A word from the Community Engagement Librarian ...
Welcome to the September edition of Library Connect!
Spring has officially arrived, bringing a whole lot of new books,
events and news across our Hauraki District Libraries’ network. The month is packed with opportunities to connect and
create.
We are thrilled to share that applications are now open for the Creative Communities Scheme funding to help
bring your local artistic projects to life. Families can look forward to our upcoming Spring School Holiday Programme
running from 28 September to 9 October, featuring everything from creative craft sessions to immersive VR
experiences for tamariki. Alongside our seasonal Adult Reading Challenge, Spring Scavenger Hunt, Senior Film
Session and online event with author Matt Haig, we also have wonderful updates from our Kaiaua, Whiritoa, and newlyopened Turua Community Libraries.
To make sure you never miss a moment of the action, be sure to follow us on
Facebook at @haurakidistrictlibraries for daily updates, event reminders and behind-the-scenes fun.
We would love to
know what you’re reading this Spring? Drop us a comment on our Facebook page or chat with our friendly staff next
time you pop into your local branch to share what's on your reading list!
~ Natasha
Creative Communities Scheme Funding
Bring your creative ideas to life with funding from the Creative
Communities Scheme. Whether you're an artist, performer, creative
group, school or community organisation, funding is available to help
bring your ideas to life!
Applications are open to individuals and groups, for projects taking place
between 1 October 2026 – 30th September 2027. Applications close on
4pm Friday 11 September.
We’re also looking for people with a passion for local art and culture to
join the panel to help assess Creative Communities Scheme funding
applications.
For more information, contact the CCS Administrator at info@haurakidc.govt.nz or phone 0800 734 834.
Get ready for two action-packed weeks of free
activities running across our Paeroa, Waihī, and
Hauraki Plains Libraries from 28 September
to 9 October.
We have a fantastic lineup
planned from 10am onwards each week day to
keep young minds entertained.
Check out the individual timetables to see what’s
on at your local branch!
We have a variety of
interactive sessions running from
10am - 12 noon, including making seed
planters, bird feeders, egg-carton animals,
paper-bag creations, felt flowers, zines, and
painting. Plus, join us for relaxed LEGO building
and games’ days to end each week.
Virtual Reality (VR) Experience (Ages 10+):
Step into new digital worlds with our immersive
45-minute VR sessions between 10am - 4pm!
Places are limited for VR so bookings are
essential. Phone us on 07 862 8609 to book.
Community Library News
We recently hosted our bi-annual Community Library Interest Group Meeting at the new Hauraki Plains Library,
bringing together dedicated volunteers from our Kaiaua, Turua and Whiritoa community libraries to share ideas and
give us their latest news.
Here is what’s happening across our community branches:
Turua Community Library: Now open in their fantastic new space! Pop in and check it out on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 11:00am to 12 noon.
Whiritoa Community Library: Open Wednesdays from 2pm to 3pm and Saturdays from 10:30am to 11:30am.
Don't miss their annual Library Quiz Night on 19 September—it’s guaranteed to be a fun evening, with all
proceeds supporting local community projects!
Kaiaua Community Library: Open Wednesdays from 1pm to 2pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 12 noon.
They are actively welcoming new members and looking for extra volunteers to lend a hand. If you have an hour
to spare, pop in and have a chat.
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Join us from 14 - 20 September in embracing Te Wiki o te Reo Māori!
We have a range of activities planned in our
Libraries to celebrate this week including a Scavenger Hunt, Colouring Competition, a Writing Competition and
displays. Check out all the details on the Writing Competition below!
Celebrate Te Wiki o te reo Māori through poetry or storytelling with Hauraki District Libraries’ Kōrero Paki competition!
Open to all Hauraki District residents, this year’s theme focuses on Ake, Ake, Ake - A Forever Language and Te reo
Towns - a celebration of the communities keeping te reo Māori alive. We invite everyone to share what makes the
Hauraki community special and how we can embrace Te reo Māori together.
Competition Details:
Entries Open: Monday 14 September 2026
Entries Close: Monday 5 October 2026
Winners Announced: Monday 12 October 2026
Categories:
Poetry (English or Te reo Māori): Maximum 100 words.
Short Story (English or Te reo Māori): Maximum 200 words.
Age Groups: 5–9, 10–12, 13–15, and 16+
Prizes & Features:
One winner per age group in each category.
Every school age entry automatically enters your school into a draw to win a book pack prize!
How to Enter:
Craft your original piece (no AI-generated content), fill out an entry form and submit your entry by emailing
hdc-library@hauraki-dc.govt.nz or dropping into your local Hauraki District Libraries branch to scan it - our friendly
team is happy to help! For full terms, conditions and entry form details, visit or contact your local library branch.
Book Launch at Waihī Library
On Saturday 22 August, we were
lucky to host local author and
illustrator, Robyn Tucker, as she
launched her second children's
picture book with us at Waihī Library!
'How Wishbone Got His Name' is the
sequel to 'Who Saved the Hens?'
and if you missed out on this event,
don't panic!
Robyn is planning on
visiting both Paeroa and Hauraki
Plains Libraries next month:
Mark your calendars for
Tuesday 27 October at Paeroa and
Wednesday 28 October at Hauraki
Plains Library.
Both sessions start at 10:30am.
Events
Adult Spring Reading Challenge
Join us for our final seasonal
Adult Reading Challenge of
2026!
Pick up your challenge card
now from any of our branches.
Hand in your completed card
by 15 December to go in the
draw to win a prize!
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Spring has sprung with a new
Scavenger Hunt for tamariki at
Hauraki District Libraries!
Find the spring items around
your local library branch and
submit your entry by
30 September to be in the
draw to win a prize.
BorrowBox Author Event
Join global bestselling author
Matt Haig on Monday 7
September from 9pm for an
exclusive online event!
Hosted by BorrowBox – sign
up here.
Senior Film Session
Our Senior Film Sessions continue to be a huge hit
at our libraries - bring a friend or two to join you!
Paeroa Library: 11am - 1pm
Waihī Library: 1pm - 3pm
Hauraki Plains Library: 1pm - 3pm
Our September film is ‘Tracks’
. Based on a remarkable true
story, Tracks follows Robyn Davidson as she embarks on an
arduous 1,700-mile trek across the harsh Australian desert to
the Indian Ocean, accompanied only by four camels, her loyal
dog, and an occasional visit from a National Geographic
photographer.
Before the War of the Roses began, the house of Lancaster first had to
be created. I am very keen on the War of the Roses and this book
piqued my interest. It takes one back to 1245 with the first Earl of
Lancaster who was the ancestor of MANY of the players on both sides
of the numerous in-fighting for the throne of England, which as we know
York came out on top, with Edward IV ultimately taking the crown, and
then from there came the famous family of Tudor, Henry VII and VIII.
Be warned, the choices of names are basically all the same so it does
take focus to recall which Henry, Edward, Blanche, Isabel or Phillipa is
being mentioned. Great read for a history buff or a specific interest like
myself 😊 ~ Rochelle
Surviving White Island is Kelsey Waghorn’s truly incredible story of her
experience surviving the White Island eruption and her long recovery.
Kelsey shares her journey through her own words, alongside family
messages that help give a bigger picture of the experience and its
impact on those around her. This is a very emotional read, and Kelsey’s
resilience and bravery are truly remarkable. Thank you for sharing your
story, Kelsey! I am forever moved by your courage and strength.
I highly recommend this book.
~ Julia
This is Betty’s life story, as told by Betty on the eve of her 100 Birthday.
The story sweeps across the decades, from pre-war London to modern
day Australia and details her life and the events that shaped it. The story
examines the bonds of family and friendship, with the joy and sorrow,
love and loss, all with the backdrop of global events that have affected
her lifetime over the past century. I really enjoyed reading the story of
Betty and seeing her life story take her from being a single woman, to
marriage and children, to being the fierce independent woman that lives
life on her own terms while still adapting to change.
~ Jane