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New on the CCL website

Race Relations Day - Sunday 21 March

Find out about the importance of Race Relations Day and Christchurch City Libraries resources for diverse communities.

*Edition 15 March: NZ Post Writers and Readers Week

Find out more about the New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week. Plus recent blog posts and a peek into Christchurch history.

Neil Gaiman loves libraries

Author Neil Gaiman speaks at a press conference, Friday 12 March 2010. "Libraries are as important as anything gets".

RSS: Just Ordered

All the items ordered over the past week.

RSS: New Non-fiction

All the non-fiction books that arrived over the past week.

RSS: New Fiction

All of the fiction that arrived over the past week

Tamaiharanui [Tangata Rongonui]

Tamaiharanui (Te Maiharanui / Tama-i-hara-nui) belonged to Ngati Rakiamoa (as a descendant of Tuahuriri and Turakautahi) and was regarded as the paramount chief and spiritual leader of his iwi (tribe).

New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week 2010

Christchurch City Libraries connects you with the New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week 2010. Part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival in Wellington, events take place from 8 to 14 March

Moki [Tangata Rongonui]

Moki was a warrior who helped the expansion of Ngai Tahu into Banks Peninsula and Canterbury and met an untimely end after a curse was laid on him.

April Holiday Programmes

Holiday programmes at our learning centres offer a variety of accessible, safe and affordable activities for children during the April school holidays. Our programmes are aimed at children between the ages of 5 - 15 years. Bookings are required.

Earthquakes [updated]

Information on an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale occurred on Saturday 27 February 2010 (NZ time) 115km north-east of Concepcion, Chile. Its depth was 5.5km. The earthquake also triggered a Pacific-wide tsunami alert.

Tsunamis [updated]

We have updated our tsunamis page with information on the Chilean earthquake and tsunami: Saturday 27 February 2010.

New Titles March 2010

Our newly arrived titles across six genres: fiction, non-fiction, audio and video, childrens, large print and young adults. These items arrived in February 2010.

Interview: 'Writing marathon' starts festival with a blast

NZ Post Writers & Readers Week programme manager Laura Kroetsch shares details of the programme, the authors and some of the innovative ways the Wellington festival makes the private activity of writing public.

Sir Tipene O'Regan, Canterbury Hero

Tipene O'Regan is one of the Canterbury Heroes - a set of twelve bronze busts of important local figures. Ngai Tahu kaumatua Sir Tipene O'Regan spent many years leading the tribe's development and negotiating Te Kereme - their Treaty of Waitangi claim.

Maru (Marukaitatea) [Tangata Rongonui]

Maru (son of Puraho) and brother of Maku was the senior Ngati Kuri chief residing in Kaikoura. He chose to stay in Kaikoura when other Ngati Kuri and Ngai Tuhaitara chiefs moved further south. His descendants still live in Kaikoura based at the ancient pa of Takahanga where they continue to harvest from the seas the food wealth of their ancestors

Mako [Tangata Rongonui]

Mako (Mako-ha-kirikiri) the Ngati Kuri chief was a great fighter who moved south from Kaikoura following reports of the riches to be found further south. He settled with his people at Wairewa (Lake Forsyth) where his descendants still take part in the annual harvesting of eels from the tuna heke (eel migration).

Profile: Ray Blank 1887-1963

Ray Blank was well known in Christchurch as a teacher, a sportsman and a county councillor. Ray Blank Park is named after him, and he also designed several Christchurch golf courses including Harewood, Waitikiri and Windsor.

Profile: Wilfred John Foote - pacifist, teacher and author

Written by Pat Sargison of the Aotearoa New Zealand Centre, this is the latest in a series of profiles of pacifists and conscientious objectors. Wilfred Foote has been a teacher, and pacifist for several decades. He has written several books about his experiences.

From library automation to Library 2.0

Exploring Web 2.0 tools, while reflecting on our traditional values as we move towards Library 2.0 and beyond. presented by Paul Sutherland, Digital Innovation Librarian to the VALA conference 2010.

Bill Sutton 1917-2000, Canterbury Hero

Profile of Christchurch artist Bill Sutton ahead of the Watercolours of Italy exhibition at Te Puna o Waiwhetu. Links to library resources some online works. William Sutton is also one of the Canterbury Heroes - a series of bronze busts on Worcester Boulevard.

Famous New Zealanders - Bernice Mene and Julie Seymour

This is the latest profile in our children's homework resources about famous New Zealanders. Sportspeople, scientists, artists, authors and more.

Sir Richard Hadlee, Canterbury Hero

Perhaps New Zealand’s most famous cricketer, Sir Richard Hadlee was the first bowler in the history of test cricket to take more than 400 test wickets.

Profile of pacifist (George) Lindsay Crozier 1914-1992

Written by Pat Sargison of the Aotearoa New Zealand Centre, this is the latest in a series of profiles of pacifists and conscientious objectors. Lindsay Crozier was a professional photogrpaher and committed pacifist.

New Aranui Library Site

The Christchurch City Council’s new Aranui library will be built on land in Aldershot Street, bordering on to Wainoni Park. “This is a fantastic site for the library because it means that the library, which local people have waited so long for, will be really well connected to the local community,” says Carolyn Robertson, the Council’s Libraries and Information Manager. Media release

Te Ruahikihiki [Tangata Rongonui - Ti Kouka Whenua]

Te Ruahikihiki the Ngāti Kurī chief was the son of Manawa-i-waho (Manawaiwaho). His daughter Ritoka (from his wife Hikaiti) wed Kaweriri son of Tūrakautahi the Ngāi Tūhaitara chief. After the death of Te Rakitaurewa he married his widow Te Aotaurewa, sister to his wife Hikaiti. Hikaiti became insanely jealous at this new alliance and flung herself off the cliffs of Whakamoa.

Hone Tikao (John Love) [Tangata Rongonui - Ti Kouka Whenua]

Hone Tikao (John Love) lived at Pigeon Bay (Wakaroa), Ohae and Tikao Bay during his lifetime. And it is from him that Tikao Bay takes its more common name, a title still in use today. Hone Tikao was the son of the chief Te Whara and a descendant of Manaia and Irakehu (grand-daughter of Te Rakiwhakaputa of Rapaki).

Te Waipounamu and Mahinga Kai [Ti Kouka Whenua]

"Habitation in Te Waipounamu was focused more on hunting and food gathering practices which required more land and mobile, geographically-dispersed inhabitants. Thus the many tribal inhabitants of Te Waipounamu settled in coastal areas where they could access the food resources of the seas, rivers, lakes and forests that surrounded them.".

Tairaroa [Tangata Rongonui - Ti Kouka Whenua]

Taiaroa was a leading Ngāi Tahu chief, son of Korako and Wharerauaruhe and belonged to Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and Ngāti Moki hapū based at Taumutu (a settlement on the shores of Waihora / Lake Ellesmere). He was born at Waikākahi the pā of his mother probably in the late 1790s. Taiaroa is also identified with Ōtakou (Otago peninsula) where he held a leadership position with his cousin Karetai at that time and where many of his descendants live today.

Multisport, including the Coast to Coast [updated]

Multisport includes duathlons, triathlons or other endurance events where more than one sporting discipline is involved. Swimming, cycling, distance-running and kayaking are commonly included.

Vancouver 2010: the Winter Olympics

Find out more about the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Links to New Zealand team profiles and media coverage of New Zealand competitiors. Olympic history and links to Olympic items in the library catalogue.

Famous New Zealanders - Irene van Dyk

This is the latest profile in our children's homework resources about famous New Zealanders. Sportspeople, scientists, artists, authors and more.

David Taylor, pacifist and minister

David Taylor was described in hs obituary as one of New Zealand’s most vocal champions of world peace and justice. Read more about his life and work in our biography by Pat Sargison. Links to library resources.

Frank Dickson, Canterbury Hero

Frank Dickson is one of the Canterbury Heroes - a set of twelve bronze busts of important local figures. Frank Dickson's plaque reads: First Chief Executive of the Canterbury Savings Bank 1962-1988, leader and inspirer of the team which created over $300 million of funds for the Canterbury Community Trust.

Classical Sparks [updated]

The Classical Sparks concert features classical music and stunning fireworks. This page links you to some of the performers and music at this annual event.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year - a common name for the Lunar New Year - is celebrated in China, Korea and by Chinese and Korean communities around the world. Christchurch's annual celebration, the Lantern Festival, is held in Victoria Square. Of all Chinese festivals, the Lunar New Year is the most important and spectacular.

Festival of flowers begins 19 February [updated]

Find out about the 2010 Festival of flowers, get the full event listing as a free download and discover library resources about gardening and floral arts.

*Edition 1 February 2010: Takapuneke and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Read more about the role of the Takapuneke massacre and the Treaty of Waitangi signings in the South Island. Plus all our latest and recently updated content.

Courtney Archer, pacifist and relief worker

Biography of Canterbury pacifist Courtney Archer. Best known for his work as an assistant to Rewi Alley at the Shandan Bailie School in China, Archer was a committed pacifist. His strong interest in China and the Chinese people lasted all his life.

Changes to our computer booking system

From Monday the 1st of February 2010 the option to make an advanced scheduled booking to use a library computer will no longer be available. All existing advanced bookings will be removed from the system after the library has closed on the 31st January. From the 1st February, computers will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If all computers are in use customers have the option of joining an automated queue. As computers become free they will be allocated to customers in the order they joined the queue. At some libraries express use computers, limited to 15 minute sessions, are available to walk-up and use whenever they are free. These changes have been made in response to customer feedback with the intention of making access to the libraries’ computers as fair and open as possible.

Waitangi Day [updated]

Find out more about this most significant day in our country's history and about the role of Onuku Marae and Takapuneke on Banks Peninsula. Links to Waitangi Day events and resources. Note that all libraries are closed on Waitangi Day.

Frisky fun with romance writer Natalie Anderson [interview]

imaru-based romantic fiction writer Natalie Anderson writes "hopeful and happy stories" with a racy edge. The mother of four and former librarian made the USA Today’s top-selling 150 books list in the first week of 2010 with Ruthless boss, royal mistress. She spoke with Joyce Fraser about writing sizzling sex scenes, libraries and advice for would-be romance writers.

Customer Code of Conduct

Our libraries are here for the use and enjoyment of everyone. Please show consideration for others at all times. Our Code of Conduct applies to all library users and staff.

Randolph Caldecott Medal winners 2010

The Randolph Caldecott Medal is awarded for the most distinguished American Picture Book for Children.

John Newbery Medal winners 2010

The John Newbery Medal is awarded for the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for Children.

Children's Day (7 March 2010) [updated]

How to celebrate Children's Day at Christchurch City Libraries - get a library card, visit your library and borrow a great range of books, DVDs and more.

Golf resources at your library

Two major events on the New Zealand golf calendar both take place in Christchurch early in the year. The NZ PGA Championship for men is played at Clearwater this week and the NZ Women's Open will be played at the new Pegasus Golf Course in February. Find out more about these events and golf goodies your library.

Libraries' summer reading club is a page turner [media release]

Children are notching up an amazing number of books a week as part of the Christchurch City Libraries’ Summer Reading Club.

Elizabeth Francis Moody 1939 - 2010

Brief profile of the late Elizabeth Moody, well-known Christchurch actress and director. Includes links to library resources and Radio New Zealand interview.

Marcus Chown [interview]

Moata Tamaira conducted this interview with science writer Marcus Chown during the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival 2009. Chown is also the visiting author on the library blog on January 19 2010.

Earthquakes [updated]

Background information on earthquakes including the recent Haitian earthquake and how to donate. Earth science and geology links and resources in libraries.

*Edition 18 January: Walk the writers' trail

Summer is a great time for family outings and for those with a literary interest - this edition has links and downloads to help you discover Canterbury writers. There's also links to what's new and interesting on the library website and the blog and some significant dates in Canterbury history.

Swimming and water safety - links and resources

Swimming, learn to swim and water safety links and resources at Christchurch City Libraries.

World Buskers Festival [updated]

This annual Christchurch festival is one of the world's largest street entertainment events. Find out about venues, performers and more with this guide.

Cricket [updated]

Christchurch is hosting the finals of the U19 World Cup. Our cricket page has links to the official site, as well as major cricketing news and information. Christchurch club contacts and websites are also listed.

Favourite New Zealand non-fiction books of 2009

Cornelia Oehler, Selection and Access Librarian, shares her favourite New Zealand books for 2009.

Community information

Christchurch City Libraries maintains two community information databases - CINCH and localeye which can help you find an amazing range of local information. CINCH was established in 1981 and in 2002 localeye was created.

Best and Worst competition winners announced

Winners of the Christchurch City Libraries Best and Worst 2009 competition have been announced. Check to see if you are on the list!

Network Services teams

To support our 20 libraries and all the varied services offered to our customers, Christchurch City Libraries has a number of behind the scenes teams who provide specialist backup across the network. Teams select, maintain and deliver library resources; provide online and telephone services; maintain and improve buildings and computer services; support outreach services and provide learning programmes and promotional events.

Bindery services

The Christchurch City Libraries Bindery is responsible for the maintenance, repair and protection of library stock and also offers a comprehensive range of services to the public.

Highlights and lowlights of 2009 publishing

Philip Tew, Selection and Access Librarian, shares his bests, worsts, and gives an insider's view on publishing trends.

Top read aloud books for kids

In honour of 150 years of Christchurch City Libraries (2009), the Children's Library Team has created a list of the Top 5 Read Alouds for every decade the Library has been open.

Fendalton Library looks for consent to operate on Sundays

Media release 14 December 2009

Music Online

Music Online brings together the entire suite of Alexander Street Press music products that we subscribe to. American Song, Classical Music Library, Contemporary World Music, and Jazz Music Library and African American Music Reference. Music Online include more than 235,000 tracks many different record labels, including EMI, Rounder Records, Verve, Arabesque Recordings, Smithsonian Folkways and Opus Arte. The continuously growing collection also includes thousands of liner notes, biographies, and images. For library members only.

Best reads of 2009

The following list bring together the cream of the crop of 2009’s books - from the picks of our staff and customers, to the 'best of' lists published by magazines, newspapers and booksellers.

Christmas web sites for kids

The library has lots of Christmas stuff - music, how to make Christmas treats and decorations, and some wonderful Christmas stories and fun web sites to explore.

Christmas reading for kids

A list of books showing the different ways children all over the world celebrate Christmas, with ideas for decorations, food and presents that can be made.

Festive food

Whatever you're planning for your home-cooked Christmas dinner, our libraries have plenty of resources to give you ideas.

Christmas is family time

Things to do for families at Christmas time - crafts, walks and relaxing.

Christmas music

Information on Christmas music at Christchurch City Libraries.

Edition 7 December: Pre-Christmas rush

Christmas-related links and resources. Images of Christmas past, Christmas carols and events in Christchurch, family activities, Christmas music, festive food and more. Plus there's the Summertime Reading Club and the chance to win book vouchers in our best and worst of 2009 competition.

Logies Footwear, Cashel Street, Christchurch

A short history of the Logie family of Christchurch and their footwear business.

The Guardian First Book Award

An Elegy for Easterly by Petina Gappah has won the Guardian First Book Award.

H.H. Stephens War Diary

The World War I diary of Herbert Harold Stephens, of Sydenham, Christchurch. Entries in the diary by Herbert Stephens cover the period from August 13, 1915 to November 16th, 1916. The later entries are in the first part of the diary.

Christmas in Christchurch and Canterbury

Information on local Christmas events including carol services, musical performances, Santa parades and festive displays.