July 2026 Library Newsletter

In celebration of Matariki, our libraries will be closed on Friday 10 July. We will re-open as normal on Saturday 11 July. Don't worry about rushing back to return your books! We’ve got you covered.

After-Hours Bins: Our physical return slots will remain open if you prefer to drop off your books while you're out and about. 

Always Open Online: Our digital library never sleeps! You can still borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks or ePress items through our digital apps ePlatform and Borrowbox. You can also stream movies and documentaries through Beamafilm. We wish you and your whānau a peaceful, safe and happy Matariki. 

Mānawatia a Matariki! 

The Winter school holidays are just around the corner and Hauraki District Libraries have lined up two weeks of free, action-packed activities to keep the kids entertained and warm indoors. From creative crafting to a high-stakes mystery, there is something for everyone! 

The headline attraction for these holidays is our ‘Great Hat Heist’ Escape Room, available for the following sessions: 

Waihī Library: Monday 6 July - Wednesday 8 July 10:00am - 3:00pm 

Paeroa Library: Monday 13 July - Friday 17 July 10:00am - 3:00pm 

Bookings are essential! Call us on 07 862 8609 or email hdc-library@hauraki-dc.govt.nz to book your 30-minute slot. All ages are welcome but under 13s require adult supervision. 

Alongside the Escape Room, you’ll find Dr. Seuss-themed craft activities, as well as our range of Board Games and LEGO. Check out the full schedule in the timetable below!

3D Printing Sessions

We had a fantastic morning last month hosting a class from one of our local schools who came to do some 3D Printing at Waihī Library. Want to bring this hands-on tech experience to your students? We host tailored sessions for school groups! Get in touch with us today to book your spot and inspire your next generation of makers.

BorrowBox Author Event

Join us for an exclusive online event with David Baldacci on Tuesday 21 July at 9pm! Don’t miss the award-winning author of the Walter Nash, Travis Devine, Amos Decker and Aloysius Archer series, as he discusses his pulse-pounding books, followed by a live audience Q&A. Hosted by @BorrowBox – sign up here.

He Pātaka Kōrero | Hauraki Plains Library & Community Centre 

The countdown is officially on for the opening of our new facility in Ngātea! While we are putting the finishing touches on the space and waiting to lock in our exact opening date, we are trying to contain our excitement. Keep your eyes peeled for the official opening date. We can't wait to welcome you all through the doors very soon! 

The Hobart Hotel by Mary-Lou Stephens 

This is a dual-timeline historical story full of espionage and intrigue. Sabine Winters arrives in Hobart in the glamorous 1940’s from the continent and finds herself blackmailed into becoming a spy. Jenny Davies becomes a Ladybird (Croupier) at the newly opened casino in the 1970’s. These two women have been linked through a family connection, and all is revealed when Jenny is given a mysterious letter and a key from an auntie she has never heard of. The key unlocks a gift that turns out to be an answer to all Jenny’s problems while Sabine builds an empire and reunites with a fellow spy. A great read - evocative and engrossing with a thread of rich historical detail. ~ Karen

Do No Harm by Jack Jordan 

Winter Book Challenge: featuring a Hospital. Seldom do I get SO hooked into a book! This story caused me to take my breaks at work for too long (don't tell the boss!), go to sleep too late, avoid doing housework, laundry, gardening and basically everything else while I devoured it. Right from the first page to the last twist, it was well written, suspenseful and all round excellent. One of those that you are compelled to be on the killers' [plural intended] side! ~ Marion

It’s the perfect time to stock up on children’s books for the school holidays with some fantastic new books that are on our shelves. We’re also challenging adult readers to pick up a children’s chapter book for some pure, unadulterated escapism! Kids don’t get to have all the fun, right?!

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

Our July film is ‘Mr. Holmes’. Feel free to come along to these showings.

Our next session is on Friday 31 July.

Paeroa Library: 11am - 1pm

Waihī Library: 1pm - 3pm

Facebook - www.facebook.com/haurakidistrictlibraries 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/haurakidistrictlibraries 

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

Phone - 07 862 8609 

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