Libraries gearing up for school holidays fun
As I like to share with you all I love my job. Working with our community is one of my favourite things, but I probably enjoy writing the Library Notes the most. I hope people enjoy reading it as much as I do writing it, but some may ask, “Why does the library write the Library Notes in the newspaper in the first place?”
Firstly, the most obvious reason is to engage our customers and share any library news. Promoting our library’s services, resources, and programmes in print can help us reach out beyond the visitors, beyond the walls of the physical library.
The Library Notes is a great tool to help us highlight the library’s collection. We can use it to share book lists and advice on how to use the catalogue. We can share book reviews, book recommendations, and celebrate book awards.
We need to dig a little deeper to explain why we diligently provide a column each week. What inspires our librarians to write Library Notes each week?
As we plan and organise events it is foremost in our mind why we offer such programming. We keep in mind who our programme is for, what that audience needs and what they might gain from participating in it.
For example, with our children’s holiday programme coming up (in fact, it’s in two weeks, from April 17, can you believe?) our children’s team are preparing all the resources and fun things we plan to do that week. So on top of my mind this week is to show how much libraries and librarians can contribute to supporting children’s literacy and ultimately to inspire a love of reading among children.
It seems appropriate to include some words, which have inspired me this week.
Richard Van Camp is a Canadian author asked to write a speech and a poem to celebrate International Children’s Book Day last week. In his speech, he talks about how the most wonderful thing about children is that they pull you onto the dancefloor of life. In his poem, he uses the inspiring phrase,
“Stories are wings that help you soar every day so find the books that speak to your spirit, to your heart, to your mind.”
In our Library Notes we try to give you a deeper insight into the workings of your library and connect you with the wider world of literature.
For me, I like to give a voice to people from within our team too. It’s always really exciting to welcome a new person into our team. Especially when they understand the value of reading. I’ll leave you with some words from her, our newest team member and parent to a wee 3-year-old.
“When I am sitting reading to my son, I think about how much I want him to be confident in life and progress through school as easily as possible. I think about how reading is essential to just about everything in life — from cooking to driving, to just getting through school.
“How proud do we feel as parents when our children learn and begin to use new words? But it’s not just us that get a kick out their vocabulary expanding — they do too! I felt it was important to start reading to my child at a young age and teach him the value of reading so they will grow to practise it often and value their ability to do so. Reading can be a quiet independent experience for them, or it can be an animated and fun bonding adventure for the both of you.”
WHAT’S ON
Opening Hours
We are delighted to be able to resume normal opening hours. Te Takeretanga o Kura-haupo¯: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 5.30pm, Wednesday 10am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 1pm to 4pm Shannon Library: Monday to Friday 10am to noon, 1pm to 5pm, Saturday 10am to noon, Sunday closed
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm