Auckland Libraries blog

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...

Work smarter, not harder. The best study environments are free and have everything you need to focus, collaborate, unwind and get support from experts. Here’s how you can get free resources and support from libraries as a student in Auckland. Are you on your academic journey in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland? University can be a demanding adventure, but don't worry, you've got this – because your public libraries have your back!   Scattered throughout the region like hidden gems, Auckland Council Libraries offer a free gateway to a wide range of resources online and in person. Think beyond the bookshelves: explore creative spaces, find personalised reading recommendations, or seek expert research assistance. Plus, you can access technology and quiet study spaces – everything you need to thrive in your studies.  Make your student life easier by getting to know your local library, designed to support your learning journey and help save your precious dollars. All you need is a lib...

Want to be swept off your feet by a novel, but not sure how to find the one?  Like people, love stories come in all shapes and sizes. Don’t be shy, give them a try! Libraries make all kinds of romance books and eBooks available for free across the region. Here are some hot tips on how to find the best romance reads in Auckland.   1. Discover the magic of borrowing  Sure, bookshop dates are a cosy way to connect, but there's a special kind of magic in getting lost in a borrowed book. No pressure to buy, just a chance to explore whatever catches your eye. Borrow two, three, or a whole stack! It's the perfect way to discover what truly grips you, the characters who stay with you and the themes that spark your curiosity. Plus, the best part? Without the commitment of buying, you're free to dive into uncharted literary territory! Discover sub-genres you never knew you'd love and get to know yourself as a reader. 2. Know when to move on Every story deserves a chance, but if y...

Caught in a reading slump? Here are 10 types of books to help break the cycle and give your inner bookworm a second chance.  February snuck up on you, did it? Maybe those to-be-read piles loom a little taller, and unspoken guilt whispers about forgotten "self-improvement" goals and New Year’s resolutions. But guess what? It's okay. Absolutely okay. Many of us blink and it's February, wondering where January's optimism flew. That's the beauty of resolutions – they're not ironclad contracts, they're invitations to explore, to learn, to grow (and sometimes stumble a bit in the process). So instead of guilt-tripping yourself, remember that reading isn't a race; it's a journey. Embrace the slow reader in you, the one who savours each sentence in a sunlit corner. This year, forget the pressure to perform and rediscover the pure joy of getting lost in a story.  To help you find your way back to reading, our expert librarians have brought together ten ...

News Young Aucklanders have been busy readers this summer!  Imagine exploring Kiwi myths beneath the summer sun, or encountering fantastical creatures between ice cream breaks – that's the magic Auckland kids discovered with the Raumati Reads Kiwiana reading challenge. Whether you took your books to the beach, on a camping trip or just cosied up in a sunny corner at home, we hope you found your new favourite stories while powering through your reading activities. Now, we celebrate the lucky tamariki who unlocked a world of prizes with their love of reading! Prize winners Tū Meke Prize Draw Kids earned one entry for every five reading activities completed!  Congratulations to:  Wani (7, Onehunga Library) – Lenovo Tablet Ethan (7, Panmure Library) – Sky Tower Family Pass  Reeja (8, Papatoetoe Library) – Auckland Zoo Family Pass  Anita (8, Manukau Library) – Kiwiana Whānau Hamper Saoirse (8, Takapuna Library) – $100 Giftpay eVoucher Beanstack Top Readers Priz...

Aucklanders have been avid readers in 2023! Discover the popular books that flew off the shelves at Auckland Council Libraries.  This year, our most-borrowed adults' titles saw local rising star authors claiming the spotlight thanks to our game-changing Bestie collection .   Launched during August’s We Read Auckland festival, the Bestie collection of new and recent bestsellers from Tāmaki Makaurau sparked a borrowing surge across the region. With two-week loans, increased copies and no holds, these titles are readily available to grab off the shelf.  Local authors even knocked our usual Top 3 fiction authors – Lee Child, Michael Connolly and David Baldacci – off the top of the fiction chart! Besties offer Aucklanders immediate great reads from both local and international authors.   In the world of children’s fiction, beloved classics like Geronimo Stilton, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Harry Potter cast their charm. Read on to discover which titles are among y...

In the October school holidays, we ran the Treasure Hunters reading challenge for tamariki on  Auckland Libraries Beanstack . Our young readers explored secret sites and treasure troves with our awesome school holiday activities and read lots of inspiring and adventurous books. As they read, they earned Treasure Hunter badges and entries into our prize draws. Together, our Treasure Hunter readers across Tāmaki Makaurau logged 1451 days of reading over two weeks! Read on for details about our prize winners! Treasure Hunters reading challenge prize pack winners We’re pleased to announce the two winners in the kids’ category and one winner of the youth category! Oscar from Pukekohe Library and Travis from East Coast Bays Library both won family passes to MOTAT Keddy of Albany Village Library won a $100 PB Tech voucher Top Reader bonus draw winners All readers who logged 10 or more days of reading out of a possible 12 were entered into our Top Reader bonus draws. Readers were placed in...