Author: Tess

‘Stories of Dementia’: Special event at Karori Library

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Silhouette of a person, with flowers radiating out of their head

As part of Te Wiki Kaumātua Seniors’ Week we’re hosting a special talk at Karori Library, Stories of Dementia. Join us on Saturday 7th October, 2-3pm as we’re joined by authors Kristen Phillips, Charity Norman, Pip Desmond and Anne Schumacher of Dementia Wellington. This talk is for anyone interested in learning more about dementia, dementia experiences and what steps to take if yourself or a loved one are affected.

Here we highlight the work of the speakers, all of whom have personal and/or professional experiences dealing with the differing journeys dementia can take, and the effects it has on carers and whānau.

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Te Wiki Kaumātua Seniors’ Week events

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Te Wiki Kaumātua Seniors’ Week runs 1-8 October and 2023’s theme is pēperēkou, tōna ao katoa – the whole person. We’re running a range of fun and free events in our libraries for our beloved senior communities. Come join us across the week to learn, connect and meet like-minded people!

Retire Inspired: Navigating the 6 Phases of Retirement
Karori Library, Wednesday 4 October, 12-1pm

In your 50’s 60’s or 70’s, 80’s and up? This phase can be the most creative, productive, and fulfilling part of your life depending on your mindset. In this workshop with author Dr Angela Robertson with  we’ll discuss the 6 phases of retirement. Discover ways of finding meaning and purpose, reflect on work and identity, and explore ways of strengthening relationships in the community.

 

Stories of Dementia
Karori Library, Saturday 7 October, 2-3pm

Join us for a talk on dementia by authors Kristen Phillips (Dad, You’ve got Dementia), Charity Norman (Remember Me), Pip Desmond (Song for Rosaleen) and Anne Schumacher of Dementia Wellington. We will be sharing first-hand experiences, personal journeys, tips for carers, and helpful library resources for both dementia sufferers and their whānau.

 

Seniors Week Sunday
Johnsonville Library, Sunday 8 Oct, 4:30-6:30pm

Discover the library after-hours! Senior Sunday is an event where the library is open after-hours to seniors who wish to explore and experience what the Johnsonville Library has to offer in a welcoming and relaxed environment. “Pods” of activities will be offered in various spaces and the HIVE Makerspace will remain open. Tea, coffee and pizza will also be on the menu!

And don’t forget our regularly scheduled free library programs, including Book Club, ‘Knit’n Natter group, digital catchup and movie night!  Visit our event calendar for more details.

 

 

 

National Poetry Day: readings, interviews and a poetry launch!

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Friday August 25th is Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day! To celebrate we’re diving into our video archives to showcase Pōneke’s talented and thriving community of poets, many of which have blessed us with intimate readings, revealing interviews and special events over the years.

As we celebrate the magic of poetry across Aotearoa, watch as these poets give us a sneak peek behind their creative processes and perform readings of their works.

And don’t miss our upcoming poetry launch at Te Awe Library, read on for all the event details…

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Law for Lunch is Back!

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Law for Lunch is back at Te Awe Library, Tuesdays in August at 12-12:30pm.
Join us for this series as experts from Community Law Wellington provide accurate information and give practical advice to cut through legal jargon. These informative sessions will cover:

1 August – Volunteers and the law

Volunteers play a key role in many organisations. Learn about your obligations when working with volunteers, including health and safety, protections from discrimination, and reimbursing volunteers for their time.

Presented by Ben Drury.


8 August – Tenancy law

Learn your rights as a tenant, and how to navigate the power imbalance between tenants and landlords.

Presented by Laura Drew.


15 August – Immigration law

Come and learn the very basics of New Zealand’s immigration system.

Presented by Jacob Baxter.


22 August – Employment law

Employment 101 – All you need to know on the basics of employment law including your rights and obligations.

Presented by Manuela Miville Fogliani.


Community Law Wellington are lawyers and community workers ensuring that everyone in Aotearoa has access to justice and enjoys real equality.

Lived-in & Luxe: new books on home interiors

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A lived-in style need not mean sacrificing luxury in and around your home. Create equally cosy, functional and eye-catching interior spaces with these beautiful and informative new books on home interiors. Transform an overlooked nook into an appealing and tranquil hideaway. Nurture your family in spaces that are flexible to your daily needs, whilst also embracing new and exciting design choices. There’s classic French inspiration, home retreats to nourish the soul, and even a guide to floating homes!

French home : decorating in the French style / Ryan, Josephine
“Dealer in French antiques Josephine Ryan explores the elements that combine to create elegant yet comfortable spaces with a distinctly French feel. She points out the architectural details that enhance the framework of a room, explores the textures and the color palette that flatter various styles of furniture, and shows us options for lighting, mirrors, decorative objects, and paintings. French Home examines the sophisticated alchemy of an enduringly popular look.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Lived-in style : the art of creating a feel-good home / Nassauer, Ki
“What is lived-in style? It’s laid-back, comfortable, no-fuss and uniquely you. It could bring to mind the comfy chair you curl up in beside the window. Maybe it will get you thinking about your freshly made bed, topped with a vintage blanket or quilt. Or perhaps it will elicit a smile over the collection of mementos and found treasures displayed on your mantel.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Sacred spaces : everyday people and the beautiful homes created out of their trials, healing and victories / Summers, Carley
“A gorgeous photography collection featuring home interiors and profiles of the people who have transformed these spaces into sanctuaries, calling you to create your own sacred space. Sacred Spaces takes readers on a beautifully photographed journey inside fourteen homes, from Connecticut and California to Canada, France, and Morocco, as Summers uncovers the vulnerable stories behind each one. Sacred Spaces invites readers to dream of the home that will set them free.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

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Kristen Phillips’ book ‘Dad, You’ve Got Dementia’

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Dad, You’ve Got Dementia: Conversations With My Father is local author Kristen Phillips’ new book that focuses on her experiences with her father Don through his journey with dementia. The book is an intimate look at their relationship, with a focus on the enduring love and connection that remains between them throughout the difficult late-stage years. Kristen writes an endearing and relatable book that is equal parts memoir and poetry. She expresses the moving importance of caring for whānau with dementia using patience and understanding, to help maintain the deep connections that remain throughout the process of memory loss. We sat down with Kristen for an interview and talked about what inspired her to write the book, what it was like sharing intimate moments in the book and her professional work in helping to reduce social stigmas around dementia in NZ.

Dad, You’ve Got Dementia is published by The Cuba Press. You can reserve a library copy here. Kristen also writes short book reviews for the series ‘On The Same Page‘, for New Zealand Dementia Foundation. For more resources for you and your whānau visit Dementia Wellington.

At the library we have also recently introduced He Kete Pupuri Mahara: Memory Bags to our borrowing collection. You can reserve and take home a collection of items aimed at encouraging conversation and reminiscence for people with dementia or memory loss.

Below is a list of some the books on dementia that we hold in our collection, including the books Kristen mentions in her interview:

Contented dementia : 24-hour wraparound care for lifelong well-being / James, Oliver
” A groundbreaking and practical method for managing dementia that will allow both sufferer and carer to maintain the highest possible quality of life. Dementia is a little-understood and currently incurable illness, but this guide shows how much can be done to maximize the quality of life for people with the condition. The SPECAL method (Specialized Early Care for Alzheimer’s) outlined in this book works by creating links between past memories and the routine activities of daily life in the present.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

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