Tēnā koutou and thanks to those of you who came to visit the library display and activities that we organised for the recent Te Rā o Waitangi celebrations. One of our activities started after the two waka entered the lagoon as part of the opening ceremony. Children were invited to come and make their own waka from driftwood and leaves and to use harakeke (flax) string to bind them together. Once the waka were made they could then test float them in the lagoon. It was great to see the creativity of the kids (and some of the adults) and each waka made was a one-of-a-kind creation. Ka mau te wehi tamariki mā! How amazing are these creations!
A very proud waka designer.
Choosing just the right piece of driftwood.
Testing the waka in the lagoon.
Lets see if it floats?
Ready to test now, will it float?
This waka has a fabulous harakeke sail.
Busy building waka.
A couple of different style waka are being tested here.
Wellington City Libraries is pleased to announce that we will be hosting events for the temporary Literaturhaus running from 7th February to 11th February 2012.
These events include preschool story times, poetry readings, and two lunch-time events of short readings from current work by upcoming and established writers and translators, and will take place at the Central Library.
This mobile literary festival has been arranged to celebrate New Zealand being guest of honour at the world’s largest book fair in Frankfurt later this year.
Please join with us in celebrating Te Rā o Waitangi : Waitangi Day celebrations in a day of bicultural fun for the whole whānau.
Where & when : Monday 6 February, at the Wharewaka, 10:30am-2.00 pm.
Following the pōwhiri at 10:30am, Wellington City Libraries is pleased to host Apirana Taylor who will present two storytimes at 10:40 and 11:30 am.
In between the storytimes we will be providing an opportunity for children and parents to
- make badges using our badge machine
- create waka/watercraft from natural materials.
Come also to see our range of books on the Treaty, and enter your name for a random prize draw of books.
You can also test your knowledge of historical events which triggered the signing of Te Tiriti/The Treaty by completing our online quiz.
Hear lawyer and true crime writer Peter Graham talk about New Zealand’s most notorious murder, with his newly published book ‘So Brilliantly Clever – Parker, Hulme and the Murder that Shocked the World’, on Thursday 26 January, 6pm at Wellington Central Library.
Peter will talk about the case and his research into the secrets and lies that permeated the girls’ families, the bizarre lead-up to the murder, the girls’ conviction and imprisonment, and their lives following their release – right up to the present day. He also examines Parker’s and Hulme’s actions in the light of modern psychology and considers what would be their fate if it had happened today?
Don’t miss this free talk and the opportunity to ask the author questions of your own. Everyone is welcome and there is no need to book – just come along for 6pm on the ground floor at Central Library, 65 Victoria Street.
“Music Ad Lib”, hosted by our own library staff music enthusiasts, airs monthly on Access Radio 783 AM. The show is on a Saturday afternoon from 4.30-5.00pm on Access Radio 783 AM, and will also be available as a podcast on the Access website. The show on Saturday the 24th is hosted by Mark, and here are the tracks that will be playing…
Update: As of Friday 30 December, we have reduced our booksale prices. All items on the sale tables are either 50c each or 3 for $1.00. We’ve sold out of some of our stock, so on the tables now you’ll find: kids, teens and adult fiction, and children’s non-fiction, plus lots of magazines still available. Come grab a bargain!!
Every year thousands of avid readers and music lovers gather at Wellington Central Library for the end of year book sale. And judging by its past popularity, this sale should be no different. Past buyers have used the sale to find the best book deals, to complete their personal collections or just to rummage and find a gem. And the sale helps our libraries by making room for an ever increasing collection.
The sale includes books, CDs, cassettes, DVD, magazines and journals on every topic imaginable. Stock is replenished at regular intervals during the sale ensuring there are always fresh bargains to be found. And they really are bargains – prices start from 50 cents for magazines, with most other items between $1 and $6 and some marked prices.
If you love a bargain, you won’t want to miss it. Book sale starts Tuesday 13 December, 9.30am.
If you’re planning on coming to the Central Library building’s 20th Anniversary tomorrow, then there will be something sweet to take away with your books, CDs and DVDs. Kim, one of our librarians, tells you more in this video:
As part of the 20th anniversary of the Central Library building at 65 Victoria Street, we are holding a treasure hunt. If you and your family are the lucky winners, you’ll have a Wii to take home with you! Wendy, from our Children and Youth Services team, tells you more in the video below:
Did you know the Central Library building has its 20th anniversary this month? Help us celebrate by entering our Central Library 20th Anniversary Quiz for adults. Test your library knowledge and win!
Answer all questions correctly to go into the draw for:
1st – Foodie Prize
Treat yourself to a culinary day off from breakfast to supper, or enjoy several special days out with food & beverage vouchers from The Fork & Brewer, Beach Babylon and Little Beer Quarter to the value of $200
2nd – Bookworm Prize
Hardback or Paperback? This Unity Books $100 voucher will take care of your holiday reading (in between library books of course!)
3rd – Local Knowledge Prize
With a title based on the earliest name for Wellington Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui , “FishHead Magazine” will keep your finger on the pulse of local culture and issues that matter with a two year magazine subscription.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for the Central Library building, the pricipal architect of the building, Ian Athfield will be giving a free talk on Tuesday 13th December 2011 at 6pm on the 2nd floor. Titled Why is the library more than just about books? his talk will discuss how the presence of a library can “inform” the physical structure of its neighbourhood as well as his thoughts and memories of how the building’s design came about.
Ian Athfield is the founding principal of the Wellington-based firm, Athfield Architects Limited. He has headed this practice since its inception in 1968 and has been responsible for most of the design direction through this period.
As well as his contribution to the design of a broad range of projects throughout New Zealand, in 1976 “Ath” won an international design competition for housing in Manila, the Philippines. He has been involved in a teaching fellowship with Victoria University, has been a keynote speaker at various international conferences and has judged at numerous architectural / urban design competitions. Under his directorship Athfield Architects has won over 100 design awards. In 2004 he was the recipient of the New Zealand Institute of Architects’ highest honour, the Gold Medal, and from 2006 – 2008 was President of the NZIA. In 2006 he became the first New Zealander to be registered as an APEC Architect. More recently he has been a member of the Auckland City Property Enterprise Board, advisor to Auckland’s Aotea Square development and a member of the assessment panel for the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery master plan. He is currently serving on the Board of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and was made NZIA Architectural Ambassador to Christchurch soon after the September 2010 earthquake to provide advice and coordination during the rebuild and restoration process.
Come and enjoy this rare opportunity to hear one of New Zealand’s best known architects whose designs and influences have made a significant impact on Wellington’s urban geography.
Details:
Ian Athfield : Why is the library more than just about books?
Tuesday 13th December, 6pm, Central Library (2nd floor), 65 Victoria Street.
Free and everyone is welcome – just come along.
Every year thousands of avid readers and music lovers gather at Wellington Central Library for the end of year book sale. And judging by its past popularity, this sale should be no different. Past buyers have used the sale to find the best book deals, to complete their personal collections or just to rummage and find a gem. And the sale helps our libraries by making room for an ever increasing collection.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for the Central Library building, the pricipal architect of the building, Ian Athfield will be giving a free talk on Tuesday 13th December 2011 at 6pm on the 2nd floor. Titled Why is the library more than just about books? his talk will discuss how the presence of a library can “inform” the physical structure of its neighbourhood as well as his thoughts and memories of how the building’s design came about.
WCL has over 600,000 books, 450,000 magazines, and 85,000 CDs, DVDs, videos and other items at our central library and 11 branches. We are located in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Looking for your local branch? Have a look at our 