Ask Me - You might be surprised.

The theme of Library week in 2010 is "Ask Me - You might be surprised". More often than not it is the librarians who are surprised by some of the questions and situations that arise. Here are a few examples.

• A gentleman asked to look at books on spiders. The librarian led him to the shelves and pulled out several books for him to have a look at. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a jar with a very large, black, hairy and alive spider in it and announced "I'm trying to identify this one." (You can find spiders on the childrens and adults non fiction shelves under call number 595.4)
• A woman came in looking for a DVD "The wardrobe". We couldn't find it. She then thought it might have been called "The cupboard". Still no luck. She thought for a while and then asked "What's it called when you are gay and you come out of something?". She went away happy with the DVD called "The closet".
• All libraries can tell tales of people who come in "I'm looking for a book - I don't know the title or the author but it has a blue cover and I got it out from here two years ago".

More tomorrow.

Ask Me!

It's Library week - a chance to celebrate libraries and librarians all over the country. It's not all about us though - we're doing some things for the kids...

On Wednesday at 10.30am it's Nationwide Storytime Session. Wellsford, Warkworth and Mahurangi East libraries will be joining other libraries throughout New Zealand for a Nationwide Storytime Session.
They'll be reading 'Mr Muggs The Library Cat' - a purrfect tail for children about a cat who lives in a library. Come and join the fun!

On Friday at 3.45pm Kumeu Library will be hosting Starfish Magic with their presentation of “The Pied Popstar”. The show features dancing, singing, cool costumes and live music and promise to be lots of fun for children aged 3 - 10 and their families. The session is free and you don’t need to register in advance to attend, just turn up on the day.

On Saturday as part of the Storylines Festival, workshops for children on story writing and illustrating are being held at Whangaparaoa Library.
The workshops are targeted at 8 – 16 year olds and are an opportunity for young people to develop story writing and illustrating skills. Participants will have the chance to work with noted New Zealand children's and authors and illustrators.
The Whangaparaoa Story Writers workshop will feature Omaha Beach author Lorraine Orman, winner of the 2005 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards Best First Book Award for Cross Tides, who will talk about ‘Creating Characters.’
Artist and illustrator Fraser Williamson will host a ‘Bring It To Life Will Ya!‘ workshop which will focus on illustrating children’s books for publishing. Fraser has illustrated a number of children’s books, including works by noted New Zealand author Joy Cowley.
Workshop placed are limited and need to be booked in advance at a cost of $15 per child. Bookings can be completed online at www.storylines.org.nz/Events.

Library Week 16-22 August

Library Week is a week-long celebration of libraries and librarianship in New Zealand taking place in libraries all across the country. Library Week, run by LIANZA, has been going for over 35 years. It honours the important role libraries play in our community.

Get involved online by telling New Zealand what surprises you about your library or entering one of the competitions.

Look out for some of the more surprising questions we've had to answer in the library on the blog next week.

Library Week Snippets

The New Zealand History Online website provides some interesting facts and figures on Kiwi libraries to celebrate library week. The oldest public library is recognised as being Port Nicholson, founded in 1841. Fires, floods and fashion are all covered in this entertaining entry. There is also a media gallery and a small quiz to test your library knowledge.

The idea of a Living Library (which I touched on yesterday without mentioning the actual phrase) is an international one which you can find out more about at the website link.

Closer to home have a look at these pages from our fellow eLGAR partners (Libraries in the Greater Auckland Region) which now includes Papakura to find some great links and ideas for reading.

Auckland City Libraries
North Shore Libraries
Waitakere Libraries
Manukau Libraries
Papakura Library

Today is the day to LOVE YOUR LIBRARY! So come in and say hi to us today.

The Detective Librarian

Did you realise your library is a living, breathing beast?

The information you find in the library is not just words on pages or screens. Sometimes the right information is not available in either of these formats (book or world wide web) at the very instant that you desire it. That's where the mighty power of Librarian Magic comes into play. Or if you prefer because you don't believe in magic, the sleuthing skills of the information professional (otherwise known as your local Librarian). Many of use liken what we do to the work of the detective as we ferret out information and try to join the dots to find the book that our customers want.

For instance, so far today I have found an address for a Births Deaths and Marriages Registry in another country, managed to find the title of a book from a reasonably vague description (slightly more detailed than it had a blue cover, but vague nonetheless), and although I determined that I couldn't find a book the gentleman wanted on Highland Dancing, I could put him in touch with people locally who would be able to help as they learnt, danced and taught. I particularly like it when someone starts the conversation with "This is probably a bit tricky.." as I know my powers of deduction will be required.

My point is that it is not just the information stored in the library in either print or via the internet that makes up the library. It is the knowledge and skills of the people in the library that are just as important to the Library experience.

So don't feel shy about asking us questions. The "DISCOVER" part of the theme from this year's Library Week, often applies to our voyage of discovery as much as yours. It's one of the reasons we love what we do - because there is always something new out there to learn about.

National Storytime

As part of LIBRARY WEEK it was National Storytime Day today. At 10.30am throughout New Zealand, children (and children at heart) were listening to Itiiti's Gift, a charming story by Melanie Drewery and illustrated by the bubbly Fifi Colston (I can say that as I met her in person last week and she is extremely bubbly and fun). I had a group from Warkworth Primary School down for their regular visit this morning (they come in at least once a term) and National Storytime was part of it.

This New Zealand picture book was first published in 2006 by Reed Publishing. "Itiiti feels small and clumsy and shy next to her big, jumbly family... When her mum tells Itiiti that she has her own gift, Itiiti sets out to find it. To her surprise, her gift finds her."

Melanie Drewery and Fifi Colston have items on both our picture book and children's fiction shelves so check them out on our catalogue. One of my personal favourites by Melanie (so much so that an autographed copy of the book was one of the first gifts I bought for my niece last year) is The Treasure (which is also available in Te Reo) as she is a very special taonga for our family. This is the second time Melanie Drewery has been the author of the National Storytime Book. The Grumble Rumble Mumbler was a previous read aloud success. To find out more about Melanie, check out the NZ Book Council biography.

Meanwhile Fifi Colston has a new children's fiction book about to hit the shelves. Glory will be launched during the Storylines Festival in August/September. Glory is for all those kids who "thought they were going to win a prize, but didn't". Fifi told us last week she is now looking for someone to publish a book "1001 things to do with an empty egg carton", presumably so they don't threaten to overtake her workroom (which does make an interesting mental picture). You can read more about what Fifi is up to on her Blog "Fifi verses the world"

I escaped. I explored. I discovered.

It wasn't exactly in celebration of Library Week but that's what I did last weekend. Here is my story.

As my days are spent in the wonderful world of the Library and books here at Warkworth, ESCAPE is hardly the word I would use for leaving the library and heading off down to the Hawkes Bay, especially as the prime focus of the trip was a Children's and Teenagers Librarians seminar. But as it was a change of scenery for me, that constitutes the Escape part of Library Week.

I certainly EXPLORED. Not only by exchanging ideas with other librarians, but also wandering around the wonderful Hawkes Bay, including visits to the Hawkes Bay Museum in Napier and the Hastings Library, one of our fellow War Memorial Libraries. They have a wonderful mural and acknowledgement in their entry hall which I took some time to read and admire, bearing in mind our recent rededication up here in Warkworth. I also wound my way up to the top of Te Mata Peak above Havelock North, passing dedicated cyclists and trampers who made it to the top under their own power. The view was stunning, if the wind a little chilly, and I was very impressed by one young girl who did a tandem para-pont (hopefully the right terminology) off the peak.

And I DISCOVERED. That it is time to read and re-read the New Zealand classic Under the Mountain (Maurice Gee) and the internationally renowned Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak) before the movies premiere later this year. I saw trailers of both and they look absolutely stunning. If you want a sneak preview of Under the Mountain go to the official website. I met and shared ideas with colleagues, heard from Kiwi authors Vince Ford (The Chronicles of Stone) and Ted Dawe (Thunder Road) and also discovered how to do craft things from the bubbly Fifi Colston (who also happens to be the illustrator of the children's picture book we are using on Wednesday for National Storytime, Ititi's Gift).

I also realised on the flight home last night (unfortunately not a window seat) from what little I could see, that the myths and legends we read about how New Zealand were created come alive from that height. It looks just like the Gods or giants, used large sticks and dragged them through the ground to create the craggy ridges and landscape. Or that mountains moved far away to create the rivers and gullies. The romantic in me veers towards the Maori myths and legends of creation, while the realist is fascinated by the geology.

I'm back on the ground, behind my desk here at Warkworth. But that doesn't mean the adventure stops. I discover a whole different world every time I turn a corner or get asked a new question here in the library. There's always something new out there, so why not find out today by escaping, exploring, discovering, or even all three at once, at your local library.

Happy Library Week!

Escape, explore and discover the world in your library!

This week is library week across New Zealand. It began over 35 years ago to "honour the role that libraries play in our communities." From the North to the South libraries have been a part of their communities for much, much longer than that.

The national Library Week website has competitions (create a video; graphic novel or short story) and a space for you to share why you love your library. Or you can do that here - why do you love your library?

Librarians Rule!!

..on Librarians Day - which is today!!! Happy Librarians Day to any fellow Library workers reading this blog today as the Kiwis wind up their Library Week.

To celebrate Librarians Day, not only can you take books out of the Library FREE today, but we are also giving away FREE pens and bookmarks (this offer excludes rental items).

Come in and say hi to your Librarian today. If you have a question, we can help. No problem too big or too small.

There are lots of stereotypes of Librarians, but one thing most Librarians have (or at least the ones I work with) is a sense of humour. Here is a quick collection of Librarian humour off the top of our heads...

Librarian Dress up - what every librarian should (or shouldn't) wear to work
Unshelved - One of the best library humour sites
IFLA Net Humour - Tagline - If we can't laugh at ourselves, who can?
YouTube - and search under library humour to get results like these

Have a good weekend everyone.

What's Your Story?

The Theme for Library Week this year is "Whats Your Story" so we thought we would ask a few people a couple of questions to get their story.

It's interesting to hear the answers. A couple of the librarians identified the most important book as their first really adult book or their favourite experience as being able to choose from the adult shelves for the first time.

Clint Brown from Times FM in Rodney said the book that he really wanted to read next is a title "How the All Blacks won the World Cup in 2011!!" I am sure there are quite a number of people that would be keen to read that one. I also loved the answer he gave to what book would he read his children. "Kapai the Kiwi books... they learn story telling with a bit of maori, poetry and great things to do by just being a kiwi and great places to go in New Zealand, so we go out and do what Kapai does." What a fantastic idea.

People find the hardest question to answer is actually the shortest - The best book I have ever read. Personally I had about three in my answer and then realised last night that I hadn't even mentioned one I absolutely adored that I read about ten years ago called Flanagan's Run (Tom McNab). I don't think we have that particular title in the Rodney Libraries but we did have others from that author last time I looked. And quite topically, Tom was once on the International Olympic Committee and his books reflect his background in athletics.

People come into the library for all sorts of different reasons. So why not drop us a line and tell us your answers to all (or any) of these questions.

The best book I have ever read?
The book(s) that I am reading now?
The book I want to read next?
The book I would read to my children (or grandchildren)?
Favourite library memory, experience or pastime?

Ka kite ano

Help us celebrate Library Week

Library Week, 18-24 August is a week long celebration of libraries and librarianship in New Zealand taking place in libraries all across the country.

Library Week has been going for over 35 years and is a chance to learn more about the many services libraries offer and to celebrate the important role they play in our community.

This year the Library Week theme is 'What's Your Story? Nou te korero?' and you can tell us your stories via the activities and competitions for all ages on the national Library Week website.

Speaking of stories, the title for National Storytime this year is "Piggity-wiggity jiggity jig" by Diana Neild. It's the story of a little pig who complains to his Dad about the length of his name. Some of the libraries will be reading it at their regular Wednesday storytime. Helensville Library and Service Centre and Kumeu Library are having a special storytime. It's on at 10:30am on Wednesday.

At Kumeu Library on Friday at 10:30am Maggie Tarver is visiting to speak about her experience as a successful film writer, actor and director. Maggie is the current Chief Executive Officer of The New Zealand Society of Authors. This promises to be an exciting and interesting presentation.

So come into the library and celebrate how libraries contribute to our life stories with us.

Halfway through Library Week - kia hiwa ra

We're halfway through Library Week and this is what I've learnt.

1. I know who the grumble rumble mumbler is.
2. The Library Week pens are easy to find in my bag because they are yellow.
3. "Mister Pip" didn't win the Man Booker but it's still a great read.
4. Giving away books as part of Bookcrossing means that they may end up in foreign countries.
5. There are going to be some interestting anecdotes in the Jack Lovelock book...

New Zealand BIGGEST storytime

Join in as we read "The grumble rumble mumbler" for New Zealand's biggest storytime at 10:30 am today!

"Jack Lovelock: athlete and doctor"

As I type, this book by Dr. Graeme Woodfield is being launched at the Kumeu Library. Lovelock's story is a fascinating one - Olympic athlete, soldier, doctor, family man.

Join us as we celebrate the launch.

Who is the Grumble Rumble Mumbler?

Is it the Maero?

Is is the Ngarara?

Could it be the Taniwha?

Surely not the Taipo?

To find out who the Grumble Rumble Mumbler is, you need to be at one of the National Storytimes that are being run as part of Library Week. All over the country on Wednesday at 10.30 am storytellers are going to be reading Melanie Drewery's latest book to the young, and the young at heart (psst... you don't have to be or have a child or grandchild to enjoy a good story)

Mahurangi East Library are visiting the Snells Beach Kindergarten to tell the story there. But kids, babies, Mums, Dads, and Grandparents are all welcome at Helensville, Kumeu, Orewa, Warkworth, Wellsford or Whangaparaoa libraries at 10.30am on Wednesday whre Rodney Libraries are going to be part of NATIONAL STORYTIME.

It's Library Week! Kia hiwa ra - Pass it on

Library Week celebrates what awesome places libraries are - and the incredible world librarians can connect you to.

What do you want to be connected to?

Is it the internet? Is it reading and literacy? Is it information? Is it community? Is it art and culture? Is it training tips? Is it the latest blockbuster? Is it family? Is it entertainment? Is it peace and quiet? Is it local? Is it the world?

You call it and we'll connect you. Kia hiwa ra.

Kia hiwa ra - Pass it on!

This is what Rodney Libraries will be doing during Library Week 15-21 October.

Kumeu Library will be hosting the launch of “Jack Lovelock: athlete and doctor” by Graeme Woodfield at 10:30am on Tuesday 16 October 2007. Come along to talk to the author about his research. Tea and biscuits provided.

All Rodney Libraries will be taking part in NZ’s Biggest Storytime session. It’s at 10.30am on Wednesday October 17 and will feature Melanie Drewery’s book “The Grumble Rumble Mumbler.”

Mahurangi East Friends of the Library and the Helensville Library and Service Centre will be having book sales.

Mahurangi East Library will have presentations by community members each day between 10am and 12 noon. They will also be serving tea and coffee
Monday - Flower arranging
Tuesday - Beading
Wednesday - Spinning and weaving
Thursday - Scrap booking photos
Friday - Seaside gardening advice and plant identification

Whangaparaoa Library and Service Centre will have activities and presentations by community members. See the library for more details.

During the week we'll be participating in Bookcrossing, defined as "the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise." (from Bookcrossing FAQ) Each book will have a unique BCID (Bookcrossing identification number) that can be entered onto the Bookcrossing site. You'll know it's from us because there'll be a sticker inside with our website and blog details. If you find one don't return it - kia hiwa ra - pass it on!