Library Archive

Contact Details

Christchurch City Libraries
work PO Box 73045,
Christchurch 8154,
New Zealand.
workp: +64-3-941-7923
urlw: christchurchcitylibraries.com

New Zealand Book Month 2007

NZ Book Month posterSeptember 2007

NZ Book Month is a non-profit initiative that has the whole book industry behind it, from writers and publishers to bookshops and libraries. Quite simply, the idea is to get more of us reading New Zealand books.

We are proud to be a nation of readers. On a global scale, Kiwis are highly literate and recent surveys show that many of us wouldn’t think about relaxing without a good book. But we want more of those books to be ones that have been written by New Zealand writers. We want to celebrate and showcase the brilliant writing talent we have, to support new and upcoming writers in our country, to tap into the pride we feel in our literary landscape and show you that whatever your taste, there’s a fantastic New Zealand book for you. NZ Book Month is an annual event, which will grow over time to be a nation-wide festival.

BrochureThis year's events

Bishopdale Library

Monday 17th September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

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Central Library

September. Display of Māori literature and resources

Monday 3rd September. Central Library tour

Tour of the Central Library with a look at some of things you may not know about.

Tuesday 4th September. Central Library tour

Tour of the Central Library with a look at some of things you may not know about.

Wednesday 5th September. Writing your Autobiography

Writing your story following the "Next in Line workshop" pattern. A series of four sessions designed to help motivate older adults to write their autobiographies.
Part one of four sessions. Read more about this workshop.

Wednesday 5th September. More than book club

Find out as much as you can about many books, find new things to read, where to buy books new and used.

Thursday 6th September. Grandparent and toddler time

Toddlers bring your grandparents to the library for a fun session of stories, rhymes and songs.

Thursday 6th September. Central Library tour

Tour of the Central Library with a look at some of things you may not know about.

Friday 7th September. Author's visit

Michael Morpurgo will be speaking about his writing, answering any questions and book signing. There will also be copies of his book for sale.

Wednesday 12th September. Writing your Autobiography

Writing your story following the "Next in Line workshop" pattern. A series of four sessions designed to help motivate older adults to write their autobiographies.
Part two of four. Read more about this workshop.

Friday 14th September. Central Library tour

Tour of the Central Library with a look at some of things you may not know about.

Boy readingFriday 14th September. Boys and Books

Boys and books especially for dads and sons (but mums are welcome too), this panel discussion will feature some leading New Zealand writers James Norcliffe, V.M. Jones and Ben Brown. The session will be chaired by Press columnist and reviewer Trevor Agnew and there will be book prizes provided by the Children's Book shop.

Wednesday 19th September. What could I read next?

How do you know something is what you want to read. We can help you find out. Explore the library's Internet resources to find the next really good things for you to get your teeth into.

Wednesday 19th September. Writing your Autobiography

Writing your story following the "Next in Line workshop" pattern. A series of four sessions designed to help motivate older adults to write their autobiographies.
Part three of four. Read more about this workshop.

Wednesday 19th September. Bilingual Storytimes

Bi-lingual Preschool Storytime in English & Teo Reo Māori

Thursday 20th September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

Monday 24th September. Babygami

Babygami is a new take on swaddling your baby. We will try some different and fun methods of baby swaddling and carrying, learn about the importance of wrapping your baby and have some rhymes and songs. Please bring a large baby blanket.

Tuesday 25th September. Central Library tour

Tour of the Central Library with a look at some of things you may not know about.

Wednesday 26th September. Writing your Autobiography

Writing your story following the "Next in Line workshop" pattern. A series of four sessions designed to help motivate older adults to write their autobiographies.
Part four of four.Read more about this workshop.

Thursday 27th September. Workshop

Moving to Learn book coverMoving to Learn co-author Gill Connell will host a workshop on providing interesting activities suitable for play in the home. Gill will demonstrate many of the activities found in her book Moving to Learn, and will provide reason why and how these activities enhance children's development and prepare them for learning.

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Fendalton Library

Wednesday 5 September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

Saturday 8th September. Poetry writing workshop

Villon in Millerton book cover James Norcliffe is an award-winning New Zealand poet and fiction writer. His fifth collection Along Blueskin Road (Canterbury University Press) was published in 2005 and this year Auckland University Press published Villon in Millerton. His young adult fantasy novel The Assassin of Gleam this year won the Sir Julius Vogel award.

Recent work has appeared in the Greensboro Review and the London Magazine. In 2005 he spent time in Hobart as part of the Island of Residencies Programme and last year was a participant in the Iowa International Writing programme. He is poetry editor for Takahe magazine and poetry editor for the Christchurch Press.

The workshop will be aimed at those who would like to write poetry and those who write poetry but could improve their craft. Various ignition techniques will be offered and participants will be encouraged to find and develop their poetic voices in a variety of styles, techniques in a mutually supportive and non - threatening environment. Please bring writing paper and pen.

Wednesday 19 September. Bedtime stories

  • 6:30 -7:00pm, Fendalton Library
  • Suitable for children up to age 9.
  • Come along in your pjs and bring your favourite soft toy.
  • Milk and cookies after.

Saturday 22 September. Writing fiction

Jenny Haworth is a full time writer and journalist. She has had two novels published. The workshop will include a discussion about why we write and what we write, planning and research, the importance of themes and how to organise yourself as a writer. Please bring writing paper and pen

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Hornby Library

Tuesday 4th September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

  • 9:15 - 10:00am, Hornby Library
  • Adults and children under 5 years
  • Rona Fatuleai

Wednesday 12th September. Bilingual Storytimes

Bilingual Preschool Storytime in English & Teo Reo Māori

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Linwood Library

Bead angelFriday 31st August: Bead angels

Make your own bead angel and view our display of craft books

Friday 7th September: Bead angels

Make your own bead angel and view our display of craft books

Saturday 8th September. Getting Published writing workshop

Having your writing published is a dream for many people. This seminar will you understand more about how you might achieve it and what it all means. The tutor, Coral Atkinson has both worked in the book publishing industry and now tutors at the Whitireia community Polytechnic Diploma Course. She is also an established published writer. Topics to be covered. Improving your chances - finding good and workable ideas, knowing your audience, doing the research. Writing better - being published, editing your work, getting help, literacy assessors. Seeking a publisher - presentation of manuscripts, letter to publisher, book proposals and submissions, literacy agents, what publishers look for, dealing with rejection. Alternatives - self publishing, vanity publishing, e - publishing. Please bring writing paper and pen

Friday 14th September: Box making

Make your own box and view our display of craft books

Friday 21st September: Box making

Make your own box and view our display of craft books

Saturday 22 September. Storytime for families

Wednesday 26th September. Undercovers quiz

Get a team of up to four people (family and friends) together and register for a fun quiz. There is an opportunity to win book vouchers.

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New Brighton Library

Monday 10th September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

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Parklands Library

Tuesday 4th September. More than book Club

More than a Book Club Find out as much as you can about many books, find new things to read, where to buy books new and used.

Tuesday 4th September. Great reads for young children

Check out the popular books that young children will love and enjoy. Learn to source books on the library website to get them into your home.

Thursday 6th September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

Tuesday 11th September. What could I read next?

How do you know something is what you want to read. We can help you find out. Explore the library Internet resources to find the next really good things for you to get your teeth into.

Tuesday 11 September. Personalised family story book

Find out what makes a great picture book then make your own unique family storybook using photos or art work.

Monday 17th September. Travel writing workshop

They pay you to do what? Like travelling? Like writing? Combine them and earn money for more travels by writing articles or for novels setting - or just to improve your letters home. Topics will include. How to write specifically for publications. What works - what doesn't - the nuts and bolts. Where to sell your stories? Finding your own style. Please bring writing paper and pen

Tuesday 18 September. Personalised family story book

Find out what makes a great picture book then make your own unique family storybook using photos or art work.

Tuesday 25 September. Personalised family story book

Find out what makes a great picture book then make your own unique family storybook using photos or art work.

Thursday 27th September. Design a book cover

Read our fantastic NZ short stories on the library website. Then create a funky book cover personalised your own paint design based on the main characters. Print the colourful book cover to take home. Plus enter this design into the competition.

Friday 28th September. Book review podcast

Learn the interviewing skills to create a successful podcast. Work with iTunes and Audacity to produce an interesting book review podcast for one of our NZ short stories on the library website. This podcast will be able to be downloaded onto your iPod.

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Shirley Library

Monday 10th September. Babytime session

Programme includes songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories

Tuesday 11th September. Music and movement with Liz Weir

All preschoolers and caregivers are welcome to attend a session on music and related activities. This session will have a focus in parents, grandparents and caregivers to encourage them to spend more fun times around music and movement with the children they care for.

Thursday 13th September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

  • 1:00 - 1:45pm, Shirley Library
  • Adults and children under 5 years
  • Rona Fatuleai

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South Library

Tuesday 4th September. Great reads for young children

Check out the popular books that young children will love and enjoy. Learn to source books on the library website to get them into your home.

Thursday 6th September. What could I read next?

How do you know something is what you want to read. We can help you find out. Explore the library Internet resources to find the next really good things for you to get your teeth into.

Sunday 9th September. Family babytime session

Come with Dad or Mum, grandpa or grandma, an uncle or aunties and join in with songs, rhymes, finger plays and other book related activities. This programme is especially suitable for under 2 years olds. There will also be displays of New Zealand board books and picture books suitable for preschoolers.

Monday 17th September. More than book club

Find out as much as you can about many books, find new things to read, where to buy books new and used.

Wednesday 19th September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

Monday 24th September. Design a book cover

Read our fantastic NZ short stories on the library website. Then create a funky book cover personalised your own paint design based on the main characters. Print the colourful book cover to take home. Plus enter this design into the competition

Tuesday 25th September. Book review podcast

Learn the interviewing skills to create a successful podcast. Work with i-tunes and Audacity to produce an interesting book review podcast for one of the NZ short stories on the library website. This podcast will be able to be downloaded onto your iPod.

Tuesday 25th September. Young Writers' workshop

Kazam!! A school for Young Writers' workshop that will add magic to your writing. Also opportunities to win free tuition with the School for Young Writers and get published in the next issue of Write on Magazine. Please bring writing paper and pen. Read more about this workshop.

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Sumner Library

Thursday 27th September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

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Upper Riccarton Library

Monday 24th September. Parenting together and book selection for under 5s

The session will cover ways that parents can use library resources in encouraging development of early literacy, love of books, reading and selection of books for under 5 years of age.

Tuesday 25th September. Design a book cover

Read the fantastic NZ short stories on the library website. Then create a funky book cover personalised your own paint design based on the main characters. Print the colourful book cover to take home. Plus enter this design into the competition.

Tuesday 25th September. Book review podcast

Learn the interviewing skills to create a successful podcast. Work with iTunes and Audacity to produce an interesting book review podcast for one of our NZ short stories on the library website. This podcast will be able to be downloaded onto your iPod.

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Library resources about New Zealand Authors

Childrens’ Authors

Our childrens’ librarians have compiled extensive interviews with a who’s who of children’s writers in this country and short stories from well known writers are published on our website at New Zealand Children's Authors Interviews & Stories

Book Awards

The libraries’ website liststhe winners of some key New Zealandbook awards & childrens’ bookawards.

Booklists

Using our Catalogue

Explore our catalogue usingthe Browse Catalogue function and enter "New Zealand Fiction" or "New Zealand History" to get some idea of the scope of our resources. A selection of subject searches.

Some good sites to find news and reviews of New Zealand books

Christchurch City Libraries Blog
"Our mission is to keep you in touch withour world, sharing views, opinions and ideas on reading, listening and watching. Our world is the world of information, so our team spend their working (and private) lives exploring books, movies, magazines, music, the web and more."
Beattie's Book Blog
Graham Beattie, former leading New Zealand publisher and bookseller, and widely experienced judge of both the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, talks about what he is currently reading, what impresses him and what doesn't. His information on the New Zealand and international English language book scene is essential reading.
New Zealand Book Council
The Council is a not-for-profit organisation that presents a wide range of programmes promoting a love of books and reading
Booksellers New Zealand
Organisation representing the New Zealand book trade. Their site has bestseller lists for New Zealand fiction and non fiction.