Media Release

July 29, 2009
Explore your local library

Escape in to a world of discovery and exploration at your local library – you’ll be amazed by what you might find.

Waitakere Libraries is marking Library Week (August 10-16) with a jam-packed calendar of events to highlight the wide range of services libraries have on offer.

“Libraries are more than places where you go to find a book,” says Councillor Judy Lawley, chair of the council’s Culture and Community Committee.

“Now they are somewhere to read newspapers from around the country, surf the internet, hire an audio CD or DVD, research local history or your family tree, find a book written in one of more than 40 different languages and a place to learn new computer skills through the learning centres.”

What hasn’t changed, she says, is that libraries are still the heart of their communities, a place to bring everyone together.

No matter what your age or interests, Library Week is sure to have something to offer from authors talks and lectures to kids’ events, tours and more.

What’s happening at your library?

Waitakere Central - 3 Ratanui St, Henderson
• Wednesday, August 12, 12.00pm.Secrets of Oratia Media with Peter Dowling, the managing director of this Titirangi-based publishing company, which has recently published West:The History of Waitakere.
• 2.00pm daily. Library tour look behind the book shelves of Waitakere Central library and visit areas not normally open to the public.
• Wednesday, August 12, 10.30am. New Zealand’s biggest Storytime. Libraries throughout New Zealand will be holding a special storytime of the book Itiiti’s Gift by Melanie Drewery at the same time.
• Monday, August 10 and 12 at 10.30am. Introduction to genealogy. Lani Rimington from the Waitakere Branch of the New Zealand Genealogy will give you tips on how to start researching your family history.
• Thursday, August 13, 1.00pm. Remains of the Clay. Robyn Mason presents a lecture on the pottery and ceramics industry in West Auckland. In the JT Diamond Reading Room, level two.

New Lynn – 3 Memorial Drive
• Monday, August 10, 10am. Clay Pottery and Bricks Talk and Tour with librarian Robyn Mason. Discover more about the ceramic and pottery industry, one of the most important industries in west Auckland. Meet at New Lynn library.
• Saturday, August 15, 6.00pm. Library Lockdown. Youngsters are “locked in” for fun and games for several hours. This event is extremely popular and spaces fill up fast. Bookings essential.

Massey - Cnr Don Buck Road & Westgate Drive
• Tuesday, August 11, 6.30pm. Books for Westie boys: Respected lecturer educator, founder of the Kids’ Lit Quiz and Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture Award winner, Wayne Mills, talks about books to encourage boys to read.

Te Atatu Peninsula - 595 Te Atatu Road
• Wednesday, August 12, 10.30am. New Zealand’s biggest Storytime. Libraries throughout New Zealand will be holding a special storytime of the book Itiiti’s Gift by Melanie Drewery at the same time.

For more information about Library Week visit www.waitakerelibs.govt.nz, phone 839 2260 or drop in to your local library.

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