Auckland Libraries celebrates Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa – Samoan Language Week
Auckland Libraries is celebrating Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa – Samoan Language Week by hosting special events and adding a
Samoan flavour to its regular programmes.
Kim Taunga, Manager Customer Experience for Auckland Council’s south and east libraries, says the 2014 nationwide theme
is ‘Taofimau i au measina’ or ‘Hold fast to your cultural treasures’.
“Auckland Libraries is holding over 40 events and activities that showcase the treasures of Auckland Libraries and
Auckland’s communities, from bi-lingual children’s story times to traditional Samoan music and ukelele lessons.
“The theme, holding fast to your cultural treasures, helps us highlight the many treasures Auckland Libraries already
has in its collections and is adding to, especially online.
“Not only do we have a range of Samoan language books and other resources available at libraries but many are online,
including Samoa Historypin and contemporary and traditional Pacific music.
“This year we are also getting into social media so keep up with us on Facebook or Twitter during Samoan Language week
by searching #ALPasifika,” she says.
Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa – Samoan Language Week events include:
· Local libraries are holding Samoan language Storytimes, Rhymetimes and other activities
· Tufatufaina o manatu esese mo le fa’amanatuina o le Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa. E faia lea i le gagana Samoa ma le faa
Peretania – Otahuhu Library will be hosting two debates one in Samoan and one in English featuring McAuley High School,
De la Salle High School and Aorere College students on Wednesday 28 May, 4pm-6pm. Topics: ‘Afai ua tatou o mai i Niu
Sila, ia tuu le fa’asamoa’ and ‘The individual is more important than the community’
· Taimi o le faitauga tusi mo le fanau ma le susuga Joseph Faafiu – author of ‘I am me’ Joseph Faafiu will be at Otara
Library, Monday 26 May 10.30am – 11.30am for a story time reading (for children)
· Taimi o le faitauga tusi mo le fanau i le faa Peretania ma le gagana Samoa – bi-lingual story time at Te Atatu
Peninsula, Tuesday 27 May, 10.30am-11am
· Fa’aoao le taina o le Ukulele – Samoan ukulele jam session at Manukau Library, Saturday 31 May, 11am.
Auckland Libraries offer a range of Samoan and Samoan language resources including:
· Books about Samoan customers and culture
· Children’s story books in Samoan as well as bilingual books
· CD and DVD collections showcasing culture, music festivals, dance, history and more.
Library users can also use online resources Historypin and the heritage images database to search for Samoan and family
history photo resources. Users can also discover Pacific contemporary and traditional music by browsing Music Online.
Ends