August 1, 2006
Get Connected with Library Week 2006
It's time to "Get Connected" to your local library during the 2006 National Library Week - which runs September 18 -
24.
Library Week 2006 is proudly supported by PSIS, a New Zealand financial services co-operative, and is organised by the
Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA).
This year, each library in the country, including 400 school libraries, will host various events and competitions,
including a national mass book reading of international award winning author Margaret Mahy's popular children's book,
Down the Back of the Chair.
Libraries play a vital role in their communities - connecting people to each other and to a world full of books, music,
information and possibilities.
The role of libraries in today's technology driven world is not diminishing but growing as a community focal point and
information resource.
In the year 2004-2005, more than 50 million items were issued nationwide. In Auckland Central alone, 809,000 visits were
made, while Auckland branches enjoyed more than 2.5 million visits. Wellington Central hosted almost 1.4 million visits,
and, in Christchurch, more than 882,000 visits were made.
Library Week is a national celebration of New Zealand libraries and librarians and this year the focus is on the part
both play in our communities.
Library Week 2006 committee chair Jeff Cabral says: "Librarians are a vital tool - the ultimate personalised search
engine for people to 'Get Connected'".
"Librarians can connect you to all kinds of information through all sorts of mediums. In the 21st century libraries are
so much more than books on a shelf. They can help guide people through what can sometimes be an information overload."
Girol Karacaoglu, CEO of PSIS says "PSIS's support of Library Week 2006 was a natural fit for us given the personal
service and community focus of both libraries and PSIS branches. Both organisations put an emphasis on face-to-face
service and helping individuals and families to prosper".
Library Week runs September 18 - 24, 2006.
ENDS