Welcome to this month's library newsletter, where we celebrate Audiobook Month and the many ways stories can be enjoyed wherever you are. We were delighted to showcase performances from our talented student musicians from Paeroa College, who shared their skills with library visitors. Our Housebound Service continues to bring books, audiobooks, and friendly connections to community members who are unable to visit the library. Please promote this service to anyone you know that might need it?
As the weather cools, we invite readers of all ages to join our Winter Reading Challenge and discover something new. For a bit of extra fun, pick up a Rug Up and Read Adult Bingo card and see how many reading challenges you can complete. For great movies and documentaries, Beamafilm is our free streaming service that you can access from anywhere. Don't miss our featured movie screening in the libraries this month—another great opportunity to relax and connect - bring a friend!
With the opening of The Plains Library and Service Centre in Ngātea drawing closer, there is plenty to look forward to - watch this space for more updates as we prepare to welcome the community into this exciting new facility.
~ Marion
Audiobook Month
Bring your favourite books to life this June as we celebrate Audiobook Month! Whether you’re keeping your hands busy in the garden, commuting, or simply enjoying a cuppa, audiobooks are the ultimate multi-tasking companion. If you have never tried listening to a book before, this is the perfect month to start! Think of it like a high-quality radio play or a podcast tailored exactly to your tastes. Featuring professional narrators, full casts or even your favourite authors reading their own words. Best of all, your library card gives you free, 24/7 access to thousands of incredible titles. Dive into our massive digital collection today by downloading the BorrowBox and ePlatform apps. Your next great listen is just a click away!
Paeroa College Music Performances
Paeroa Library was transformed into a vibrant concert venue recently as talented students from Paeroa College took the stage for a series of spectacular musical performances. Bringing an energetic mix of classic hits, soulful solos, and impressive instrumental sets, the student performers completely captivated everyone in attendance.
The library was packed with proud parents, teachers and local music lovers who filled the space to support Paeroa’s young people. The sheer talent on display blew the audience away, turning a normal afternoon at the library into a true celebration of community and local creativity. A massive thank you goes out to the dedicated music students and staff from Paeroa College for sharing their hard work and passion with us!
We are so proud to provide a space where local youth can shine, and judging by the massive smiles and loud applause, this is one library event that will be remembered for a long time to come. We hope we can accommodate more music ventures in the future!
Housebound Service
As the winter chill and seasonal illnesses set in, staying well becomes top priority. If sickness, injury or mobility challenges are keeping you or a loved one stuck at home this season, you don’t have to miss out on your favourite library resources. Our Housebound Service brings the library straight to your doorstep completely free of charge! Whether you are temporarily recovering or unable to visit us long-term, we are here to keep you connected and entertained.
What we offer:
Personalised Selection: We hand-pick books (regular and large print), audiobooks and magazines based on your unique tastes.
Door-to-Door Delivery: Dedicated staff or volunteers will deliver new items and collect your returns right from your home.
Don't let the winter freeze stop you from reading. Let us bring the library to your living room!
Get in touch if you or a neighbour could benefit from this free service.
Call us on 07 862 8609 or email hdc-library@hauraki-dc.govt.nz to get started.
Stay warm, stay safe and happy reading!
News & Events
Beamafilm Streaming Service
Did you know your library card gives you free access to Beamafilm? Enjoy thousands of award-winning independent movies, top-tier documentaries, and world cinema with absolutely no ads. There are no waiting lists or holds, just download the Beamafilm app or visit the website, enter your library card number, and start streaming instantly!
Adult Winter Reading Challenge
Cosy up with a great book and join our Adult Winter Reading Challenge! Read 4 books from 6 choices and be in for a chance to win a fantastic prize.
Challenge cards are available in all libraries now. Just make sure to complete your challenge by
15 September to be entered into our prize draw!
Rug Up & Read Adult Bingo
Join us for our Rug Up & Read Bingo Challenge! Complete a full line of five challenges, share your book reviews with us, and claim your winter reward!
This competition is open to all Hauraki District residents aged 18+. You can collect your Bingo card from any of our three library branches from
15 June until 15 August.
This is the first book I’ve read by Freida McFadden, and ‘Dear Debbie’ did not disappoint. If life hadn’t inconveniently interrupted my reading, I would have devoured it in a single sitting. The addictive writing style and fast pace pulled me in immediately, and the twist was one I genuinely didn’t see coming.
Debbie writes an advice column for the local paper called “Dear Debbie”. Through her column, she has helped many readers with her advice. As the story unfolds, Debbie’s life begins to unravel, and she starts fixing wrongs through vigilante action. It quickly becomes clear that she is someone you definitely don’t want to cross. Debbie is unhinged… and that’s what makes the book so compelling.
Just when you think you understand what’s happening, another layer appears, and you realise Debbie may have been one step ahead all along. I give my first Freida McFadden novel five stars and look forward to devouring more of her books.
Rochelle recently finished the second book in the Talon duology by author Jen Williams and absolutely loved it! Full of treachery, powerful magic, mythical creatures and devastating choices. Perfect for fans of Andrea Stewart, John Gwynne and Samantha Shannon.
Senior Film Sessions
Have you attended one of our Senior Film Sessions yet?
We will be screening ‘Lion’, a biographical drama based on an incredible true story of how one young man retraces his past to find his
long-lost biological mother.