Read to Kurī Starting Up Again at Kilbirnie Library!

Good news for dog-lovers and book-lovers alike — we’re bringing back our popular Read to Kurī programme at Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library throughout Term 1 this year!

Every Thursday after school from the 15th of February on, you’ll be able to book in a 15-minute slot to read to one of our gorgeous therapy pups from our friends at Canine Friends Pet Therapy. Read on to learn more about Read to Kurīand how you can book your session!

Archie (right) is one of the lovely doggos joining us for this programme!


What is Read to Kurī?

At Read to Kurī, you will book in for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with one of our gorgeous doggy pals from Canine Friends Pet Therapy. You will be able to choose a book and curl up somewhere cosy in the library to read with your chosen dog. The dog’s handler will be present at all times.

Read to Kurī aims to help tamariki improve their literacy, self-confidence, and self-esteem in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment. All dogs have been trained and tested for health, safety, and temperament, and many have experience working with young children.

Research shows that therapy dogs:

  • Can increase a child’s relaxation while reading
  • Listen attentively
  • Do not laugh, judge or criticise a child’s reading level
  • Allow children to proceed at their own pace
  • Can be less intimidating to read to than a child’s peers

This programme is perfect for tamariki aged 5+ who would like to practice their reading skills while making a new canine friend at the library. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited — visit our Event Calendar to place your booking.


Meet the Kurī

We are very lucky to have two talented pooches join us for Read to Kurī at Kilbirnie Library during the term. Read on to find out a little bit more about each dog!


Kurī 1: Archie

Handler: Penny Griffith

“My name is Archie and I am six years old. I absolutely love people, and especially children!

I am a Schnoodle — my mummy is a Schnauzer and my daddy is a Poodle.

I think I will be very good at listening to children reading me stories… maybe they can even teach me how to read!”

Penny and Archie will be at Kilbirnie Library from 3.30 – 4.30pm every second Thursday starting on Thursday 29 February.


Kurī 2: Mātai

A golden retriever wearing a red bandana with his tongue out in a doggy smileHandler: Lisa Allan

“Kia ora!  My name is Mātai (prounounced maa-tie) and I’m a 4 year old Golden Retriever.

I’m a very chilled out dog with a very warm and patient nature.  I love people and especially children.  They are super fun to hang out with.

I enjoy sitting or lying listening to stories, and when the time is right, playing.  My favourite place is the beach.  I have fun chasing sticks and balls, playing tug of war, and swimming (even when my mum has told me it’s not swimming time )

I think I’d like listening to you reading me a story.”

Lisa and Mātai will be at Kilbirnie Library from 3.30 – 4.30pm on Thursdays 15 and 22 February, and every second Thursday thereafter.


Spaces for Read to Kurī are strictly limited, so book your session in now!

Read to Kurī at Te Māhanga Karori Library!

Great news for dog-lovers and book-lovers alike — our popular Read to Kurī programme is coming to Te Māhanga Karori Library!

On Friday 15th of December, you’ll be able to book in a 15-minute slot to read to gorgeous therapy dog Pippin, thanks to our friends at Canine Friends Pet Therapy. Read on to learn more about Read to Kurīand to find out how to book your session!

Join Pippin and her handler, Julia, at Te Māhanga next Friday!


What is Read to Kurī?

At Read to Kurī, you will book in for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with one of our gorgeous doggy pals from Canine Friends Pet Therapy. You will be able to choose a book and curl up somewhere cosy in the library to read with your chosen dog. The dog’s handler will be present at all times.

Read to Kurī aims to help tamariki improve their literacy, self-confidence, and self-esteem in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment. All dogs have been trained and tested for health, safety, and temperament, and many have experience working with young children.

Research shows that therapy dogs:

  • Can increase a child’s relaxation while reading
  • Listen attentively
  • Do not laugh, judge or criticise a child’s reading level
  • Allow children to proceed at their own pace
  • Can be less intimidating to read to than a child’s peers

This programme is perfect for tamariki aged 5+ who would like to practice their reading skills while making a new canine friend at the library. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.


Meet Pippin

We are very lucky to have Pippin and her handler Julia Melville joining us at Te Māhanga Karori Library for Read to Kurī.

Pippin is a very chill doggo who loves being read to. She visits daycares regularly and loves getting to know lots of different tamariki around the city.

Her human, Julia, says she’s a bit lazy for tricks, but will happily lie and get pats!

Pippin and Julia will be at Te Māhanga on Friday 15 December from 3.15 – 4.30pm. We hope they will be able to join us again in 2024!

To book your session with Pippin, please register at the desk or call Karori Library on 476 8413.



Spaces for Read to Kurī are strictly limited, so make sure you register early to guarantee your spot!

Read to Kurī comes to Johnsonville Library!

Even more good news for dog-lovers and book-lovers alike — due to the popularity of this programme at Te Awa-a-Taia | Kilbirnie Library, we will be bringing our Read to Kurī programme to Waitohi | Johnsonville Library for the rest of the term!

Every Monday after school from the 13th of November until the 11th of December, you’ll be able to book in a 15-minute slot to read to our gorgeous therapy dogs Martha, Frankie, Freja and Willow, thanks to our friends at Canine Friends Pet Therapy. Read on to learn more about Read to Kurīand how you can book your session!

Our gorgeous doggos for Read to Kurī at Johnsonville Library. From left: Martha, Freja, Willow, Frankie


What is Read to Kurī?

At Read to Kurī, you will book in for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with one of our gorgeous doggy pals from Canine Friends Pet Therapy. You will be able to choose a book and curl up somewhere cosy in the library to read with your chosen dog. The dog’s handler will be present at all times.

Read to Kurī aims to help tamariki improve their literacy, self-confidence, and self-esteem in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment. All dogs have been trained and tested for health, safety, and temperament, and many have experience working with young children.

Research shows that therapy dogs:

  • Can increase a child’s relaxation while reading
  • Listen attentively
  • Do not laugh, judge or criticise a child’s reading level
  • Allow children to proceed at their own pace
  • Can be less intimidating to read to than a child’s peers

This programme is perfect for tamariki aged 5+ who would like to practice their reading skills while making a new canine friend at the library. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.


Meet the Kurī

We are very lucky to have four talented pooches join us for Read to Kurī at Johnsonville Library during the term. Read on to find out a little bit more about each dog!

Kurī 1: Martha

Handler: Anna Prussing

Martha is a ten-year-old collie, with eight brothers and sisters. She’s a very gentle sweetheart!

She’s been the library and reading dog at St Theresa’s in Plimmerton, and a Canine Friend for six years.

Nothing makes her happier than being with children, hugs and snuggles, and hearing them read to her. Her favourite book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar, but she’s happy to hear anything!

Her best friend is a slinky coffee-coloured cat called Charlie who lives with her and bosses her about!

She lives in Whitby with Anna and they both love reading with children.

Anna and Martha will be at Johnsonville Library from 3.15 – 4.30pm every second Monday starting on Monday 13 November.

Book your session with Martha – November 13

Book your session with Martha – November 27

Book your session with Martha – December 11


Kurī 2: Frankie

Handler: Lincoln Hall

Frankie is an SPCA special, who is a terrier mix.

Frankie loves his time at Canine Friends, and particularly getting pats from students at universities. His specialty is having his tummy rubbed by his adoring friends!

Frankie is a sweet and quiet boy, who loves eating treats, tissues and socks. He loves people and other dogs. His best friends are his dog siblings, Harry and Minnie, and his cat siblings, Pango and Pipi.

Lincoln and Frankie will be at Johnsonville Library from 3.15 – 4.30pm every second Monday starting on Monday 13 November.

Book your session with Frankie – November 13

Book your session with Frankie – November 27

Book your session with Frankie – December 11


Kurī 3: Freja

Handler: Dairne Poole

Freja is almost 2 years old, and she is also a Golden Retriever. She is a very smiley dog who is always happy to see new people and become friends.

She is an excellent running companion and loves to go running with her handler Dairne in the hills above their house in Wadestown. She also loves playing with her friend Willow, and going to the beach to play in the surf.

Dairne and Freja will be at Johnsonville Library from 3.15 – 4.30pm every second Monday starting on Monday 13 November.

Book your session with Freja – November 20

Book your session with Freja – December 4


Kurī 4: Willow

Handler: Andrew Poole

Willow is a Golden Retriever and she is 5 years old. She is handler Dairne’s son’s dog – she joined their family when Dairne’s son was just 8 years old in 2018.

She loves pats and cuddles, chasing balls, playing with her buddy, Freja, and food. She is very gentle and kind, however if you’re a cat, she may want to chase you!

Andrew and Willow will be at Johnsonville Library from 3.15 – 4.30pm every second Monday starting on Monday 20 November.

Book your session with Willow – November 20

Book your session with Willow – December 4



Spaces for Read to Kurī are strictly limited, so make sure you register early to guarantee your spot!

Read to Kurī continues at Kilbirnie Library!

Good news for dog-lovers and book-lovers alike — due to popular demand, we will be continuing our Read to Kurī programme at Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library throughout Term 4!

Every Thursday after school from the 19th of October until 14th of December, you’ll be able to book in a 15-minute slot to read to either Zibu or Archie, two gorgeous therapy pups from our friends at Canine Friends Pet Therapy. Read on to learn more about Read to Kurīand how you can book your session!

Our gorgeous doggos for Read to Kurī — Zibu (left) and Archie (right)


What is Read to Kurī?

At Read to Kurī, you will book in for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with one of our gorgeous doggy pals from Canine Friends Pet Therapy. You will be able to choose a book and curl up somewhere cosy in the library to read with your chosen dog. The dog’s handler will be present at all times.

Read to Kurī aims to help tamariki improve their literacy, self-confidence, and self-esteem in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment. All dogs have been trained and tested for health, safety, and temperament, and many have experience working with young children.

Research shows that therapy dogs:

  • Can increase a child’s relaxation while reading
  • Listen attentively
  • Do not laugh, judge or criticise a child’s reading level
  • Allow children to proceed at their own pace
  • Can be less intimidating to read to than a child’s peers

This programme is perfect for tamariki aged 5+ who would like to practice their reading skills while making a new canine friend at the library. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.


Meet the Kurī

We are very lucky to have two talented pooches join us for Read to Kurī at Kilbirnie Library during the term. Read on to find out a little bit more about each dog!

Kurī 1: Zibu

Handler: Xanthia Freer

Zibu is a Cavapoochon breed, which is a mix of King Charles Cavalier, Miniature poodle, and Bichon Frisé. Her particular breed is often used in the USA and Australia as a companion animal.

Zibu and her handler, Xanthia, very much enjoy their Canine Friends therapy sessions and specialise in interacting with students at universities and schools, particularly assisting those who may have a fear of canines.

Zibu has a very sweet nature, loves chasing her ball and her frisbee, and is best friends with Xanthia’s male cat, Tigga.

Xanthia and Zibu will be at Kilbirnie Library from 3.15 – 4.30pm every second Thursday starting on Thursday 19 October.

Book your session with Zibu – October 19

Book your session with Zibu – November 2

Book your session with Zibu – November 16

Book your session with Zibu – November 30

Book your session with Zibu – December 14


Kurī 2: Archie

Handler: Penny Griffith

“My name is Archie and I am six years old. I absolutely love people, and especially children!

I am a Schnoodle — my mummy is a Schnauzer and my daddy is a Poodle.

I think I will be very good at listening to children reading me stories… maybe they can even teach me how to read!”

Penny and Archie will be at Kilbirnie Library from 3.15 – 4.30pm every second Thursday starting on Thursday 26 October.

Book your session with Archie – October 26

Book your session with Archie – November 9

Book your session with Archie – November 23

Book your session with Archie – December 7



Spaces for Read to Kurī are strictly limited, so make sure you register early to guarantee your spot!

Read to Kurī at Kilbirnie Library!

We are extremely excited to announce the arrival of a brand new programme for our libraries — Read to KurīThanks to our friends at Canine Friends Pet Therapy, every Thursday afternoon during the upcoming school holidays, some very special therapy dogs from Canine Friends Pet Therapy will be joining us at Kilbirnie Library. You’ll be able to book in a time to come and meet our very good doggo friends and read to them aloud.

Three dogs look at the camera -- on the left is Zibu, a small white Cavapoochon; in the middle is Topaz, a brown, grey and white-furred Keeshond; and on the right is Archie, a golden Schnoodle.

Just look at those gorgeous doggos! (From left: Zibu, Topaz, and Archie)

What is Read to Kurī?

At Read to Kurī, you will book in for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with one of our gorgeous doggy pals from Canine Friends Pet Therapy. You will be able to choose a book and curl up somewhere cosy in the library to read with your chosen dog. The dog’s handler will be present at all times.

Read to Kurī aims to help tamariki improve their literacy, self-confidence, and self-esteem in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment. All dogs have been trained and tested for health, safety, and temperament, and many have experience working with young children.

Research shows that therapy dogs:

  • Can increase a child’s relaxation while reading
  • Listen attentively
  • Do not laugh, judge or criticise a child’s reading level
  • Allow children to proceed at their own pace
  • Can be less intimidating to read to than a child’s peers

This programme is perfect for tamariki aged 5+ who would like to practice their reading skills while making a new canine friend at the library. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.


Meet the Kurī

We are very lucky to have three talented pooches join us for Read to Kurī at Kilbirnie Library during the holidays. Read on to find out a little bit more about each dog!

Kurī 1: Topaz

Topaz, a long-haired grey, brown and white Keeshond.Handler: Suze Hocking

Topaz is a nine-year-old Keeshond (Dutch Barge Dog). She’s a lot smaller than you’d think under all that fur!

She loves treats and swimming at the beach, and always brings home lots of sand!

She’s gentle and patient and loves hanging out with people — that’s why dogs of this breed are often known as ‘Velcro dogs’ — they just love to stick to people!

Topaz and her handler, Suze, have been with Canine Friends for about six months. Before that, Topaz spent some time as a support dog for Wellington Free Ambulance.

Suze and Topaz will be at Kilbirnie Library from 12.00 – 1.00pm on Thursday 28 September.

Book your session with Topaz – September 28

Kurī 2: Zibu

Handler: Xanthia Free

Zibu is a Cavapoochon breed, which is a mix of King Charles Cavalier, Miniature poodle, and Bichon Frisé. Her particular breed is often used in the USA and Australia as a companion animal.

Zibu and her handler, Xanthia, very much enjoy their Canine Friends therapy sessions and specialise in interacting with students at universities and schools, particularly assisting those who may have a fear of canines.

Zibu has a very sweet nature, loves chasing her ball and her frisbee, and is best friends with Xanthia’s male cat, Tigga.

Xanthia and Zibu will be at Kilbirnie Library from 12.00 – 1.00pm on Thursday 28 September and Thursday 5 October.

Book your session with Zibu – September 28

Book your session with Zibu – October 5

Kurī 3: Archie

Handler: Penny Griffith

“My name is Archie and I am six years old. I absolutely love people, and especially children!

I am a Schnoodle — my mummy is a Schnauzer and my daddy is a Poodle.

I think I will be very good at listening to children reading me stories… maybe they can even teach me how to read!”

Penny and Archie will be at Kilbirnie Library from 12.00 – 1.00pm on Thursday 5 October.

Book your session with Archie – October 5


Spaces for Read to Kurī are strictly limited, so make sure you register early to guarantee your spot!

Top 10 Children’s Non-Fiction March 2017

Great books to get your brains tingling! If you’re building a Minecraft empire or brushing up your acting skills with the Harry Potter script the top issuing non-fiction books have something you’ll love.

Batman and Lego fans are loving the new movie, The Batman movie : the essential guide, by Julia March and The Batman movie : the making of the movie, by Tracey Miller-Zarneke will give you inside knowledge into creating the new Lego legend.  Want to build your own Lego Batman? Minecraft may be the creative space you’ve been looking for!

  1. LEGO series, by Daniel Lipkowitz
  2. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton
  3. Hacks for Minecrafters, by Megan Miller
  4. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by Jack Thorne, John Tiffany and J. K. Rowling
  5. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell
  6. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft
  7. Minecraft : Construction Handbook, by Matthew Needler
  8. The Batman movie : the essential guide, by Julia March
  9. Dog, by Juliet Clutton-Brock
  10. Guinness World Records 2017, Craig Glenday editor in chief