available at libraries to help you lean in, listen and learn. Listen to this weeks episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast. Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Books and Beyond: Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable   Books mentioned in the show: An American Marriage  by Tayari Jones   The Nickel Boys  by Colson Whitehead   Nobody: Casualties of America's War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond   by Marc Lamont Hill     Brit(ish)Brit(ish): on race, identity and belonging   by Afua Hirsch    Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race  by Reni Eddo-Lodge   The Vanishing Half     by Brit Bennett   The Mothers   by Brit Bennett   I’m judging y...

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...

On this Books and Beyond episode, Alison and Karen discuss books by some celebrated Black authors who write about communities divided along racial lines. Listen to the episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast. Books mentioned in the show: Salvage the bones: a novel by Jesmyn Ward Men we reaped: a memoir by Jesmyn Ward The underground railroad by Colson Whitehead The Nickel boys by Colson Whitehead The terrible by Yrsa Daley-Ward Go tell it on the mountain by James Baldwin Their eyes were watching God by Zora Neale Hurston  This episode originally aired on Planet FM 104.6 on 1 December 2019. 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 Planet FM104.6 , Sundays at 9.35 pm. Recent shows can be listened to via the Auckland Libraries podcast .

Alison and Ineka talk about their TBR lists, recent literary prize winners, love and logarithms. Listen to this week's episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast. Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Books and Beyond: Literary lounge Books mentioned in the show: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed  by Lori Gottlieb   The reader on the 6.27  by Jean-Paul  Didierlaurent   Auē  by Becky Manawatu   Girl, Woman, Other  by Bernadine Evaristo   Invisible Women: exposing data bias in a world designed for men  by Caroline Criado Perez   Sisterland  by Curtis Sittenfeld   Rodham  by Curtis Sittenfeld   Prep  by Curtis Sittenfeld   American Wife  by Curtis Sittenfeld   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...

Over the years, our librarians have had the pleasure of chatting with some of the most interesting, captivating and talented people in Tāmaki Mākaurau! With such a rich back-catalogue of interviews, philosophical ponderings and musical recordings, it can be difficult to choose where to start. Not to worry, we've selected a few of our favourite podcasts to add to your listening queue! Subscribe to the Auckland Libraries  podcast on Spotify  or  listen online on Soundcloud . HeritageTalks highlights Hundreds of Aucklanders frequently attend our popular HeritageTalks series. You can still listen from home to some of our favourites you may have missed, including Jan Gow's tips for researching family history using FamilySearch. A bundle of Books and Beyond Books and Beyond is a weekly literary podcast hosted by librarians. Listen as we discuss book news, reviews and recommendations. Guaranteed to keep you informed and entertained! Listen to the live broadcast every Sunday at 9...