Auckland Libraries blog

Congratulations to our Great Summer Read weekly winners! Weekly winners - 19 January - 25 January Paul from Central Library, winner of two tickets to see the   The Miracle Worker , the story of Helen Keller,  thanks to the  Auckland Theatre Company . Karine from Manurewa Library, winner of the New Zealand Maritime Museum family pass to sail on the Ted Ashby heritage scow. Pauline from Manurewa Library, winner of the Specsavers NZ voucher, including an eye examination, two pairs of glasses from any Specsavers range and prescribed lenses (including polarised sunglasses) Phoebe from Glenfield Library, winner of a family pass to MOTAT Ann Marie from Central Library, winner of the book The handmaid’s tale – the graphic novel by Margaret Atwood, art and adaptation by Renee Nault, thanks to Penguin Random House NZ – Jonathan Cape Maiona from Mangere Town Centre Library, winner of two books for children Waddle and A Kiwi year , thanks to Exisle Publishing Amy from Whangapar

On this week’s show, Karen and Louisa recommend books to power our New Year’s Resolutions, past and future. Listen to this episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast. Books mentioned in the show: Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray Rage becomes her: the power of women’s anger  by Soraya Chealy Good and mad: the revolutionary power of women’s anger by Rebecca Traister Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis Today will be different by Maria Semple Better than before: mastering the habits of our everyday lives by Gretchen Rubin Conversations with Capote by Lawrence Grobel Ma’am darling: 99 glimpses of Princess Margaret by Craig Brown Do less be more: ban busy and make space for what matters by Martina Sheehan and Susan Pearse Rich enough? a laid-back guide for every Kiwi by Mary Holm Eat up! by Ruby Tandoh Terminations  by Henry James The payoff principle: discover the 3 secrets for getting what you want out of life and work by Dr. Alan R. Zimmerman

Kelly Sheehan talks with librarian Karen about co-founding Earth’s End Publishing, with Adrian Kinnaird and Damon Keen. They discuss their mission to bring into print exceptionally designed comics and graphic novels by New Zealand’s finest cartoonists, and about their latest release. Listen to this episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast and read on for the books mentioned in the show. The Earth’s End graphic novels mentioned in the show are: Dharma punks by Ant Sang Terry Teo and the gunrunners ; art by Bob Kerr, written by Stephen Ballantyne Moa by James Davidson Rufus Marigold by Ross Murray Auckland Libraries podcast 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 9.35pm. Recent shows can be listened to as podcasts via the Auckland Libraries podcast .

Nothing goes together quite like Aotearoa and the outdoors. Whether it's looking after the garden, long walks or our great love of sport, we seem to be forever exploring new ways to stay connected to our environment. As we head into the new year, what better time to get outside and explore our beautiful city? We have plenty of book lists to give you inspiration for your next adventure including Auckland specific walks, trips to our best attractions, gardening tips and everything sports!  Check out a few of our favourites below and let us know on our Instagram or Facebook how you're making the most of the sunshine! Don't forget to check-in your reads for the Great Summer Read challenge .  Our Auckland walks book list features everything from walking around our heritage sites to dog-friendly walking paths across Tāmaki Makaurau. There are informative guides for those who appreciate a holistic experience, or short and succinct guides for those just wanting to get o

Alison and Karen consider the phenomenon of the bad boy from a literary standpoint, from Byron to the Beats. Listen to this episode  and read on for the books mentioned in the show. Books mentioned in the show: Young romantics: the Shelleys, Byron and other tangled lives by Daisy Hay Just kids by Patti Smith M train by Patti Smith Rimbaud: the double life of a rebel  by Edmund White A season in hell by Arthur Rimbaud Infinite jest by David Foster Wallace Every love story is a ghost story: a life of David Foster Wallace by DT Max A supposedly fun thing I’ll never do again by David Foster Wallace Brief interviews with hideous men by David Foster Wallace The liars’ club by Mary Karr On the road by Jack Kerouac Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac Big Sur by Jack Kerouac Auckland Libraries podcast 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

Alison and Karen are in holiday mode and discuss a selection of very long books for your reading enjoyment. Listen to this episode  and read on for the books mentioned in the show. Books mentioned in the show include: Infinite jest by David Foster Wallace The goldfinch by Donna Tartt 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami A suitable boy by Vikram Seth The luminaries by Eleanor Catton Les miserables by Victor Hugo An angel at my table  by Janet Frame War and peace : original version  by Leo Tolstoy ; translated by Andrew Bromfield Lonesome dove by Larry McMurtry The Silk Roads: a new history of the world by Peter Frankopan Auckland Libraries podcast 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 .

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