Auckland is home to more than 180,000 Pacific people and the Pasifika Festival is the best time to get involved and celebrate our diversity. Just like we did at Warkworth Library yesterday when I hosted a Pasifika storytime (with the help of Eileen from Northcote Library so that I didn't damage the Pacific languages in the same way I mangled Chinese for the Chinese New Year last month). We had an awesome time counting in Samoan (a great success) and singing Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (not so much so but we had fun trying).
The Pasifika Festival runs all week culminating in the huge Festival Day on Saturday 12th March at Western Springs. There is also an opening night concert lakeside on Thursday night from 7pm. Here is the link through the Auckland Council website with a list of events.
The Libraries around Auckland are also celebrating Pasifika. As well as more storytimes and rhymetimes, there are demonstrations, music, song and craft. Here is the link through to the library website to find out what is happening in your neighbourhood.
Or visit your library and pick up one of the brochures on offer.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Monday, 7 March 2011
It's not the Flu - just something like it.
We all seem to be rattling while we walk at the Library today. One recovering from bronchitis, one arrived at work with a box of tissues, one with the remnants of a very (very) bad cough and then yours truly with a sore throat and a runny nose that only just made it through storytime. The panadol, antibiotics and cough mixtures are doing overtime and the library keeps running. At least we have managed to do it in shifts as those that are recovering are back at work and those of us that have just started on the downward slide can stay away.
For myself, I was determined last week that I was just overtired and working too hard with too much still to do (a common complaint). However, after a reprieve that got me through the week and half the weekend, I woke up yesterday feeling like... Yuck. So I am off home with my box of tissues, some lemon honey and ginger drink and hopefully tomorrow will be better.
If the "so-called" winter coughs, colds and flu's have hit you early as well, here is a catalogue link to colds and flus which has everything on it from what they are, what the differences are and remedies from natural to medical.
And if I'm not blogging tomorrow - you will all know why. Have a good day.
For myself, I was determined last week that I was just overtired and working too hard with too much still to do (a common complaint). However, after a reprieve that got me through the week and half the weekend, I woke up yesterday feeling like... Yuck. So I am off home with my box of tissues, some lemon honey and ginger drink and hopefully tomorrow will be better.
If the "so-called" winter coughs, colds and flu's have hit you early as well, here is a catalogue link to colds and flus which has everything on it from what they are, what the differences are and remedies from natural to medical.
And if I'm not blogging tomorrow - you will all know why. Have a good day.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Top 5 for Friday - A Dystopian Future
DYSTOPIA "an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives" (Merriam-Webster online dictionary). Or (as I have seen defined elsewhere) a world where "things are as bad as it can get".
I went to the first gathering (meeting sounds much too formal) of a new bookchat group for librarians and teachers on Wednesday evening. The aim is to talk children and young adult books, from picture books to faction to non-fiction. And by pure coincidence, most of the fiction bought along to the first meeting concentrated on one of the most popular themes that we see currently - the dystopian future. So when I was looking for a subject for the blog today, this seemed like a great place to stop. Here are five of the titles we discussed.
Resurrection – Mandy Hagar (Book 3 of Blood of the Lamb series). The characters escape the island and make the return journey to where it all started. I haven't read this book yet but have read the first two in the series and thoroughly enjoyed them. Maria told us that there is a powerful message of standing up for yourself and making a change.
Water Wars – Cameron Stracher. This book is brand new on the shelf and immediately stands out because of it's fantastic cover (don't get librarians and teachers started on the absolutely necessity for a good cover to attract children and teens to a book). Water is more precious than gold. So what does that mean when you find a previously unknown water source. Lisa found this had an easy style and wasn't too too hard. Teen fiction.
X-Isle – Steven Augarde. A gripping Dystopian story for teens. but very heavy content and Lorraine questioned it’s classification as children’s fiction (Anne & Lisa to investigate). Gripping for teens
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak. Powerful. Different point of view. Quite demanding so more recommended for advanced teen readers, possibly with some background knowledge.
Fierce September - Fleur Beale. The sequel to Juno of Taris and shortlisted for the 2011 NZ Post Children's Book Awards.
I went to the first gathering (meeting sounds much too formal) of a new bookchat group for librarians and teachers on Wednesday evening. The aim is to talk children and young adult books, from picture books to faction to non-fiction. And by pure coincidence, most of the fiction bought along to the first meeting concentrated on one of the most popular themes that we see currently - the dystopian future. So when I was looking for a subject for the blog today, this seemed like a great place to stop. Here are five of the titles we discussed.
Resurrection – Mandy Hagar (Book 3 of Blood of the Lamb series). The characters escape the island and make the return journey to where it all started. I haven't read this book yet but have read the first two in the series and thoroughly enjoyed them. Maria told us that there is a powerful message of standing up for yourself and making a change.
Water Wars – Cameron Stracher. This book is brand new on the shelf and immediately stands out because of it's fantastic cover (don't get librarians and teachers started on the absolutely necessity for a good cover to attract children and teens to a book). Water is more precious than gold. So what does that mean when you find a previously unknown water source. Lisa found this had an easy style and wasn't too too hard. Teen fiction.
X-Isle – Steven Augarde. A gripping Dystopian story for teens. but very heavy content and Lorraine questioned it’s classification as children’s fiction (Anne & Lisa to investigate). Gripping for teens
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak. Powerful. Different point of view. Quite demanding so more recommended for advanced teen readers, possibly with some background knowledge.
Fierce September - Fleur Beale. The sequel to Juno of Taris and shortlisted for the 2011 NZ Post Children's Book Awards.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Welcome to New Zealand Book Month 2011!
NZ Book Month 2011 - Where we celebrate the power of books. The following is taken directly off the website for New Zealand Book Month. Auckland Libraries are joining in the celebrations so stay tuned and we will let you know what is happening and when.
Fiction or non-fiction, a book has the power to change your life. New Zealand Book Month is an annual campaign to encourage us all to celebrate books and reading. New Zealand Book Month is the perfect time to discover your next life-changing book, pick up a recommended read, share a favourite book with your friends and family, encourage colleagues to start a book club – and to meet some of New Zealand's finest writers at one of over 200 events right across the country during March 2011. There are so many ways in which you can take part in New Zealand Book Month. Here's how you can get involved:
Take advantage of our Books Change Lives $5 vouchers. New Zealand Book Month will be distributing four million $5 book vouchers during March 2011. Here's where you'll find out more about the voucher, and get details of how you can get hold of yours.
Find your nearest participating bookseller, from the 290 fantastic booksellers across the country that are participating in our Books Change Lives campaign.
Find a great New Zealand Book Month event near you, organised by one of our passionate and committed Book Month Activists.
Check out our book lists to discover your next great read. These "life-changing books" were voted for by our readers during October 2010. We're delighted to share their recommendations, and think you'll agree that there's something here for everyone.
Become a Book Month Activist for March 2012. Help plan, shape and put on events locally. In 2011 Book Month Activists will put on over 200 community events throughout New Zealand. Each activity helps bring books alive, and introduces the joy – and power – of books to new audiences. We’d love your help and welcome your assistance. And we’ll assist you with ideas, tools and perhaps we can even help arrange publicity and an author visit to your event! To find out more, simply register your interest with us.
Sign up for Bookmark, our free e-newsletter, keeping you up-to-date with events and activities during New Zealand Book Month.
Make a date in your diary – March 2011 – and join in New Zealand’s biggest national celebration of books and reading.The possibilities for celebrating books and reading are as limitless as your imagination.
Fiction or non-fiction, a book has the power to change your life. New Zealand Book Month is an annual campaign to encourage us all to celebrate books and reading. New Zealand Book Month is the perfect time to discover your next life-changing book, pick up a recommended read, share a favourite book with your friends and family, encourage colleagues to start a book club – and to meet some of New Zealand's finest writers at one of over 200 events right across the country during March 2011. There are so many ways in which you can take part in New Zealand Book Month. Here's how you can get involved:
Take advantage of our Books Change Lives $5 vouchers. New Zealand Book Month will be distributing four million $5 book vouchers during March 2011. Here's where you'll find out more about the voucher, and get details of how you can get hold of yours.
Find your nearest participating bookseller, from the 290 fantastic booksellers across the country that are participating in our Books Change Lives campaign.
Find a great New Zealand Book Month event near you, organised by one of our passionate and committed Book Month Activists.
Check out our book lists to discover your next great read. These "life-changing books" were voted for by our readers during October 2010. We're delighted to share their recommendations, and think you'll agree that there's something here for everyone.
Become a Book Month Activist for March 2012. Help plan, shape and put on events locally. In 2011 Book Month Activists will put on over 200 community events throughout New Zealand. Each activity helps bring books alive, and introduces the joy – and power – of books to new audiences. We’d love your help and welcome your assistance. And we’ll assist you with ideas, tools and perhaps we can even help arrange publicity and an author visit to your event! To find out more, simply register your interest with us.
Sign up for Bookmark, our free e-newsletter, keeping you up-to-date with events and activities during New Zealand Book Month.
Make a date in your diary – March 2011 – and join in New Zealand’s biggest national celebration of books and reading.The possibilities for celebrating books and reading are as limitless as your imagination.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Two minutes silence
Today marks one week since the world turned upside down and the earthquake struck Christchurch. In remembrance of all those who have tragically lost their lives, those who are still missing and those who are injured, we will be observing a 2-minute silence at 12.51 pm. This 2-minute silence is a chance for us each to take a moment, reflect on the tragic losses, and give thanks for those who are in Christchurch helping with the response.
Auckland City is encouraged, at each of our locations, to stand outside our buildings at 12.51 pm and observe the silence. For those of you based around Aotea Square, feel free to join the Auckland City Executive Leadership Team outside the Aotea Centre near the flagpoles. At Warkworth the main gathering is outside the Information Centre by the flagpole. Other libraries in Rodney will also be observing the two minutes silence, outside their libraries for those that wish to gather.
Auckland City is encouraged, at each of our locations, to stand outside our buildings at 12.51 pm and observe the silence. For those of you based around Aotea Square, feel free to join the Auckland City Executive Leadership Team outside the Aotea Centre near the flagpoles. At Warkworth the main gathering is outside the Information Centre by the flagpole. Other libraries in Rodney will also be observing the two minutes silence, outside their libraries for those that wish to gather.
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