Summer reading to excite, delight
If you’re looking for a great novel to get you in the holiday spirit or to distract you from all the huha, check out these great books for adults.
All This by Chance is a moving multigenerational family saga about the legacy of the Holocaust and the burden of secrets never shared, by one of New Zealand’s finest writers.
This is not a book for the beach on a lazy day but an intense close read. There are changes in structure, pace, tone, mood and perspective. However, it is well worth the read as it’s a beautiful, beautiful book.
Time’s Convert is the latest novel by Deborah Harkness. Harkness’s previous series from 2011, A Discovery of Witches, is being serialised on SKY at the moment. I would recommend that you read this series first if you are interested in Time’s Convert. The novel is a cut above your average witch-loves-vampire, supernatural, historical romance. It is a story of the supernatural and romance but it delves into history with the story of the origin of the vampire characters. The story primarily focuses on Marcus and his girlfriend Phoebe. Their story jumps back from present day to the American Revolution where Marcus first became a vampire.
Harkness has created a universe to rival those of Anne Rice, Diana Gabaldon, and Elizabeth Kostova, and she adds a scholar’s depth to this riveting story of magic and suspense.
The Amazing Read Summer Reading Programme begins on January 10.
Make the most of summer and join our Summer Reading Challenge!
It is well recognised that children’s reading levels can often slip over the summer when they are on holiday. Halting the summer slide can be as simple as encouraging kids to read five books over the summer break. The library does its part by providing a free reading-focused programme during the summer holidays.
Children are required to report-in a minimum of four times to successfully complete the programme. This requires them to talk one-on-one with a librarian about their reading.
The children are rewarded for their efforts with an incentive each time they report-in. Children who complete four report-ins are invited to a Finale Celebration.
There will be fun Christmas craft activities every week day on the lead up to Christmas. In the New Year after the Christmas break, there will be themed morning craft activities.
Save these dates for January too! On January, 7 we have a performance from Little Dog Barking Theatre Company. Zappo visits all our libraries for a funfilled magic show on January, 11.
All our events are suitable for families and are free.
Summer Reading Programme and Craft Activity Details
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ December, 10 – 24: 3.30pm to 4.30pm Report in and take part in a fun craft activity.
December, 24 to January 4 - No programme
January, 7 - 17: 9am to 5pm Report in Monday to Friday all day. Take part in a fun craft activity from 10am to noon. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom December, 10 - 24: 3.30pm to 4.30pm Report in and take part in a fun craft activity.
December, 24 to January, 4 - No programme
January, 7 – 17: 10am to 11.30pm - Report in and take part in a fun craft activity. Shannon Library
December, 10 - 24: 3.30pm to 4.30pm Report in and take part in a fun craft activity.
December, 24 to January, 4 - No programme
January, 7 – 17: 2pm to 3pm - Report in and take part in a fun craft activity.