“Libraries always remind me that there are good things in this world.” – Lauren Ward
Winter has brought exciting things to our libraries! Read on to find out what is being offered…
The Winter School Holiday Programme has something for everyone: from learning about the world of 3D printing to crafty skills and seed planting, all based on the special time of Matariki. Our new website has made our library offerings even more accessible to our customers. Please take a look and give us your opinion. DORA the digital assistance bus will be visiting our district. This unique learning opportunity is sure to attract many customers who need help with their devices, particularly with health apps. Our new cushions in Waihī have brightened up our seating and made the area much more comfortable for you. Pop in to try them out! Our Fines Free initiative has been passed by Council and it is hoped that everyone will gain an understanding on why this is important for accessibility to our libraries. If you need further information on the changes to Fees and Charges, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Remember to send in your book reviews whenever you would like to – we love feedback about our collection!
New Library Website
You might have noticed our fresh new look on our website this past week!
Our new, easy to navigate layout provides all you need to know about our Hauraki Libraries, including quick access to our library catalogue, front and centre.
There are tons of resources to browse including our eBooks and eAudiobooks, research tools, heritage, events and more.
Have a good look around and let us know what you think. We welcome suggestions for anything else you would like to see on our website as well.
Winter School Holiday Programme
Our Winter School Holiday Programme has begun. The programme this year is Matariki-themed and we have a number of fun-filled and interesting sessions, including Crafting, 3D Printing, Storytelling, Movies and more. Paeroa and Waihī Libraries have slightly different schedules so see below for each library’s individual sessions. Ngātea Library has some colouring-in activities to collect and take home to complete.
Please note – the 3D Printing sessions do need tamariki to have a level of computer literacy as they will be designing their creations on a chromebook. These sessions, as well as our Matariki Art sessions, do need to be booked. You can do this by phoning on 07 862 8609 or popping into one of our libraries.
DORA - Digital Assistance Bus
Hauraki District Libraries are very excited to be jumping on board the DORA bus initiative in July! Our library staff will be available on the mobile learning bus to help people obtain access to online health services. We will also be able to help with any other quick digital queries but our primary focus on these days will be access to online health portals.
You will be able to find DORA parked outside Paeroa Library on Monday 22 July, Ngātea Library on Tuesday 23 July and Waihī Library on Wednesday 24 July. DORA will be open from 10am-4pm each day.
Term 3 Children’s Reading Challenge
Join us for our Term 3 Children’s Reading Challenge beginning on July 22!
Pick up a physical copy in one of our libraries or take part in the challenge on our Beanstack app. For more information on Beanstack please talk to one of our helpful library staff.
New Seating at Waihī Library
Come on in from the cold, grab a book or newspaper and enjoy our new cushions in the winter sunshine! Winter is a great time to curl up with a good book so if you don't currently have a library membership, now is a great time to get one!
Waihī Writers' Group
Did you know we host a writers’ group at our Waihī Library every second Tuesday?
If you’re looking for a new social group and love to write, scribble or even just listen to writers talk about their work, then why not pop in.
You can find them in the meeting room from 11am. Their next session is on July 23.
Changes To Our Fees & Charges
There have been some changes to our current library fees and charges.
We are excited to tell you that we are going fines free! That’s right, no more overdue charges on our entire collection!
For more information on why Hauraki District Libraries has decided to join this initiative, check out the Fines Free Aotearoa website - Fine Free Public Libraries Aotearoa. This will apply to fines going forward, so please pay any outstanding ones that have accumulated before July 1st.
We are also pleased to announce that our Photocopying charges have decreased but we do have small increases on our Rental items and APNK printing (for the first time since 2018).
For more information check out our Fees & Charges.
Don’t forget that library membership is free! There is a range of fantastic resources available to you with your membership including:
Beamafilm – an online streaming service,
Story Box Library – online storytelling for tamariki,
Beanstack – a fun and interactive app with reading challenges, and
access to our digital library through Wheelers ePlatform and BorrowBox.
Beanstack Book Reviews
Submitting a book review in Beanstack is a great way to tell your community about your favourite reads! Here is a selection of reviews featured on the Hauraki District Libraries Beanstack app to inspire your reading.
A harrowing yet beautiful story of an Irish immigrant to the Wild West post the potato famine. Inspired by true events with lyrical descriptions of the environment.
A meandering family tale entwined with themes of colonialism, racism, loss of culture and identity, fertility issues and seasonal work amongst an unforgettable crime.
Senior Film Sessions
Our Senior Film Sessions continue to be a huge hit at our libraries!
Our July film is
‘Dare To Be Wild’.
Feel free to come along to these showings. Our next session is on
Friday 26 July.