Auckland Libraries blog

Auckland City Council. Architectural model of the planned new Auckland Public Library, May 1964. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, 580-10199. Last updated - June 2021 Central City Library is open with its normal hours. Level 2 remains closed until further notice. Research Central services are operating from Level 1 for the foreseeable future. Due to further construction work on Level 1 from Monday 14 June - Friday 23 July, the Research Central services available at Level 1 will be operating with reduced hours on weekdays.  Research Central services will be available from 9am - 6pm.  Customers can experience disruptions on Level 1 due to noise and other building-related work. The Research Central area on Level 2 including Special Collections, Reading Room, the gallery, atrium, Whare Wānanga, Level 2 bathrooms and study spaces are not available. Closure information Central City Library was temporarily closed in late March and in April due to an unpleasant smell within the...

Global Money Week is an annual global awareness-raising campaign on the importance of ensuring that young people are financially aware, and can acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours necessary to make sound financial decisions and ultimately achieve financial well-being and financial resilience. It is marked in 175 countries and is held every year in the last week of March. On these shores, Alison recently chatted to the author, educator and personal finance journalist Mary Holm , whose latest book, A Richer You: How to Make the Most of Your Money , is  available to request now from the Auckland Libraries catalogue. Mary was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2020 for services to financial literacy education. She says that financial literacy skills are vital for all Kiwis. This knowledge includes understanding the value of money, budgeting, saving and avoiding unnecessary expenditure.  Those who don’t have basic financial literacy skills can e...

Auckland's biggest environmental festival EcoFest 2021, is running in West and North Auckland from Saturday 20 March - Sunday 18 April. This month-long annual community festival is filled with environmental events, activities, workshops, and ways to live more sustainably.  We're proud to support EcoFest with a round-up of environmental reads, recommended watches, events and websites. Working bees and restorations Some of our libraries have been enjoying regularly participating in the Te Ara Awataha restorations in the Northcote area . EcoFest offers many similar community restorations where you can meet other enthusiastic people in your area and help with local conservation efforts. You might also learn about local flora and fauna, native and pest plant identification, or experience a reconnection with nature and the environment.  Love your stream day  - Glen Eden - Wednesday 24 March, 9am - 12noon Waikumete Stream clean-up - Wednesday 24 March, 9am - 12noon Restoration ...

International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day where we celebrate the achievements of women, raise awareness of bias and take action for equality.  In this Books & Beyond International Women’s Day podcast special recorded during Auckland’s fourth lockdown, Alison & Ineka celebrate gutsy, feisty and science-y women who are the builders, shapers and makers among us. Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Books and Beyond: International Women's Day 2021 This year more than ever, we're reflecting on the strength, resilience and determination shown by women both here and abroad in times of crisis. Globally, research is beginning to show that countries led by women have had better outcomes related to COVID-19 . At the same time, women have been disproportionately affected by both job loss and additional caring duties on top of their workload as a result of the pandemic, whether working from home or on the front line.  This podcast is both a salute and a shout-out, ...

As part of our  Auckland Pride Festival 2021 celebrations, librarian Alison chatted to Lil and Tanya from the Rainbow community about their recent and all-time favourite queer reads.  You can listen to the conversation on the Auckland Libraries podcast . Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Books and Beyond: Pride 2021 edition Reading enriches our lives and allows us to see ourselves and others at the intersections and margins of our experiences. Queer reads bring our lives in from the margins and show us that we belong, we matter, and we can thrive. Here are some of Lil and Tanya’s faves: Books to rip your insides out Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg Available as a free download from the author's website. Beautiful writing and an important record of queer history from the pre-Stonewall era. There was no safety for young queer folk in their blue-collar town, even in the drag bars. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Also available as OverDrive ...

Congratulations to our 2021 Summer reading, sorted prize winners! Summer Reading, Sorted:  Whānau   prize  draw winners George L. from Highland Park Library, Megan C. from Point Chevalier Library, Joe Z. from  Whangaparāoa  Library ,  Merherjot  S.  of Papatoetoe Library  and Ronald F.  of East Coast Bays Library  each won vouchers for two pairs of glasses, including eye examination, lenses and frames thanks to  sponsors   Specsavers  New Zealand   Roz W. from Mt Roskill Library and Andrey K. from  Te  Manawa Library each won a Family 4-hour Combo Snow Pass  thanks to  sponsors   Snowplanet   Hafsa S. from Blockhouse Bay Library, Amanda D. from Glen Innes Library, Sarah C. from Papakura Library, Aiden K. from Highland Park Library and Lucia S. from Titirangi Library  each won a Heritage Sailing Family Pass  thanks to   sponsors  New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui...