The Universe from Beginning to End

With our Wellington City Library holiday focus and activities on Our Place in Space, we thought it’d be fun to explore some amazing facts and figures about our wonderful universe. Be prepared for some mind-blowing ideas as we take a big picture look at what’s out there.

What is the Universe?

The universe is…well…everything. Every star, galaxy, planet, and all of space down to the smallest cell and atom. We don’t know how big the universe is – it may go on forever, but we don’t know if it does! The farthest we can see is around 13 billion light years away. Everything within this distance is called the observable universe. As far as scientists can tell,  space spreads out infinitely in all directions. By observing the known universe, scientists conclude that galaxies fill all of the space throughout the entire universe, and our little corner where the Milky Way Galaxy sits, appears to be no different from any other corner!

The Big Bang – the start (and end) of it all

Most scientists today believe that the universe was created about 13.8 billion years ago by a massive explosion. Matter, space and time all began at this moment. This is called the Big Bang Theory. Straight after the Big Bang, the universe expanded incredibly quickly, doubling in size about 100 times a second! The universe continues to expand even today, but what will happen billions of years into the future? There are three main ideas about how the universe will end:

The Big Crunch theory: According to this theory, the universe will at some time reach its maximum size. It will then start to get smaller and smaller, eventually collapsing into the biggest-ever black hole.

The Big Freeze theory: This theory suggests that the universe will keep expanding forever. This theory has its problems though – as everything is s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d further apart, all of its heat will be spread out thinly across space. In the end nothing will remain warm in a dark and very cold universe! Brrrrr!

The Big Rip theory: According to this theory, everything in the universe will keep expanding until it is eventually ripped apart with all matter destroyed.

Want to blow your mind with more space facts?

To look up space books in the library, go to the children’s non-fiction section and look under the Dewey number 520

Space number crunch! : the figures, facts and space stats you need to know / Pettman, Kevin
“Space Number Crunch! is a snappily written, fact-packed overview of the world of space, bursting with colourful, punchy data graphics and high-impact artworks. It’s guaranteed to contain all the essential info that space fans aged 8 and up need to know. Each piece of data is based around a number, creating an entire book of easy-to-digest information that will hook the most reluctant of readers. Includes features on the Big Bang, Mission to Mars, the Hubble Telescope and each of the extraordinary planets in our solar system.” (Catalogue)

Space record breakers / Rooney, Anne
“Space is mind-boggling. Time is measured in billions of years, and distances in trillions of kilometres. Space Record Breakers takes all this wonder and packages it in digestible, factual form, focusing half on the natural wonders of space and half on the history (and future) of humankind’s exploration. Which is the biggest known planet? What’s the hottest star? Who’s the most intrepid astronaut?Presents information on outer space and human space exploration, including the planet with the most moons, the first woman in space, and the closest star to the solar system.” (Catalogue)

Super cool space facts : a fun, fact-filled space book for kids / Betts, Bruce
“Take an exciting, fact-filled journey that goes where all great space books for kids should – to our solar system and beyond! Super Cool Space Facts is bursting with info about stormy planets, exploding stars, weird black holes, amazing landers, and more. Launch into learning with awesome and easy-to-digest facts about everything from asteroids hurtling through space to astronauts on the International Space Station.  Fill your outer space adventure with the jokes, big word alerts, and fascinating mysteries of the universe all space books for kids should have. See how cool space is with incredible pictures of stars, galaxies, planets, constellations, and more.” (Catalogue, abridged)

Super space encyclopedia / Gifford, Clive
“Bursting with fascinating facts and the latest breathtaking images, this space book for children brings the wonders of the Solar System to life. Find out about the never-ending storms on Jupiter. Learn about the towering volcanoes of Venus — all 1,600 of them, and see the Valles Marineris on Mars — a canyon that is ten times longer than Earth’s Grand Canyon. Find out many more fascinating “super” facts about the cosmos with Super Space Encyclopedia. Based on recent research and discoveries, Super Space Encyclopedia showcases everything you need to know about the Universe — from the Big Bang to the formation of galaxies and planets as well as the technology used to explore it unimaginable depths. Fabulous cutaway artworks help to reveal the inner workings of the Sun, planets, and spacecraft.” (Catalogue)

50 things you should know about space / Prinja, Raman
“What exactly goes on at the International Space Station and why does the Earth spin? Just how big is our galaxy and how did the Moon form? From constellations to space shuttles, Space is as endlessly fascinating as the Universe itself. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about space missions, colliding galaxies, light years, solar eclipses, the surface of the Sun and much, much more in this exciting title. Packed with facts and figures, you’ll also find out about astronomers, astronauts and scientists and how their incredible jobs have enabled us to learn so much about our Universe.” (Catalogue)

Your place in the universe / Chin, Jason
“A non-fiction introduction to the massive scale of the known universe” (Catalogue)

Exoplanets / Simon, Seymour
“Introduces exoplanets, examining the planets outside of our solar system, discussing what makes them habitable, and exploring the efforts to discover new life.” (Catalogue)

Our Place in Space: October School Holiday Events

World Space Week – Libraries blast off! 

This year, our October school holiday programming coincides with World Space Week, which runs from October 4-10. This year, the international theme is ‘space and sustainability.’

Space-themed events at at your library!

To celebrate, Wellington City Libraries has a suite of events across our library branches (visit our event calendar for the full list — note that some events require registration):

  • Let’s Go Lego®: The Final Frontier – Put your creative skills to the test to design and build your space-bound masterpieces. Recommended for children aged 5+ with their caregivers.
  • Whānau movie screenings – join us for a range of space-themed family friendly titles at sites including Newtown, Te Awe, Johnsonville, and Wadestown.
  • Crafting and design sessions:
    • He Matapihi Library is hosting Space Suit of the Future on 12 October, along with space themed Craftivity sessions on 8 and 15 October!
    • Over at Te Awe, we have Make Your Own Planet sessions on 6 and 12 October, along with Space Rockets on 5 and 11 October!
    • Tawa has the awesome ‘Personal Space!’ Clay Workshop For Kids on 7 October, prepared for young space cadets!
  • Ozobot Stellar Journeys – Join us at Kilbirnie or Cummings Park library for stellar journeys with our Ozobot coding robots!
  • Outer Space Preschool Storytimes –  Join us for special session of space themed stories, to celebrate World Space Week 2022! Some sites will also offer space-themed Baby Rock and Rhyme for your wee one!
  • Ukulele Universe – get in quick to sign up for an introductory ukulele session with our Johnsonville Library instruments and talented staff! Sessions are coming up on 6 and 13 October.
  • Star Stitching – Embroider your constellation and mount it on card! Recommended for children (10+) accompanied by parents, or young adults (14+), but open to all. Events are at Johnsonville Library on 9 and 16 October.
  • Experience VR ISS: International Space Station – suitable for older kids and teens using our Oculus Quest 2s and Oculus Rifts at Miramar, Karori, and Te Awe.

Other special events during the October School Holidays!

Storytime with Alan Wade

Storytime with local author Alan Wade – Alan Wade, author of ‘Grandma and Grandpa Save the Day, is joining us for a very special storytime! Alan and his daughter will do a reading of the book, followed by a little craft activity based on the book’s illustrations! All ages welcome to come along to Cummings Park Library on 13 October at 11:00am.

Spanish Language Storytime – This holidays, join us for a special Spanish language storytime! Fun and interactive stories in Spanish, and crafts for pre-schoolers, kids and the whole whānau. All ages welcome to come along to Karori Library on 4 October at 10:30am.

Bee Curious Bee Curious: Learn about Bees with Eva the Apiarist – Local apiarist (bee keeper & enthusiast), Eva, is coming to Wadestown library on 6 October, to run a wonderful practical session about bees for children and their whānau! Registration is required: please register your interest with Louise Davies by email (louise.davies@wcc.govt.nz)


Poetry Workshop – Come along and learn some poetry techniques with the wonderful Wadestown crew!

Recommended for ages 5 – 12 with their caregivers.

Takes place on 3 – 4PM on Monday 10  October!


Keep an eye out on our event calendar as more events arise (and maybe learn about Lego® sessions for parents and  adults too!)

 

10 New Non Fiction to read during winter.

Hey kids! Winter is coming, and there are bound to be days where you will be spending more times indoors – whether it is at your local library or in the comfort of your own home. Luckily there is some awesome new non fiction available in the junior non fiction collection at your local library! Check out these books that will help you brush up on your English/grammar skills, prehistoric animals, and so much more!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsPlanetarium.

Check out the latest book which is part of the “Welcome to the museum series”, a collection of books where the museum is open all hours!

Welcome to the planetarium! A book that houses a huge collection of astronomical objects and enables you to explore the universe in all its glory!

Hands down, one of the best books on planets!

Have a look at other books in the series, such as AnimaliumHistorium and Dinosaurium,

images courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndetics

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe science of warfare : the ferocious facts about how we fight.

Want to learn the science of warfare? Then this is the book for you! This ferocious books of facts of how the best in warfare fight will tell you all you need to know. From medieval trebuchets and siege towers to the tanks and high-powered aircraft of today, it is an eye-opening introduction to the mechanics of warfare.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Lizards.

Whether they already own one, or beg for one each Christmas and birthday, children love pets, and PET PALS is the perfect title for any pet-loving child out there. From where they sleep to what they eat, and how you can make them feel safe and at home, this book provides all the pet care advice you could possibly need. Adorable photos, and gentle, accessible text, makes this the perfect guide for all pet carers – whether they own a pet or not!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAmazing transport : journey through the history of transport.

Fasten your seat belts and get ready to zoom through the history of transport and discover incredible facts about all kinds of vehicles along the way. With wonderfully intricate illustrations from Chris Mould, Amazing Transport tells the story of some of science’s most recognisable inventions in a way you’ve never seen before. Prepare yourself for the journey of a lifetime.

Hands down, one of the coolest books on transport I have ever seen! Ideal for anyone who is interested in transport and history!

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

My first dictionary.

My first dictionary contains core words, with clear definitions, simple spelling tips and fun wordplay activities. This is a great book to help improve children’s reading, writing and spelling.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

My first thesaurus.

My first thesaurus is an easy-to-use word finder containing more than 100 key words and more than 1,000 secondary words, as well as synonyms and antonyms. Simple example sentences and amusing cartoons clarify and visually reinforce word meanings while making the process of discovery fun. The thesaurus can be used alongside its companion title, My first dictionary.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Weather and the seasons.

This book is a good introduction to weather and the seasons, describing what is a cloud, why rainbows form, and how animals migrate for the winter, and includes four weather-related science projects.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Taniwhasaurus : the true story of finding the dinosaurs of Zealandia.

Tells the story of Joan Wiffen, a self-taught fossil hunter who discovered the first evidence of dinosaurs in New Zealand.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMaria Montessori.

New in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Maria Montessori, the pioneering teacher and researcher. Maria grew up in Italy at a time when girls didn’t receive an equal education to boys. But Maria’s mother was supportive of her dreams, and Maria went on to study medicine. She later became an early years expert – founding schools with her revolutionary educational theories and changing the lives of many children. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the educators life.

8 New Non Fiction to read during the holidays!

Kia ora koutou tamarikima!

The school holidays are almost over (Boo!). Cheer up though; we have some new amazing non fiction that you must get your hands on and read before the holidays are over. Books about cooking with pokemon, outstanding world breaking records and there the world of space, animals and records collides.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of sydneticsPlanet Awesome.

In this hilarious and informative book filled to the brim with eye-opening, kid-friendly facts about our planet, you’ll find scientifically accurate information from beloved children’s book author Stacy McAnulty and vibrant art by award-winning illustrator David Litchfield.

 

image courtesy fo syndeticsThe Pokémon cookbook : easy and fun recipes.

Create delicious dishes – from desserts to pizza- that look like your favourite Pokémon characters with more than 35 easy recipes. One pokemon book you must catch!

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRecord Breakers!

Check out the latest Record Breakers, where you will read all about  the first, fastest, longest, largest, biggest, and best records in the world. One book you must get your hands on these school holidays.

 

 

 

image courtesy fo syndeticsFootball record breakers : goal scorers! trophy winners! football legends!

From the biggest leagues to the most exciting cup tournaments, football’s record-breaking stars are here. This book is packed with thousands of eye-popping stats about incredible trophy-winning teams and legendary goal scorers from around the globe, and contains all the need-to-know facts and figures from the 2016-2017 league seasons around the world.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA cat’s guide to the night sky.

Cats and astronomy are combined in this beautiful book where you will join Felicity the cat on a discovery of the night sky. You will learn about the phases of the moon, the constellations and how to spot the Northern Lights and the Milky Way. This beautiful, fun book will introduce you to the beauty of the night sky and show you the stars like you’ve never seen them before. A librarians choice all the way!

 

image courtesy of sydneticsPredators.

Check out iExplore Predators and Extinct Animals, where you will learn is the most ferocious animals on earth, as well as bring them back to life  with the use of augmented reality. You will get to learn about these animals  learn and be entertained for hours on end. Good to have on hand for a rainy day.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRobot : meet the machines of the future.

The robots are here at the library, in the form of this amazing book! “From giant fighting robots to nanobots that can work inside the human body, this book explores the latest technology transforming out world. The robot revolution is here to stay!”–Publisher’s description. Contains information about popular and famous robots, such as PARO, as robotic seal designed for pet therapy, bionic kangaroos, social robot called  Pepper and you even get to learn more about our very own humanoid NAO robots, Blue and Red! Another librarians choice all the way!