News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

#wclreview This master storyteller set this book in an age where propriety rules, while the main event is more heinous than can be believed. Catalogue link

#wclreview This novel by Kate Grenville paints an extraordinary picture of early life in New South Wales through the eyes of a convict. Catalogue link

Our New Zealand selection of books this month is worth a look. First is Toughen Up by Michael Hill. The author shares his thoughts about the current economic downturn and how it can make the success of your company. He also unveils his philosophy and how he conducts business with down-to-earth, commonsense principles. Leadership is a rare talent and Sir Peter Blake mastered it perfectly according to Mark Orams in Blake: Leader: Leadership lessons from a great New Zealander. A biography of Sir Keith Park, Air Chief Marshall during the Battle for Britain, poems by James K. Baxter and Before we say goodbye, a book dealing with the issue of euthanasia,  are also available in our selection. And if you are interested by Gareth Morgan’s take on the recession and Immigration in New Zealand, check out this month’s New Zealand Recent Picks.

This weekend you are invited to the launch of a new DVD that Wellington City Libraries have made about Wellington’s Muslim communities.

Our Place, Your Place is directed and produced by Helen Donnelly (a WCL staff member), and gives a brief history of the Muslim community in New Zealand, and of the Wellington Islamic Centre. It also highlights the many relevant resources available in library collections.

The DVD will screen as part of the NZ Diversity Forum in Te Papa’s Oceania Room this Sunday 23 August from 3.30-4.30pm.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion called ‘Muslims in the Media: A True Reflection?’  The panel will include members of Wellington’s Muslim community along with Helen Donnelly and local media experts.

If you’re keen to attend this screening and panel discussion, please register online.

#wclreview Great talking book! Narrator Stephen Fry is marvellous doing every voice. And the plot’s pretty good, too. A good saga ending. Catalogue link

#wclreview

Which B & B? There are endless choices. Budget to luxury, town or country, solo or families. I love pouring over this book. Catalogue link

#wclreview

Sebold recounts her rape at 18. We understand now how she could so compassionately author The Lovely Bones. Un-putdownable. Catalogue link

Whew! Another zinefest already! Sadly we can’t make it to Christchurch’s inaugural zinefest, but it looks like it will be awesome. Organised by Christchurch City Libraries’ local zine expert Allison, check it out on Saturday, August 22 from 11am – 3pm at the Christchurch Central Library. And while you’re there, why not go see their brand spanking new Zine Collection? Yowsers, zines are taking over public libraries everywhere!

http://thepulse.org.nz/Read/Zines/Zinefest/

David Lebovitz’s first job was an ice-cream scooper and with a further 25 years as a frozen dessert maker is well qualified to write Perfect scoop: ice-cream, sorbets, granitas and sweet accompaniments. With practical instruction and step-by-step photos flavours like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Fresh Fig and Pear Pecorino will soon be ready to enjoy.

Is Twitter the new black? It would seem so with a membership that has increased 700% in just one year. All a Twitter: a personal and professional guide to social networking with Twitter by Morris Tee is written for the baffled through to the expert.

You want to go where?: how to get someone to pay for the trip of your dreams is by Jeff Bluefeld who runs a PR company that matches explorers and corporate sponsors, including the successful expedition of the first blind man to reach the summit of Mt Everest. Enjoy the feats of others or plan your own – advice is given on how.

Read these books and more on glamorous rooms, desperate romantics, rich Dads and the last days of old Beijing on this month’s Buyers Choice Recent Picks.

Well we took our zines on a trip to see Auckland Zinefest, and for Auckland Zinefest to see our zines. They seemed to like each other. Actually, our zines got quite clingy so we brought back some of their new Auckland zine-friends they made. So that’s nice. Tessa and Nick and the Cross St Studios clan did an amazing job putting it on, there were inspirational workshops with prominent ziney types (lots from Wellington) and delicious cookies. And so many amazing zines!

Check out  http://akzinefest.blogspot.com/ soon for photos of the event.

We also had the honour of co-judging the Zine of the Year award with international judge Mikel Krumins. It was heart-in-mouth stuff but we decided that Neighbour Cats took the cake with its lovely concept, exquisite presentation and super cute drawings.

The second issue of Neighbour Cats is now in our collection, along with about 40 other exciting new editions acquired in Ak, so come in and grab them while they are hot!