News, what's new & more
Magazines have been a big part of Libby for a while now, but thanks to a recent update, magazines are easier to enjoy than ever. This latest version of Libby removes the need to borrow a magazine before reading it. It also introduces the Newsstand and Magazine Rack!
Let’s dig into these new features so you’re ready to start reading right away.
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.
We are very excited and thrilled to announce a very special treat for book lovers. As part of the national #TogetherWeRead promotion, during the period 27th September to the 11th of October, Wellington City Libraries will be offering unlimited download eBook and eAudiobooks copies of Charity Norman’s compulsive read Remember Me.
No waitlists. No holds. And totally free! We want to make this the biggest read in Aotearoa’s history and get as many people as possible to read this novel.
Continue reading “Together We Read: Remember Me by Charity Norman”
Getting back into reading can be hard, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. Graphic novels can be a perfect starting point! They bring so much to the table – any genre you want, beautiful artwork and page turning stories. To top it off, they can be a quicker read than your average book! Check out this month’s recent picks to jumpstart your reading journey.
The Jewish deli : an illustrated guide to the chosen food / Nadler, Ben
“A visual treat, this accessible and informative nonfiction graphic novel delivers stories of tradition and innovation, celebrations of iconic menu staples, flavor profiles, food preparations, ordering advice, spotlights on legendary and up-and-coming delis, and much more.” (Catalogue)
Soichi : Junji Ito story collection / Itō, Junji
“Whether it’s summer holidays or a birthday party, Soichi can turn any occasion into a nightmare in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, tormented by his little brother’s never-ending pranks, older brother Koichi has a soundproof room built. And then there’s the strange phenomenon surrounding the handmade casket their grandfather left behind. Ten tales that celebrate the sinister and hilarious world of Junji Ito’s favorite antihero, Soichi!” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Listen, beautiful Márcia / Quintanilha, Marcello
“Listen, Beautiful Márcia is a gripping story about a family pushed to the brink. Listen, Beautiful Márcia is a fast-paced, flamboyantly colorful new graphic novel by one of the most important Brazilian graphic novelists working today. Marcello Quintanilha’s first English-language graphic novel is a tour de force — a tightly wound drama filled with masterful suspense and a deep love for family and character.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Continue reading “Get Back into Reading with These New Graphic Novels”
Is it the heart of the empire, or the heart of darkness?
– Peter Ackroyd, quote about London.
One of the books that caught our particular eye in this month’s selection of newly acquired detective and mystery titles was The old rogue of Limehouse by Ann Granger, an atmospheric historical crime novel set in Victorian London in the summer of 1871. One of the many great ingredients that make this book such a compelling read is its location, Limehouse.
Limehouse is an ancient district in London. The name is derived from the local lime kilns that used to be there, with the earliest known reference to the area dating back to 1356. However, it is the Limehouse’s connection with British maritime history that the area is perhaps best known for. One of London’s key ports from hundreds of years, sadly the Limehouse Basin docks closed in the late 1960s. Whilst being a vibrant and diverse community, Limehouse was also known historically for its poverty, deprivation and notorious 19th Century era opium dens. This rich, varied and interesting history of the area has proved a big lure to several writers.
Authors and novels that have taken advantage of the Limehouse area of the London, and the districts close by, to set their works in include:Alan Moore with his The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novel series, Kate Summerscale with her award winning factual book The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer, Peter Ackroyd and his excellent Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem , The Last Sherlock Holmes Story by Michael Dibdin, the now highly problematic Fu Manchu stories by Sax Rohmer and now Ann Granger’s latest book joins this select group of writers.
The old rogue of Limehouse / Granger, Ann
“It is the summer of 1871 when Scotland Yard’s Inspector Ben Ross pays a visit to Jacob Jacobus, the old rogue of Limehouse: infamous antiquarian, friend to villains and informer to the police. Ben hopes to glean information about any burglaries that might take place now that the wealthiest echelons of society are back in London for the Season. Little does he realise that an audacious theft has already occurred – a priceless family heirloom, the Roxby emerald necklace, has been stolen from a dressing table in the Roxby residence, and the widowed Mrs Roxby is demanding its immediate return…” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Continue reading “The old rogue of Limehouse: New detective and mystery titles”
It’s almost School Holidays! From the 23rd of September to the 8th of October, we’re inviting children and young people in Pōneke to explore the world through the power of art in Art Through the Ages / Toi Puta Noa i Ngā Tau — click through to find out more!
Find out more about School Holidays
Continue reading “School Holidays: Art Through the Ages | Toi Puta Noa i Ngā Tau”