March 2026 Library Newsletter

A word from the Community Engagement Librarian ...

March is shaping up to be a busy month at Hauraki District Libraries! 

We have two exciting children’s book events happening in March - renowned children’s author, Dawn McMillan, will be visiting Paeroa Library on Tuesday 17 March and the creators behind ‘Magic Jack’ will be visiting Waihī Library on Wednesday 18 March. Read on below for more information on those! 

We will also be attending some community events such as Beach Hop’s Warm Up Party in Waihī and Paeroa’s Children’s Day so make sure you stop by and say hi. 

Our bi-annual Community Libraries’ Interest Group Meeting was held last month at Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre; it was a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to come together to collaborate and exchange ideas. 

For those looking to refresh their reading lists, make sure to browse the new display stands for the latest releases and take advantage of the loyalty card scheme - where renting 9 books earns you your 10th for free. 

Finally, with the new Ngātea Library build progressing steadily, there is plenty to be excited about as the community prepares to welcome a brand-new space for readers and learners alike! 

Natasha ~ Community Engagement Librarian

Ngātea Library Build Update

The roof is on! The building is taking shape on the same ground where the old library stood, which is right in the heart of Ngātea. This spot overlooks the Hugh Hayward Domain, and the new library has been designed with the community in mind. 

It will be a place to spend time browsing, reading, and connecting, with the addition of exciting programmes and library events. There will still be access to public computers and Wi-Fi, with dedicated library staff to help you with all library-related needs. We're looking forward to welcoming the entire community! 

The Library and Customer Services are currently running from the Supper Room of the Ngātea War Memorial Hall while the new build progresses. The team is there and ready to assist as always. We'll keep you updated as our wonderful new facility takes shape.

What's On In March?

March is a busy month for us which means a whole lot of fun for you! 

Check out the events we will be holding in our Libraries and the other Community Events where you can find us:

Author Event at Paeroa Library

Renowned author, Dawn McMillan, will be visiting Paeroa Library on Tuesday 17 March from 10:30am - 11:30am. Join Dawn for a StoryTime session featuring her much loved Bum book series! This event is FREE to attend but please register your interest by phoning 07 862 8609 or emailing hdc-library@hauraki-dc.govt.nz.

Book Event at Waihī Library

Meet the creators of ‘Magic Jack’ at Waihī Library on Wednesday 18 March from 10am - 11am. Join us for a reading of the book, hear how the illustrations came to life, ask your burning questions and buy your own copy! This event is FREE to attend but please register your interest by phoning 07 862 8609 or emailing hdc-library@hauraki-dc.govt.nz.

Writing Competition

Join our Creative Writing Challenge this March! Open to all ages from 2 March - 30 March. Your challenge is to write a story up to 1000 words, that explores how one extraordinary change could transform everyone’s day-to-day life. There are prizes to be won! Hand in your entries to your local branch or email them to hdc-library@hauraki-dc.govt.nz.

Beach Hop Warm-Up Party

Beach Hop returns in 2026 with the warm-up party happening in Waihī on Wednesday 25 March. Come and browse our sale books!

Paeroa Children's Day

Paeroa’s Children’s Day returns on Saturday 28 March. This is a fantastic day out for the whānau with lots of free activities for the kids. Make sure you come and say hello at our stall! 

Community Libraries

Our Team Leader and Community Engagement Librarian headed to Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre in February for the bi-annual Community Libraries' Interest Group Meeting. 

The amazing volunteers who run Kaiaua, Turua and Whiritoa Community Libraries come together to network and discuss Library business during these meetings. It's an invaluable time for all involved and we just love hearing how these small libraries contribute so much to their communities. 

A huge thank you to the Kaiaua team and the Shorebird Centre for hosting us.

Community Libraries' Opening Hours

Kaiaua - Weds 1:00pm - 2:00pm; Sat 10:00am - 12 noon

Turua - Tues & Thurs 11:00am - 12 noon

Whiritoa - Weds 2:00pm - 3:00pm; Sat 10:30am - 11:30am

Children's Reading Challenge

Don’t forget that our Term 1 Tamariki Reading Challenge has started for children aged 5-12 years. Fancy giving it a go? Pick up a copy of a Challenge Card at one of our libraries. 

To enter the challenge, you’ll need to read a minimum of 5 books that fit the prompts on the card. These can be any children’s books including picture books, easy readers, chapter books and non-fiction. 

You have until Saturday 4 April to complete the challenge to be in to win!

New Adult Fiction

Did you know that we have Library Loyalty Cards?

For every 9 rental books you borrow, you’ll receive your 10th book free! 

All our new rental fiction is $4 to borrow for 3 weeks. Make sure you ask for your card the next time you visit!

Senior Film Sessions

Our Senior Film Sessions continue to be a huge hit at our libraries!

Our March film is ‘The Professor and the Madman’, starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn. 

These sessions do not need booking and are completely free. So grab a friend and come along! 

Our next film session is Friday 27 March.

Follow Us On Socials

Facebook - www.facebook.com/haurakidistrictlibraries 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/haurakidistrictlibraries 

Website - https://library.hauraki-dc.govt.nz

Contact Us

Phone - 07 862 8609 

Email - hdc-library@hauraki-dc.govt.nz