Warkworth Facelift

Staff and customers at Warkworth War Memorial Library are enjoying their facelift (now that the disruption of the actual work has been completed). Comments range from "fantastic", "open and friendly" and "this has a nice chi".

Of course it can be a bit disconcerting for some people. Some have a slightly puzzled expression on their face as they walk through the door. The sort of "Hmmm, I think something is different here" look that I sometimes exhibit when meeting a friend who may or may not have done something different with her hair, lost tons of weight or added a couple of piercings.

The bottom line is everything is pretty much still the same, including the same friendly staff. The original front counter has disappeared to be replaced by desks and pods which are much easier to manouvre around. The Holds (or requests) shelf is now open to customers who want the option of serving themselves (or we can still help you retrieve your book) and we have two self check machines which the children take great delight in showing their parents how to use (and some of them get a stamp as well).

All returns are now done in the back room. Take a couple of steps forward from where you used to return your books and you find the slot in the wall (or follow the feet, which many children have taken great delight in doing - we are finding some in very strange places).

Come and have a look at the changes for yourself and tell us what you think.

From 10c to $1million

A 10 cents investment in 1938 was this week turned into a US$1million return when a simple comic changed hands between two people, neither of whom wanted to be named.

"A comic" I hear you exclaim. "Who would have thought?" However today it is recognised that comics (or graphic novels as they now prefer to be called) have much more value than just cheap pulp reading for kids after school.

Graphic novels are a great springboard for the reluctant reader. Many of these children don't even realise they are reading when they pick up an Asterix or Tin-Tin. In fact, it could be argued that they are in some ways more advanced than their counterparts as they are interpreting both words and pictures to tell the story. Of course the other side of this argument is that the children reading chapter books are using their imaginations to create the pictures, but there is value in both opinions.

I experienced this for myself during the summer reading programme this year. I had a couple of reluctant readers, but noted that one of them had drawn quite brilliant characters into the margin of his folder. With some gentle inquiry I discovered an interest in comics and animation. It was only a small step (or leap) from this to getting them interested in firstly, our non-fiction books on graphic art and drawing. And secondly, into suggesting an easy story that they could animate themselves.

Graphic novels are also a way to ease children into some of the classics, with everyone from Shakespeare to Homer and further to biographies, now appearing in graphic format to interest readers.

The trend doesn't just move from the child reader up to the teenager. It works down from adult authors as well. Diana Gabaldon revealed in Auckland earlier this year that she is working on the adventures of Claire and Jamie (Crosstitch) in graphic form, while we already hold graphic novels from well known authors Jodi Picoult, Neil Gaiman and others.

Our graphic novels are held in a separate collection at Rodney Libraries and all have the "POW" sticker on their spine. There is everything from the Green Lantern and Superman comics I grew up with, through to the new Manga and on to the darker more adult graphics. The entire graphics collection can be searched on Rodney Libraries catalogue here.

We also have non-fiction books studying the history of comics and graphic art (some of the art is truly awesome as well). Try a subject search on our catalogue for Comic Book encyclopedias or Comic Books History and Criticism.

Can you guess which comic it was that broke this record. To find out if you are right, go to this link from the Stuff website.

Low Flying Cars Sculpture Symposium

The international sculpture symposium Low Flying Cars is about to kick off in Rodney. The Low Flying Cars symposium will host 14 colourful and talented artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The symposium is open to the public on the following days:
27 and 28 February
6 and 7 March
13 and 14 March

The exhibition is open from 12pm - 7:30pm on 27 February and 10am - 6pm on the other days at the Rusty Dog Sculpture Studio, 258 Blackbridge Road, Diary Flat.

On the opening day the exhibition will be followed by a celebration of the arts, poetry, storytelling and live music, culminating in a live concert at 4.30pm - 7.30pm with Evan Silva and band. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner.

The featured artists include: Leandro Seixas (Spain), Patrick Walls (England), Joycelyn Pratt (Putararu), Joe Kemp (Rotorua), Matthew Williams (West Auckland), Christian Nicolson (Torbay), Sally Lush (Warkworth), Birgit Lulek (Devonport), Steve Reid (Auckland), Margo Symes (Albany), Dermot Kelly (Mahurangi), Terry Haines (Silverdale), John Ferguson (Dairy Flat), Frances Ferguson (Dairy Flat).

This event is being supported by Rodney District Council and funded from the Auckland Regional Services Trust Fund.

Tots to Teens

Every two months Rodney Libraries get a new supply of the magazine Tots to Teens. This is a free magazine packed full of information for parents.

For instance the February/March 2010 edition has information on Boys and Books (a subject dear to every librarian's heart), How to make your separation from your partner easier for your children, How to help kids celebrate and learn from their mistakes and a special article on Grandparenting in the 21st Century. With the demands on parents to work and earn enough money to keep the household going, we are seeing a lot more grandparents bringing toddlers and children into the library. More and more there is information out there for these fantastic people.

These are just some of the special features. There are plenty of regular columns as well including a calendar of events (where you can double check the storytimes of your local Rodney Library), sharing stories and photos, reviews of books and products, plus fabulous ideas for parties and shopping.

Pick a copy up at your local library today.

Waka could be rare example

A waka excavated from Muriwai beach last year may be a rare example say history specialists. This example is most likely a waka tiwai. Te Ara (New Zealand's online Encyclopedia) tells me that these waka were probably the most common and used for everyday transportation. They were simply made without the extra parts that larger canoes needed for stability. It's exciting that a piece of New Zealand's history has been uncovered in our district. I wonder how long it's been in the sand?


For more information about waka, check out these books from the library

The Maori canoe : an account of the various types of vessels used by the Maori of New Zealand in former times : with some description of those of the isles of the Pacific, and a brief account of the peopling of New Zealand / by Elsdon Best.
Classification and description of Maori canoes -- The construction of the waka taua, or war-canoe, from tree stump to launching -- Fishing and river canoes; canoes of Chatham Islands; ceremonial observances pertaining to canoes -- Methods of propulsion: anchors -- Canoes of the Pacific area -- The peopling of New Zealand.

Nga waka Maori = Maori canoes (and second edition)/ by Anne Nelson.
"Looks at the origins and development of Maori canoes, the different types, the spiritual significances, their central role in Maori society and how this role changed with European contact. It describes waka racing ... explains how waka were manned, paddled, sailed and navigated"--Back cover.

Waka taua : the Maori war canoe / Jeff Evans.
"Introduction to the Maori war canoe. Key areas covered by the book include the renaissance of waka taua, types and variants of the canoe, phases of building, parts of the waka, responsibilities of the crew, and paddling the craft"--Back cover.