Join us for literary festival Beyond the Page! 7-22 July

After a successful start in 2017, Beyond the Page is back for the July School Holidays.

Last year over 4,000 people attended events in our region’s libraries and galleries. This year tamariki can once again go on an amazing literary and creative journey during the school holidays at hundreds of events around the region at New Zealand’s largest literary festival for children.

Sir Jon Trimmer will be back with Tales from the Ballet, Wellington’s Kings and Queens will be reading hand-picked stories at Rainbow Storytimes, award-winning Kiwi authors and creators (such as Sasha Cotter and Josh Morgan) will share their enthusiasm and knowledge with the next generation of storytellers, the BARK NZ brigade will be bringing their furry friends along, robots will be unleashed, and so much more – there’s something on for all members of the whānau!

Stay tuned for further information releases over the coming weeks. Follow Beyond the Page on Facebook, and check out the beyondthepage.nz website, for up to date information on events near you.

Matariki events for tamariki and their whānau

Tēnā koutou katoa! Join us in celebrating Matariki at Wellington City Libraries this winter! It’s a time of celebration and reflection, of whānau and of kōrerorero — and a time to cook and eat delicious kai! Whether you want to celebrate with others or just learn more about this wonderful festival, your library has you covered with books, resources and events for the whole family.

Many of our usual preschool storytime and Kōhunga Kōrero sessions this month will be Matariki-themed, but we’re also running special Matariki events with stories, songs and crafts for tamariki and their families at selected libraries:

Cummings Park (Ngaio) Library: Monday 18th June, 6:30pm
Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library: Wednesday 20th June, 4:00pm
Island Bay Community Centre: Thursday 21st June, 10:30am
Karori Library: Thursday 21st June, 6:30pm
Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library: Thursday 28th June, 3:30pm
Khandallah Library: Thursday 28th June, 6:30pm
Johnsonville Library: Friday 29th June, 3:30pm

These events are free, suitable for preschool and school-aged children and their families, and bookings are not required.

Chinese New Year storytimes at Central!

Come and celebrate the Year of the Dog with Chinese storytime events at Wellington Central Library! Ni Hao Children’s Community are presenting these special storytime events with Chinese picture books and action songs for pre-schoolers and their families, no previous knowledge of Chinese needed. Children (and adults) can dress up in their favourite costumes and bring along a toy dog to hear songs, stories and rhymes in Chinese. Then check out the Chinese New Year performances, activities, food and fun in Civic Square!

Where: Wellington Central Library

When: Saturday 17th February, 9.30-10am & 3-3.30pm

Rainbow Storytime!

Photo courtesy Upper Hutt City Library

Celebrate our Rainbow Families with a special storytime event at Wellington Central Library as part of Wellington Pride Festival! This special storytime event will be presented by the fabulous Drag Queen LaQuisha St Redfern and friends featuring books from our library collection. These Rainbow Storytime events help to teach children about acceptance with themes of family, love and friendship, being different and belonging, being unique and accepted and are for children, families and anyone who likes a good story!

Where: Wellington Central Library

When: Saturday 3rd March, 2-2.30pm