Media release
30 October 2012
Light up your life at Auckland Libraries
Auckland Libraries is joining in Diwali celebrations this November with activities for the whole family.
From 1-15 November, Aucklanders can get involved in a range of Diwali activities at their local library celebrating
Indian culture, music, movies and more.
Kids will love the Diwali-themed Storytime (appropriate for 3 to 5-year-olds), the many craft and quiz activities,
competitions and games from India.
Hindi or Punjabi speakers can join in a Q about Auckland Libraries’ services.
For the not so young, there is a chance to play Bollywood-style ukulele and to learn more about the herbal remedies in
your pantry, while the fitness mad can try Bollywood-style dance activities or yoga.
For a more hands-on experience, there will be henna paintings at Auckland Libraries.
There will also be Bollywood movies screening at the Central City Library.
“Auckland is such a diverse city, it is important that we as Aucklanders acknowledge and celebrate this diversity,
celebrating cultural festivals such as Diwali,” says Glen Eden Library manager and Diwali co-organiser Imraan Ali.
Auckland Libraries Multicultural Services advisor and Diwali co-organiser, Shivangi Pradhan, says the festival also
gives Auckland Libraries the chance to highlight its Indic-language collection of novels, magazines, travel guides DVDs
and cookbooks.
In the Community Languages Collection, there are books in Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi Tamil, Urdu and Marathi
languages.
There is also a catalogue of more than 125 Indian newspaper titles available, including The Hindu, International Herald Tribune, Times of India, New Indian Express, Business Standard, Deccan Chronicle, and Best Movie International.
You can find out what is on as part of ‘Light up your life’ Diwali Festival at your local library or what resources are
available on the Auckland Libraries website www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz.
ENDS