Auckland Libraries blog

Mānawatia a Matariki Winter brings a time for reflection and celebration in Aotearoa. The Matariki star cluster rises in the winter skies, marking the start of the Māori new year. What is Matariki? Traditionally, Māori astronomers meticulously observed the night sky, weaving celestial movements into all facets of life. Matariki wasn't just a new year, it was a time for whānau to reflect on the past year, plan for a bountiful harvest, and celebrate with kai, kōrero and entertainment.  Matariki is a special time to come together, acknowledge and reflect on the year and look ahead to the future.  Books about Matariki How well do you know the stars? As winter chills settle in, why not cosy up with a book from your library. Grow your understanding before the festivities begin with free online access or by visiting your local branch.  These librarian picks can help you connect with Matariki's celestial story, the significance of each star, and how its arrival shapes our Ao...

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...

Ōrewa Library is getting a major makeover! This exciting transformation will begin in June. A temporary mini library will be set up nearby at the Ōrewa Community Centre.   This major upgrade will address ongoing maintenance needs and ensure the library continues to meet the growing demand from our community.  What to expect during the closure  Ōrewa library will be closed from 10 June for approximately 15 months to allow for construction. For the first month, you can access services and council resources at Whangaparoa Library. From 8 July a temporary mini library will open in the small hall at the nearby Ōrewa Community Centre. Our dedicated library staff are committed to minimising disruption. They'll be readily available at the mini library to assist you with accessing available services and resources.  Why the upgrade?  The upgrade will make the library more usable by rearranging the existing space and adding a new middle floor. This will create much-ne...

John's Place, Rialto Arcade, Newmarket, 1971. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1269-19710522-04. Back in 2017, UNESCO recognised the long, rich musical history of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland by designating it as a City of Music . The future of our local music scene is just as bright. Skip forward to May 2024, and it's time to celebrate the rich sounds of Aotearoa with New Zealand Music Month at Auckland Libraries! This year's theme, Amplifying Aotearoa | Paorotia Aotearoa , puts the spotlight on everyone who makes our music scene sing - from rising stars to dedicated fans. Dust off your instruments and explore our extensive collection of sheet music, featuring iconic Kiwi artists and timeless classics. Dive deeper with music documentaries and biographies available through our library resources.  Throughout May, we're hosting a series of special events. Experience heritage concerts showcasing local legends and aspiring newcomers, plus exciting opportunities to disc...

Did you know Auckland Council Libraries collaborates on content creation projects?  Have you ever walked into a library and struggled to find something that reflects your culture or learning needs, or resonates with your community's experiences? We understand that feeling at Auckland Council Libraries.  That's why we created the content creation programme, a dynamic initiative where we partner with community members, organisations and publishing partners to bridge these content gaps and ensure our resources reflect the rich diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau.  Our content creation programme aims to address identified needs within our diverse communities. This can take the form of books in various languages, podcasts and videos exploring local history or digital resources that empower and celebrate the tapestry of cultures within Auckland. Working together is key to finding solutions Our collaborative process is open and inclusive. Our librarians are well-connected to community ...

We're pleased to announce upcoming renovations at Mahurangi East Library, starting Saturday 6 April 2024 . To create an even better space for you to explore and enjoy, the library building will be closed and replacement services will be available in a new Portacom building after Sunday 14 April (no returns or pick ups during this initial week, please). Service replacement Don't worry! We'll still be here to serve you in a new Portacom building, offering a curated selection of your favourite reads.  From Monday 15 April , the temporary library will be situated in the Mahurangi East Tennis Club carpark at Goodall Reserve: 296 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach . The temporary library will operate on:  Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We expect the temporary library to be available until further notice, while we finalise plans for alternative services during the later stages of construction.  During this time, you'll be able to enjoy essential library services includin...

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...