Have an Arty Party over the school holidays

For me the beginning of July 2012 means several things. Mostly they are to do with sport. The Tour de France has kicked off which means some early morning rises for me to catch the highlights (I don't have the stamina to stay up all night). Shortly after Le Tour finishes the pinacle of sporting achievement and drama kicks off when the London Olympics open. Stay tuned for some Olympic themed posts later in the month.

However for those of you not so driven by sport, Auckland Libraries decided to do something different for the holidays. During the July school holidays all our activities are themed to be "Arty Party". Join us for a fun-filled arty adventure.We have lots of exciting stories and activities for the kids to enjoy across the Auckland region, including:

Storytimes
Crafty kids – let your imagination run wild with origami, paint, stencils and more.
Quizzes – challenge your friends and see who will come out on top.
Scavenger hunts – get your friends together and find the answers to all the clues.

Check out the Auckland Libraries website school holidays page for whats happening around Auckland.

School Holidays at the Libraries

What's better than somewhere fun, free, friendly and safe to go during the school holidays? How about somewhere with activities and storytimes to keep everyone occupied, just in case the summer that arrived over Easter decides not to stick around.

Join our friendly dragon mascot and the librarians across Auckland from 6th to 22nd April for a fun-filled mythical creature adventure at Auckland Libraries these school holidays. We have lots of exciting stories and activities for the kids to enjoy across the Auckland region.

Activities on offer include:
* Storytimes with taniwhas, dragons, fairies and more.
* Crafty kids - let your imagination run wild and make your own mythical creature.
* Quizzes - challenge your friends and see who can answer the most questions.
* Scavenger hunts - get your friends together and find all the hidden creatures lurking in the library.

For more information on what's happening at a Library near you (or near where you are visiting on holiday) check out our School holidays event page on the website. I like the look of Epsom's 'Great Dewey Challenge' where you have to master mythical creatures and wind your way to winning their beastly board game (throughout the holidays). Meanwhile out west Massey has a packed schedule including return visits from Molly the Pirate and Stu Duval (if you missed them during Dare to Explore, don't do it a second time) plus on Thursday 19th April at 10.30 am, the YMCA and Auckland Libraries present The Polka Dots LIVE in the YMCA stadium. I might also have to visit Mangere East to see the results of their Puppet Theatre week running from 17th to 20th April. Phew - so much to do during the holidays, and all of it FREE.

Dare to Explore - Books about books part 2

Yesterday we had Ania's Dare to Explore Top 5 children's fiction titles about books. Which got me thinking about a couple of picture books I have read recently that we can add to the list.

Look, A Book! by Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood
Another great contribution to the world of books about books, and where they can take you if you let your imagination go. Look closely at the illustrations made up all sorts of unusual objects. The words are simple and although it tends towards a sophisticated or complex picture, it will only take a small amount of guidance for children to enjoy it.

That Book Woman by Heather Henson
I recently read an adult fiction based on the story of the Pack Horse Librarians who are part of American history during the Depression years. This book tells their story in picture book form from the point of view of a (perhaps) 10 – 12 year old boy. He can do lots of things, but he has no desire for “dumb old books”. However he is impressed with the perseverance and bravery of the woman who rides the pack horse in every kind of weather to deliver the books. He wants to give her something for her trouble and doesn’t realize that he has given her the best gift of all… by becoming a reader. Watercolour illustrations catch the tempo and feel of the book ideally, and in some places it is left to these illustrations to tell the story rather than words. A lovely book.

Dare to Explore Top 5 - Books about Books

Ania who is the children's and teens librarian at Birkenhead Library has provided us with her Top 5 list of inspiring children's fiction about books and stories that will make you take more and more books from the library and read, read and read more!

Inkheart / Cornelia Funke
Meggie’s father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can "read" fictional characters to life. One day one of those characters abducts tries to force him into service but Meggie fights for his dad and mum using words and stories.

The emerald atlas / John Stephens
The Emerald Atlas is the magic book that allows Kate, Michael, and Emma to travel through time to find their parents. But can they correct the future? Would you try to change the past if you could?

Bad dreams / Anne Fine ; illustrated by Susan Winter
Imogen touches the cover of a book, and she knows what will happen to the characters inside, even she can feel their emotions… Would you like to do it too?... Would’t it hurt others?

The inside story / Michael Buckley
In this story they all meet together: Alice, Mowgli, Jack the Giant Killer, Hansel and Gretel, the Headless Horseman to help get the story right like it should be.

Voices / Ursula K. Le Guin
Memer, young girl will discover the power of the written word in this fantasy novel. This is a very powerful story for advanced readers.

Dare to Explore - Auckland Libraries Summer Reading Adventure

It summer (well... it's supposed to be). And that means holidays and sun and time for us to launch our NEW summer reading programme to Auckland. We want you to have fun, get to know your library and read and learn something new and exciting! That's why we are going to challenge you to explore your library and your city. Welcome to Dare to Explore.

Over the summer holiday we want you to read, read, read and see if you can complete the Dare to Explore challenges, starting with Dare to Explore... Your Library.

For those who want even more adventures, there are 5 more challenge sets for you to choose from...

• Dare to Explore... Your Past


• Dare to Explore... The Great Outdoors


• Dare to Explore... Go Aqua


• Dare to Explore... Our People


• Dare to Explore... Get Active

It's FREE to sign up and start exploring! The adventure is open to Auckland kids aged 5 - 13 years and runs from 12 December 2011 to 27 January 2012. There is no limit to the number of children who can register and they can register at any time, right up to the end of the adventure. Register online or at your local library from the 12th of December, and then collect your Dare to Explore pack at the library to begin.

Activities can be done at home, on holiday, at the library, through the internet and with friends. Many of our libraries are running special activities and events over summer as part of Dare to Explore. We are really excited about the scale and potential this programme has to reach the children and families in Auckland. So spread the word, check out the Dare to Explore page on our website and get ready to have some fun.

School Holidays at the Library

Take a rest from school and have some fun at the libraries. We have a bit of everything for kids : from storytimes and crafts to all sorts of quizzes and challenges!

Helensville Library
Kiwiana Storytime 10.30am, Monday 10 October

Create a Kiwiana wreath with us at our Kiwi stories and crafts activity time.
Kiwiana Storytime 10.30am, Wednesday 12 October

It's all about Robbie the rugby player! Kiwi stories and crafts.
Kiwiana Storytime 10.30am, Monday 17 October

At this Kiwi stories and crafts time we work with the poi. Come on down to learn more!
Kiwiana Storytime 10.30am, Wednesday 19 October

Lets get jiggy with it! Come along for a jigsaw theme at this Kiwi stories and crafts activity session.

Kumeu Library
Kiwiana Storytime 10.30-11am, Tuesday 11 October

Listen to some curious stories with a Kiwiana twist, then test your knowledge of Kiwiana in our quiz and join in our scavenger hunt for all things Kiwiana. Cool colouring competition available all holidays!
Celebrity Pyjama Storytime 6-7pm, Thursday 20 October

How often do you get to wear your pjs outside of the house? Well, we want you to come down in your pjs for a cool underwater story time and… meet Spongebob! A fun evening for the family.

Orewa Library
During the World Cup, Orewa is adopting a second team – Japan!
Rugby hubbub 2.30-3.30pm, Wednesday 12 October

Heres a bit of a mix for ya! Learn how to make your very own sushi, learn about the art of calligraphy and then get into the rugby spirit as we have some crafty time making a rugby diorama!
Rugby hubbub 2.30-3.30pm, Wednesday 19 October

Ok Squad, its time to get into training mode! Have fun with us at our mini rugby training session. Suitable for those aged four to ten years old.

Mahurangi East Library
Holiday sessions for school-aged children

Thursday 13 October 10.30am, Join us for rugby stories and a quiz, then design and autograph a rugby ball to display in the library.
Thursday 20 October 10.30am, More rugby stories, then make a goal-kicking rugby finger puppet to take home.
Regular storytimes for pre-schoolers continue as usual in the holidays, Tuesdays at 10.30am.

Warkworth Library
Kiwi sports storytime 10.30am, Monday 10 October

Do you have a pre-schooler that could do with some entertaining? Well drop on by for our pre-schoolers' storytime with a kiwi sports theme.
Wednesday 12 October Tell us a story 10.30-11.30am,

Reader's Theatre for school-age children. Join the children's librarian to help act out a story.
Monday 17 October Stories around the world 10.30am.

Pre-schoolers' storytime with songs and stories with an international flavour.
Wednesday 19 October One world, many stories 10.30-11.30am

Many stories from around the world, flag making and other crafts. Children can dress up in the colours of their favourite rugby team.

Wellsford War Memorial Library
Thursday 13 October Storytime 10.30-11am,

Stories and activities - match flags and countries with our Memory Flag game.
Thursday 20 October Storytime10.30-11am,

Stories and activities - design a rugby jersey and a game.

Whangaparaoa Library
Rugby memorabiliaSeptember/OctoberFelix Matheson, winner of BackingBlack national competition, will be displaying some of his impressive collection of rugby memorabilia at the Library.
Wednesday 12 October Computer Quiz : World of Sport 2.30-3.30pm,

Join us for an online quiz using the library catalogue. This is suitable for children of school age. Bookings essential.
Wednesday 19 October Rugby World Cup : Stories and activities 2.30-3.30pm,

Enjoy rugby stories, songs and make a rugby diorama.

Winter Warmers Wednesday

Here's what's happening in the Libraries today:

Helensville
The Scavenger Hunt starts at 10.30am and there are two age groups

Orewa
Storytime for preschoolers at 11.00am
Stories, games and activities for school age children from 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Warkworth
What happens when the lights go out? You have a Game-athon. 10.30am for stories and games.

Wellsford
Storytime for preschoolers at 10.30am

Whangaparaoa
Storytime for preschoolers at 10.30am
Come in your best Black and White gear to the Penguin Party at 2.30pm. Songs, stories and activities with an Arctic theme.

Winter Warmers

If you are reading this blog and you are close by, you just have time to race into Helensville or Warkworth Libraries for their Winter Warmers storytimes at 10.30am this morning.

But if you are like me and aren't that organised, here is what's happening around the libraries on Tuesday so you can plan your day.

Kumeu Library
Fireside Favourites Storytime at 10.30am (suitable for children 4 to 8 years old)

Mahurangi East Library
Bring your Teddy along for stories, a bear hunt and a picnic at 10.30am.

Orewa Library
Preschoolers Rhymetime at 11.00am

Whangaparaoa
Preschoolers Storytime at 10.30am

Winter Warmups for July School Holidays

It's almost the School Holidays. If you are staying close to home, here is what's happening in the local libraries so you can entertain the kids.

Helensville Library
Mondays 18 & 25 July 10.30am Fireside favourites storytime & wintry crafts
Wednesdays 20 & 27 July 10.30am Scavenger hunt. Two age groups - under 7 and 7 - 13 years.

Kumeu Library
Tuesday 21 & 26 July Fireside favourites storytime 10.30am, Suitable ages 4 to 8 years
Scavenger hunt Running continuously through the holidays. For two age groups - under 7 and 7 - 13 years.

Mahurangi East Library
Tuesday 19 July Hibernate with bear stories @10.30am, Bring your teddy along for stories, a bear hunt and picnic.
Thursday 21July Who's hibernating in the library?10.30am, Stories and games. Learn to make a bird feeder.
Tuesday 26 July Who lives in the snow storytime @ 10.30am. Stories with a wintry theme.
Thursday 21 July Winter wonderland 10.30am. Stories, snowball fights and games. Learn to make a snow globe. Suitable for school age children.

Orewa Library
Wednesday 20 & 27 July 2.30pm - 3.30pm. Stories, games and craft

Warkworth Library
Monday 18 July Nursery rhymes & fairy tales @10.30am, Enjoy traditional stories, songs and nursery rhymes.
Wednesday 20 July When the lights go out. 10.30am - 11.30am, Stories and games galore for when there’s no TV. Board Game-athon contest.
Monday 25 July Rainy day stories 10.30am. Stories and songs with a wintery theme.
Wednesday 27 July Winter Survival skills both new and old. 10.30 - 11.30am. See if you have what it takes to survive winter.
Wednesday 27 July @ 6pm. Our special Milo and Marshmallows Family storytime. Bring your mug and a cushion. Dress in your favourite PJs. Get ready for some fun!

Wellsford War Memorial Library
Thursday 21 July Winter fun @ 10.30am, Stories scavenger hunt. And make a pinwheel.
Thursday 28 July Winter stories and craft @ 10.30am, There’ll be stories. Learn how to make a snowflake card.

Whangaparaoa Library
Wednesday 20 July Penguin party 2.30pm, Stories and games with an Arctic theme. Come dressed in black and white! Suitable for school-age children.
Wednesday 27 July Winter warm ups 2.30pm, Stories and crafts with a wintry theme. Suitable for school-age children.

Winter Warmup School Holiday programmes are being run throughout Auckland in the libraries.
If you are visiting somewhere else, check out our events page

School Holiday programmes this week

Here's the full run down of School Holiday programmes around the district this week. Mahurangi East Tuesday @ 10.30am Storytime for Pre-schoolers Thursday @ 10.30am Get ready to celebrate Mother's Day with stories and activities. Orewa Tuesday @ 11am Rhymetime for Pre-schoolers Wednesday @ 2.30pm Let's Celebrate. Stories and activities for school age children Thursday @ 11am Storytime for Pre-schoolers Warkworth Library Thursday @ 10.30am Celebrating Mum's everywhere with stories and crafts. Wellsford Library Wednesday @ 10.30am Storytime for pre-schoolers Thursday @ 10.30am Mothers Day stories and crafts Whangaparaoa Tuesday and Wednesday @ 10.30am Storytime for Preschoolers Tuesday and Wednesday @ 2.30pm Village Fair at the Library. Maypole dancing and more Thursday @ 10.30am Rhymetime for Preschoolers Helensville Library Wednesday @ 10:30am Go wild! 'Rumble in the Jungle' with savage stories, crazy crafts and ferocious fun at our school holiday storytimes for school aged children. Kumeu Thursday @ 10.30amGo wild! 'Rumble in the Jungle' with savage stories, crazy crafts and ferocious fun at Kumeu's school holiday programme for school aged children.

Celebrating and Rumbling on Thursday

Our school holiday programmes continue today with the following activities. Mahurangi East Easter stories, crafts, activities and fun for school aged children at 10.30am with Nicki Warkworth Anne is celebrating Anzac Day with activities and stories. Plus adding in an Easter craft to take home. Aimed at school age children and from 10.30am Wellsford Glennis has Easter stories and activities at 10.30am for school aged children. Whangaparaoa Rhymetime at 10.30am for pre-schoolers Orewa Storytime at 11am for pre-schoolers Kumeu Rumble in the jungle with stories, activities and fun. 10.30am with Tina.

School Holiday programmes today

Let's Celebrate continues with Easter fun in the Libraries for the school holidays today. Here's what's on where. Orewa Library. Stories and activities for school age kids at 2.30pm Whangaparaoa Library. Storytime as usual at 10.30 for pre-schoolers. Easter Bonnet Parade, activities and stories at 2.30pm. Wellsford Library. Storytime with an Easter theme at 10.30am. Helensville Library are going wild with their "Rumble in the Jungle" theme. Savage stories, crazy crafts and ferocious fun at 10.30am. Tomorrow it's the turn of Mahurangi East, Warkworth, Wellsford and Kumeu. Check out all our school holiday programmes on our website.

School Holidays

I'm too late to tell everyone about the Easter storytimes and rhymetimes that have happened in the first couple of days of the week, but if you are quick there is till time to get to the Whangaparaoa Library Easter Treasure Hunt, activities and stories. It's at 2.30pm today so jump in the car and head that way for lots of fun with an Easter theme. Heads up for tomorrow (Wednesday) - here is what's happening on the Pohutukawa Coast Orewa Library. Stories and activities for school age kids at 2.30pm Whangaparaoa Library. Storytime as usual at 10.30 for pre-schoolers. Then the Easter Bonnet Parade, activities and stories at 2.30pm. Wellsford Library. Storytime with an Easter theme at 10.30am.

School Holiday Programmes

We are still a couple of days away from the end of Term but for all those parents and care-givers out there who are starting to get nervous about keeping the children occupied for two weeks, here is an overview of what is happening locally in your Library for the School holidays.

Storytimes and Rhymetimes for the pre-schoolers will continue at their regular times. However our special Wriggle and Rhyme sessions take a break until Term 2.

LET'S CELEBRATE

As Mother's Day, Easter and Anzac Day are all just around the corner, what better theme for the school holidays could we have. The local libraries on the Pohutukawa Coast (that's Wellsford, Warkworth, Mahurangi East, Orewa and Whangaparaoa) along with our colleagues on the North Shore are all celebrating with the following activities.

Mahurangi East Library

Thurs 21 April @ 10.30am Easter Stories, fun and activities

Thurs 28 April @ 10.30am Getting ready for Mother’s Day with stories and activities

Orewa Library

Wed 20 April @ 2.30pm Celebrating with stories and activities

Wed 27 April @ 2.30pm Celebrating with stories and activities

Easter Storytime for preschoolers Monday 18 April at 10.30am

Warkworth Library

Thurs 21 April @ 10.30am Anzac Day activities and stories. Plus an Easter craft to take home Thurs 28 April @ 1.30am Mother’s Day stories and crafts.

Wellsford Library

Thurs 21 April @ 10.30am Easter Stories and activities

Thurs 28 April @ 10.30am Mother’s Day Stories and crafts

Whangaparaoa Library

Tues 19 April @ 2.30pm Easter Treasure Hunt, activities and stories

Wed 20 April @ 2.30pm Easter Bonnet Parade, activities and stories

Tues 26 April @ 2.30pm Village Fair at the Library, Maypole Dancing and more

Wed 27 April @ 2.30pm Village Fair at the Library, Maypole Dancing and more

RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE

Over on the Kauri Coast (that's Helensville and Kumeu) they have a wilder theme for their school holiday programmes. Go wild! 'Rumble in the Jungle' with savage stories, crazy crafts and ferocious fun

Helensville Library

Monday 18 April, 10.30am

Wednesday 20 April, 10:30am

Wednesday 27 April April, 10:30am

Kumeu Library

Tuesday 19 April, 10:30am

Thursday 28 April, 10.30am

For the full list of school holiday programmes throughout Auckland (that's Wellsford to Tuakau) go to the Auckland Libraries events page

What's on in the library this week 4-9 October?

It's the second week of the school holidays. School aged children can join us for holiday activity fun.

Monday
Helensville Library 10.30 am Craft: Crowns

Wednesday
Helensville Library 10.30 am Craft: Knights
Orewa Library 2.30 More Medieval fun!
Whangaparaoa Library 2 pm More medieval stories and fun

Thursday
Kumeu Library 10.30 am Medieval mayhem! Craft activity and stories
Mahurangi East Library 10.30am More Medieval stories, fun and activities
Warkworth Library 10.30 am Knights, princesses and dragons. Dress up Day for more medieval fun and stories at the Library.
Wellsford Library 10.30 am Medieval dragons in the Library
Whangaparaoa Library 6.30 pm Medieval dress-up Storytime at the castle

NB. Check with your local librarian about times for Storytime for toddlers

Read Medieval

With our theme for the school holidays being Medieval Madness, I thought I should get my act together and recommend a couple of books, so you can get into the swing of things.

So you want to be a Knight? Then How to be a medieval knight (Fiona MacDonald, illustrator Mark Bergin) is for you. For ages 7 - 11, it is "packed with facts" about all the things you need to know including training, jousting, battles and seiges. For a slightly more comic and off-putting take on being a knight, Fiona MacDonald has also written Avoid being a medieval knight!

If you weren't a knight or a princess, then life in the Middle Ages might not have been so much fun. Everyday Life in Medieval Europe can shed some light on life where you didn't have to wash much (but you did smell), there wasn't a huge variety of food (and it didn't keep very long) and medicine was not very advanced (so don't get sick).

Castles were magnificent works of architecture and the library has plenty of books to take you inside the building of them, and what life was like inside.

For stories set in the Middle Ages, try Castle Diary: the the journal of Tobias Burgess, page (Richard Platt) or Dragon : hound of honor (Julie Andrews Edwards & Emma Walton Hamilton). Or you could read about the Real Life Princesses such as Elizabeth I, Eleanor of Aquitane or Kristina the Girl King in The Royal Diaries series.

And of course there were plenty of Dragons

What's on in the library this week 27 September - 2 October?

Our school holiday programme for school-age children starts today. Libraries are preparing to be invaded by Knights of old, fiery dragons, and damsels fair as the theme is "Medieval Madness".

Monday

Helensville Library 10.30 am Craft: Castles

Tuesday

Kumeu Library 10.30 am Medieval dragons in the library

Wednesday

Helensville Library 10.30 am Craft: Shields

Orewa Library 2.30 Medieval mayhem! Craft activity and stories

Whangaparaoa Library 2 pm Medieval fun at the library

Thursday
Mahurangi East Library 10.30am Medieval stories, fun and activities

Warkworth Library 10.30 am Mischief and mayhem in Medieval times. Tools for the times

Wellsford Library 10.30 am Medieval dragons in the Library

Medieval Madness - School holiday programme 27 September - 7 October

During September, Rodney Libraries will be invaded by Knights of old, fiery dragons, and damsels fair as Medieval Madness takes hold of school aged children.
From Monday 27 September until Thursday 7 October, Rodney libraries will be hosting a series of story, activity and craft sessions as part of the ‘Medieval Madness’ school holiday programme. Children will be invited to dress up in costume and join in the fun.

Helensville Library
Mon 27 Sept 10.30 am Craft: Castles
Wed 29 Sept 10.30 am Craft: Shields
Mon 4 Oct 10.30 am Craft: Crowns
Wed 6 Oct 10.30 am Craft: Knights

Kumeu Library
Tue 28 Sept 10.30 am Medieval dragons in the library
Thurs 7 Oct 10.30 am Medieval mayhem! Craft activity and stories

Mahurangi East Library
Thurs 30 Sep 10.30am Medieval stories, fun and activities
Thurs 7 Oct 10.30am More Medieval stories, fun and activities

Orewa Library
Wed 29 Sep 2.30 Medieval mayhem! Craft activity and stories
Wed 6 Oct 2.30 More Medieval fun!

Warkworth Library
Thurs 30 Sept 10.30 am Mischief and mayhem in Medieval times. Tools for the times
Thurs 7 Oct 10.30 am Knights, princesses and dragons. Dress up Day for more Medieval fun and stories at the Library.

Wellsford Library
Thurs 30 Sept 10.30 am Medieval dragons in the Library
Thurs 7 Oct 10.30 am Medieval dragons in the Library

Whangaparaoa Library
Wed 29 Sept 2 pm Medieval fun at the library
Wed 6 Oct 2 pm More medieval stories and fun

Thurs 7 Oct 6.30 pm Medieval dress-up Storytime at the castle

Great Outdoors Friday 16 July

Our final school holiday programme activity is on today at Whangaparaoa Library at 10.30am - "Sitting under a camp fire…!" (It's hot.)

Thanks to everyone who came along and joined in the fun. There were kites and tents and footprints and peanut butter bird feeders!

(Look out for our programme next school holidays - the theme is Medieval Madness.)

Great Outdoors Thursday 15 July

School holiday programme activities on today:

Kumeu Library at 10.30 am Great outdoor stories and fun

Mahurangi East Library at 10.30am Great outdoor stories and fun

Warkworth Library at 10.30am Sitting around the campfire

Wellsford Library at 10.30am Camping at the Beach