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New on Christchurch City Libraries website

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Non-fiction titles that have arrived this week.
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Fiction titles that have arrived this week.
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Titles ordered this week.
Recent Necrology April 2019
Markus Zusak: WORD Christchurch Autumn Season
Ramadan Kareem
Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration at Turanga
Sea People: In Search of the Ancient Navigators of the Pacific
Reading Guide to the Indiana Jones Novels: From Martin Caidin to Steve Perry
Antarctic Explorers - Thursday 16 May 6pm
An evening with Sarah J. Maas
Jeffrey has visited Turanga 127 times
On the Bard and hip-hop - Akala: WORD Christchurch Autumn Season
NZ Music Month 2019
Macbeth: Picturing Canterbury
Waykenhyrst: A modern Gothic mystery
3 ticks - The Rosie Trilogy, Graeme Simsion: WORD Christchurch Autumn Season
Podcast: Human rights following atrocity
City Nature Challenge
Celebrate Diversity with Naxos Music Library World
Free Comic Book Day and Star Wars Day - Saturday 4 May
Why you should listen to Clementine Ford: WORD Christchurch Autumn Season
Waiting for John Boyne: WORD Christchurch Autumn Season
Crowne Plaza atrium cafe: Picturing Canterbury
University students dressed as Easter Bunnies: Picturing Canterbury
In remembrance of those who served: The contribution of Maori Servicemen in the First World War
Books to movies
Anzac Day 2019 - Thursday 25 April
Albert the sheep in a bath: Picturing Canterbury
Reading Guide to J. R. R. Tolkien's The History of Middle-Earth Series
The Disney movie marathon
Happy Bard Day!: How to celebrate Shakespeare's 455th birthday
Recent necrology, March 2019
Record Store Day - Saturday 13 April
The extreme adventures of Adrian Hayes: WORD Christchurch
Podcast - Placemaking
Swim by Annette Lees
Little Blog of Large Print: WORD Christchurch 2019
WORD Christchurch Autumn Season 8 to 25 May
International Children's Book Day 2 April
Penguins in the snow: Picturing Canterbury
A tank engine that travels: Thomas comes to New Zealand
Adrian Hayes: One Man's Climb - WORD Christchurch
UpLit: For the hard times
Nazis, Journalists, and Night Witches: The Huntress by Kate Quinn
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Goodbye Gloucester Street West: Chancery Lane
Christchurch Riding for the Disabled Association rideathon: Picturing Canterbury
Armageddon at Turanga: Tools for Expo prep
In the AV Studio: How to Mix Vocals
Learning to crochet: Advice from a newbie
Lions being fed at Orana Park
Haiku workshop inspires creativity
Christchurch mosque attacks: information
Win tickets to NZSO Podium series - Engima concert
The Hunting Party [book review]
Sewing by the seaside
Kittens in a detective's hat: Picturing Canterbury
Reading guide to Marvels's Star Wars Comics: The main series
Following the Sumner Road: An exploration of its past and present
The Scholar: for crime fiction fans
Little blog of large print: NZ Novels
Recent necrology February 2019
Mushroom cloud formation: Picturing Canterbury
Ockham New Zealand Book Awards
Happy 150th birthday, Periodic Table!
Get your motor running - Haynes Manuals AllAccess
RBidgital Comics
International Women's Day #BalanceforBetter
2019 LYFE Linwood Youth Festival Experience
Period poverty [podcast]
Kate's top 2019 Pride picks
Alison Comfort with the The Merrie-Midgets puppet troop: Picturing Canterbury
Just the facts: Non-fiction book groups [blog post]
Read me a story please! Story Box Library [eResource]
Keen: Ockham poets read at Scorpio books [blog post]
Mac the dog pulling a sulky, Colombo Street: Picturing Canterbury
International Mother Language Day
Sound and Vision: The Christchurch Town Hall to reopen
Goodbye Gloucester Street West: The Rink Stables
Books on screen: Artemis Fowl, Good Omens, and young adult romance
Christchurch Pride
The Binding: An enchanting historical fantasy
Friday 22 February 2019 - Earthquake commemorations
The South Island Lantern Festival
Knight riding on a horse through Hagley Park: Picturing Canterbury
Seaweek
George R.R. Martin's Nightflyers
Recent necrology - January 2019
Seaweek 2019
Library Lovers' Day - 14 February
Vale Tomi Ungerer (1931 to 2019)
Little blog of Large Print: Spreading the Love
Legacy of Chinese food: The Chan Family
Chung Wah, Armagh Street: Picturing Canterbury
Genre Guide: Romance Fiction
This page links to recommended reading lists for a range of Romance fiction sub-genres as well as other Romance resources. It also lists authors whose work you may like to try - ncluding familiar names and some that may be new to you
Chinese Celebrations in Lunar New Year [blog post]
Hong outlines the Chinese traditions of Lunar New Year and the library events in celebration for 2019.
National Book Awards (US) [updated]
Updated with 2018 winners in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and young people's literature.
Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture Award [updated]
Updated with details of 2019 winner, Mandy Hager.
Scusi, parla italiano? [blog]
Simone finds a treasure trove of italian language titles - eBooks, eMagazines and digital newspapers.
Catalogue outage: Monday 4 February, 1-2am [news]
Due to emergency system maintenance by our catalogue vendor the online library catalogue will not be available from 1-2am on Monday 4 February. There may also be some slowness in loading pages on the library website and events calendar.
Sustainable Living [new]
Page outlining the Sustainable Living event series which launches at Tuuranga, 10 February.
The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards [updated]
Updated with this year's longlisted titles in the categories of fiction, poetry, general non-fiction and illustrated non-fiction.
A fond farewell [blog post]
Regular blogger, Kat, looks back at her favourite posts and bids a fond farewell in her last post.
Traffic officer checking a driver's licence: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
An historical image from our Discovery Wall website.
Bored of games? Never! [blog post]
Introducing our new Monday night Board Games Club at Tuuranga.
Reading Guide to the Indiana Jones Novels: The Rob MacGregor Years [blog post]
This one's for Indy fans - Derek breaks down this entertaining adventure novel series.
Musician Books of Poetry / Lyrics [blog post]
Donna looks at a very particular genre of book in which a songwriter's lyrics are presented as poetry.
Decluttering [blog post]
Want books like Marie Kondo's famous tidying up ones? Darryl suggests decluttering books to help you reorganize.
Cycling cinematically [blog post]
The Aotearoa Bike Challenge encourages Kiwis to ride bikes. Need inspiration? Check out these movies that feature some great cycling scenes.
Historical Fiction Newsletter January 2019
Tales from ancient times or more recent history - read about the latest historical fiction titles in our monthly newsletter.
Chung Wah II, the Biggest Chinese Restaurant in New Zealand in 1984 – photographic exhibition ??????????
Upper Riccarton Library will host an exhibition of photos of Chung Wah Restaurant from Saturday 26 January to Friday 8 February.
Christchurch South Intermediate cast of Alice in Wonderland [blog post]
This week's Picturing Canterbury post.
Pave the way with Mango Languages [blog post]
Chinese language post about Mango Languages.
Picture books newsletter: January 2019
Fun reading for the young kids in your life - new and recommended picture book titles.
First Friday Whaanau Fun Night: A-MAZE-ing Mazes [blog post]
Kate outlines the fun that was had at the first of these family events at Te Haapua: Halswell Centre ahead of the next event coming up on Friday 1 February.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi [blog post]
Simone suggests titles for anyone wanting to know more about New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangj.
Whodunnit?! A Spotlight on Mystery and Crime [blog post]
Renee suggests some great mystery and crime reads in a range of sub-genres.
Podcast - International students, wellbeing and talking on air [podcast]
Episode from human rights radio show, Speak up - Koorerotia with suggested reading and resources on the topic of International students in New Zealand.
Fiction A to Z newsletter: January 2019
Take a walk through the aisles of our general fiction section with our Fiction A to Z newsletter and discover reads to engage and enlighten.
A distinctly dodgy District Health Officer [blog post]
Kat falls down a rabbit hole and ponders the life of philandering local District Health Officer, Hugh Earnshaw Finch.
Burns Night - Friday 25 January [blog post]
Learn about Burns Night, an annual celebration of the work of Scots poet Robbie Burns. And find out about local Burns Night celebrations.
Kaa Huru Manu: Mapping, memories, meaning [blog post]
From Friday 25 January, visitors to our new central library, Turanga, will be able to explore the history, landscape and names of Canterbury and Banks Peninsula through an exhibition of the Ngai Tahu Cultural Mapping Project, Kaa Huru Manu.
Waitangi Day in Christchurch and Canterbury - Wednesday 6 February 2019 [blog post]
Find out about 2019 Waitangi Day celebrations and events in Otautahi. Libraries are closed for the public holiday on Wednesday 6 February
Michael J Fox and Peter Jackson on the Frighteners set: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
Highlighting a local image from our Discovery Wall website.
In the AV Studio: Know your microphones [blog post]
AV Studio specialist, Alex, explains the different sound recording options available and why you definitely shouldn't "drop the mic".
Reading More Intentionally in 2019 [blog post]
Kate looks ahead to her year in reading and sets herself some reading challenges.
Model of a whale on a forklift truck: Picturing Canterbury {blog post]
Highlighting a local image from our Discovery Wall website.
Popular Culture newsletter January 2019
Our Popular Culture newsletter has selected new reads from the worlds of television, music, sport and film and featured favourites you might have missed.
Costa Book Awards 2018
Home, Garden and DIY newsletter January 2019
Our Home, Garden and DIY newsletter is the place to go for all the best new reads on crafts, cooking, decor, gardening, and home maintenance and repair. Projects aplenty for people who like working with their hands.
SFWA Nebula Awards - Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master [updated]
Updated with the most recent recipient, William Gibson.
Podcast - Making charity dollars count
Christchurch City Libraries blog hosts a series of regular podcasts from specialist human rights radio show Speak up - Koorerotia. This post includes suggested reading about the philanthropy and effective altruism.
Recent necrology, December 2018 [blog post]
Some well-known people who have died recently including English cloistered nun and art historian, Wendy Beckett and former US president George Bush.
Sheep being herded towards Cathedral Square: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
Sheep being herded towards Cathedral Square, 9 March 1995. A slice of history from the Discovery Wall.
Podcast - Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70
Christchurch City Libraries blog hosts a series of regular podcasts from specialist human rights radio show Speak up - Koorerotia. This post includes suggested reading about the United Nations and Human Rights.
Reading Guide to J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth Legendarium [blog post]
Explore all the books that comprise J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth with this useful reading guide.
Teen Scene newsletter January 2018
Stories from a teenage point of view. Discover your next great read with our latest Teen Scene newsletter.
History and Current Events newsletter
Our History and Current Events newsletter is filled with great reads that tell stories of wars, revolutions, and extraordinary lives all over the world - in the present day, and the past.
Picture books newsletter January 2018
Fun reading for the kids in your life - subscribe to our monthly Picture books newsletter and find out what's new, and explore some classics.
Kids' books newsletter December 2018
Whether you're looking for something educational, creative or fantastical, our latest Kids' Books newsletter has titles that will excite young minds and foster a love of reading.
Historical Fiction Newsletter December 2018
Tales from ancient times or more recent history - read about the latest historical fiction titles in our monthly newsletter.
Thrillers and Suspense newsletter December 2018
For great crime and thriller reads.
Science Fiction newsletter December 2018
Find out about new fantasy and science fiction titles, with some topical picks by our selectors in our Fantasy and Science Fiction newsletter.
Cool stuff from the selectors: History in colour
Recent necrology - November 2018
Holiday boredom-busters
More classic rhymes for Kiwi kids
Christmas inspiration from RB Digital
Getting crafty for Christmas
Christmas books for Christmas time
Christmas home movies
Safety Week - The elephant never forgets - Picturing Canterbury
Ready, steady, relax
Camping at Hanmer River: Picturing Canterbury
Dracul - viscerally visual [blog post]
Further First World War stories [blog post]
Podast - Teaching war, teaching peace
Stacy Gregg interview: "I write for strong, brave independent-minded readers who aspire to be heroes"
A very smart library - Turanga [blog post]
Dan recommends: The best of fiction [blog post]
World Languages Collection at Turanga receives warm welcome [blog post]
All the other days by Jack Hartley [book launch]
Summertime Reading Challenge [Korean blog]
Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre closing 6pm Mon 24 December, reopening Mon 31 December 10am
Youthtown Learners Licence workshops Term 1 2019
New titles December 2018
Most popular of 2018
Best of 2018
Huraina [quarterly magazine]
Summertime Reading Challenge
Christchurch Photo Hunt 2018 - The Winners
Advent Calendar 24 Christmas images from the Discovery Wall
Summer eReads - Escapism [blog post]
Dan recommends the best recreational non-fiction of 2018 [blog post]
The other side of Christmas [blog post]
An Evening with Lee Child - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
Best book covers of 2018 - My pick of New Zealand's finest [blog post]
Hidden Gems - Fugazi [blog post]
Sirocco the rock star kakapo [blog post]
Excelsior! A tribute to Stan Lee [blog post]
Auckland's pop-up Globe - Richard III
I started writing this when I was 17: Interview with Christchurch writer Jack Hartley
Motherhood Missed: Stories from Women Who Are Childless by Circumstance - NZ launch
A fire, a mysterious lady and a singed parrot [blog post]
Courage Day [blog post]
Inside the four avenues exhibition [blog post]
Speak up - Korerotia podcast - DANCEability
An evening with Lee Child [blog post]
Cool stuff from the selectors: an eclectic mix [blog post]
Picturing Canterbury: University students champagne breakfast on the roundabout [blog post]
A fashionable day at the races - leave your hat on [blog post]
I'm possessed by Joe Hill [blog post]
Armistice Day 2018 [blog post]
Poet Kaveh Akbar is no sheep in wolf's clothing - WORD Christchurch
Before Turanga - The Coachman Inn [blog post]
Teen scene newsletter
Speak up - Korerotia podcast - Indian communities in New Zealand
Win tickets to the NZSO Prokofiev & Tchaikovsky concert [competition]
Chicken Lady Day [blog post]
OverDrive Libby for families [blog post, Chinese]
Bharatanatyan Group: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
Recent necrology - October 2018 [blog post]
Poet and Poetry Cheerleader in Chief - Kaveh Akbar - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
The winner of the Nutcracker diorama family challenge [blog post]
Dystopian fiction - along with a good dose of feminism [blog post]
Off with her head! [blog post]
Before Turanga - The Lyttleton Times [blog post]
Diwali in Christchurch 2018 [blog post]
Sydenham Borough formed, 1877 [blog post]
Mafeking celebrations [blog post]
Christchurch Photo Hunt.
Tangata Ngai Tahu [blog post]
WORD Christchurch 2018 report back.
UpLit - something positive to look forward to [blog post]
Your Halloween soundtrack [blog post]
Phyllis Hartigan [blog post]
Picturing Canterbury.
Just for kids [blog post]
New video eResource.
Dear Donald Trump [blog post]
Eat, drink and be scared - Halloween [blog post]
Halloween events and reading recommendations.
Murderbots, spaceships, and other planets [blog post]
"It'' been a good year for science fiction, with some great series wrapping up. Don't worry about cliffhangers or long waits between sequels with these recommendations, you can read the whole lot back-to-back if you feel like it!"
Rhys Darby [interview]
Funnyman Rhys Darby has teamed up with Scholastic in a fun new fiction series for kids. He talked to Christchurch City Libraries about his debut children's book and reading interests, his passion for cryptozoology and his connections to Christchurch.
Nuclear free parade [blog post]
October is Photo Hunt month at Christchurch City Libraries. We invite you to share any of your photos and help grow the city's photographic archive. All entries must be received by 31 October. Christchurch City Libraries has produced a set of four postcards promoting the competition which are available from your local library. Each week during October we'll be featuring one of the postcard images on our blog.
Before Turanga - Hobbs' Corner [blog post]
The second in a series of posts that looks at the history of the central Christchurch sites on which your new library has been built.
The major dudes of Steely Dan [blog post]
"When Steely Dan's Walter Becker died just over a year ago there was not an outpouring of grief like those public displays afforded to other recent celebrity deaths ..."
Labour Day: A reason to remember [blog post]
The Man Booker Prize 2018
Milkman by Anna Burns is the winner.
Dia de Muertos / Day of the Dead
Information about Day of the Dead.
What to do when I'm gone [blog post]
"I found the perfect book to recommend for situations of loss, because make no bones about it, I'm going to miss you guys heaps."
Things to do and see around Turanga [blog post]
Alicia has some hot tips.
World Animal Day - 4 October [blog post]
Pru highlights World Animal Day.
Goooosseeebumps!! [blog post]
Spooky times are on the way ...
The Nerd Degree: WORD Christchurch [blog post]
"The thing I really enjoy about comedy podcast, The Nerd Degree, is that though there's generally a theme running through the episodes, you really never know what you're going to get. "
Important Bird of the Year research [blog post]
Use eResources to make your pick.
Surf comps 1970s [blog post]
Christchurch Photo Hunt images.
Ada Lovelace Day [blog post]
9 October was Ada Lovelace Day.
Rewind at Ferrymead Sunday 14 October [blog post]
Explore what is on this weekend.
Charlie Sumner - Picturing Canterbury
A photo from the archives.
Big Library Read - The Girl with the Red Balloon
Join in the world's biggest digital eBook club - no holds or waitlists until 15 October.
Summer picnic outing: Christchurch Photo Hunt 2018
Explore photos from our archive - and share your own.
What's on at Turanga [blog post]
Explore the events and exhibitions on at Turanga on opening day Friday 12 October - doors open 1pm.
FAB FESTA - My five picks for FESTA 2018 [blog post]
The Festival of Transitional Architecture is on this Labour Weekend. Find out more.
eMagazines - recent additions to RBDigital [blog post]
Explore some new additions to the RBDigital eMagazines.
Replica Leper's Cottage [blog post]
An image from our collection.
Dear Diary Day [blog post]
new blog post
The Suffrage Experiment in New Zealand [blog post]
new blog post
NZ Chinese Language Week celebrations [blog post]
new blog post
Ted Chiang: WORD Christchurch
new blog post
The accidental further adventures of the 100 year old man [blog post, Korean]
New blog post
Podcast - Suffrage 125
New blog post
How to be a Gruffalo Explore and more fun at The Breeze Walking Festival [blog post]
New blog post.
Fiction A to Z newsletter September 2018
Take a walk through the aisles of our general fiction section with our Fiction A to Z newsletter & discover reads to engage and enlighten.
Tuuranga opening: 12 October [Facebook event]
Join us as we open our new central library building, Tuuranga on Friday 12 October.
Why men don't listen and women can't read maps (or can they?) [blog post]
Roberta indulges her love of maps and geography.
Kiiwaha: Te reo Maaori phrases
Learn some phrases in te reo Maaori for Te wiki o te reo Maaori.
Arrrrrr it be Talk like a Pirate Day on Wednesday 19 September [blog post]
Piratey Fun Day - Wednesday 19 September 3.30pm to 5pm Ahoy maties… Come dressed in your pirate best for our fantastic treasure quest. We've also got a pirate-themed Storytimes, pirate names, dress-up competitions for children and adults, crafts, plus heaps more.
A Sandwich-board Man Advertising Dancing Shoes In Cathedral Square, Christchurch: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
An image from our Digital Collection.
Women in foreign worlds [blog post]
Dystopian fiction with women as the lead character - a clutch of recommended titles for fans of 'The Handmaid's Tale'.
Prisoners planting trees on the Hanmer Plains: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
Have a delve into our historical image collection.
Kia kaha te Reo Maori [blog post]
"Christchurch City Libraries have supported the kaupapa of Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori over the past years in a number of ways, endeavouring to promote the week as a time for learning and celebrating te reo Maori. Check out the Reo Maori option on our self-issue kiosks during Te Wiki o te Reo Maori this September."
Drynuary to Movember [blog post]
"Woo hoo it's Spring?! So maybe it's time to adopt a new health kick."
Te Reo Maori, niupepa, and Papers Past [blog post]
"The historians and whakapapa researchers among you may already be familiar with Papers Past, an impressive and still-growing online resource from the National library. This site makes digitised versions of Aotearoa newspapers, magazines and journals, letters and diaries, and parliamentary papers available online, for free."
A Very Big Deal - Charles KIngsford-Smith's flight to Wigram, 11 September 1928
The first trans-Tasman flight took place on 11 September 1928.
Interview with Laurence Fearnley
Alina interviews WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 guest Laurence about her new anthology To the Mountains.
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year [blog post]
This is a sample item in a feed, created by Jitbit RSS Feed Creator. NOTE: this item description should be edited.
Strengthen your reo with waiata [blog post]
"Everyone loves and appreciates different forms of music; whether it's through singing, playing your favourite instruments and singing along, or by simply listening and feeling the heart of the music. The amazing thing about music is that you can hear it in any language and yet still feel the passion and story behind it."
Hello springtime [blog post]
"Christchurch City Libraries has a wealth of books that are full of ideas for the nature loving craftarians out there."
Te Reo in the whare [blog post]
"It's Te Wiki o te Reo Maori ... what a great opportunity that is for us all to celebrate and learn the beautiful Maori language. Kia kaha te reo Maori."
Taa Moko [podcast]
Christchurch City Libraries blog hosts a series of regular podcasts from specialist human rights radio show Speak up - Korerotia. This show is created by Sally Carlton.
Suffrage125 in Otautahi - celebrating women winning the right to vote in 19 September 1893 [blog post]
Events in Christchurch.
Paraweta, Poo Bum, and stories in te reo [blog post]
"So how to expose my 4 year old to some te reo, but also read a story so we'll both understand it and enjoy the experience? I've found that reading te reo Maori versions of books we already know really well in English has been a fun way to do it."
Technology programmes Term 4 2018
have a look at our classes and drop-in session for adults.
Festival of Adult Learning 2018
Monday 3 to Sunday 9 September.
Christchurch to Lyttelton suburban Ec electric locomotive undergoing maintenance in the Addington workshops: Picturing Canterbury
A historical image from our collection.
Recent Necrology August 2018
Some well-known people who have died recently.
New titles - September 2018
Our lists of items that arrived over the last month. New Titles are split into eight categories: Audio and video, eAudiobooks, eBooks, children, fiction, large print, non-fiction, young adults.
National Poetry Day celebration at New Brighton Library [blog post]
Andrew reviews our National Poetry Day event.
WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 [blog posts]
WORD Christchurch Festival was abuzz with writers and readers from Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September 2018. Read our reviews from the Festival frontline.
Ethical and feminist mentality in Geling Yan's novels [blog post]
Hong's Chinese language post about Geling Yan.
Knowlescourt [blog post]
Find out about 274 Papanui Road.
Te Wiki o te Reo Maori - Maori Language Week [blog post]
What's happening at libraries from 10 to 16 Mahuru (September).
Quick Questions: Laurie Winkless [interview]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September).
Celebrating the men in our lives: Father's day [blog post]
"Father's Day seems a good time to reflect upon what dad has done for you over the years."
Ferrymead: House and Hotel [blog post]
Read Simon's post about Ferrymead.
Nutcracker Diorama - A Family Challenge
Be in to win a family pass to see the magical stage production of The Nutcracker! The prize is a ticket for two adults and two children to attend The Royal New Zealand Ballet production of The Nutcracker on Saturday 24 November, 1.30pm at the Isaac Theatre Royal.
Saving the Future: Interview with Ant Sang
Fee interviews cartoonist and graphic novelist Ant Sang. We report back from the WORD Christchuch Festival on from 29 August to 2 September.
Desert Woman - Robyn Davidson: WORD Christchurch Festival 2018
We report back from the WORD Christchuch Festival on from 29 August to 2 September.
Free Radicals: WORD Christchurch Festival 2018
We report back from the WORD Christchuch Festival on from 29 August to 2 September.
WORD Christchurch Festival: Black Marks on the White Page
"With WORD Christchurch Festival at the forefront of my mind at the moment, having bought my tickets yesterday ... I was intrigued to find an article by UK author Natasha Carthew about an idea for a Working Class Writers Festival in Britain.
The City of Brass: A complex but fun epic fantasy [book review]
Alina reviews this new book.
National Poetry Day picks [blog post]
Helen's fave poems.
New Zealand fashion [updated]
We've updated our page about fashion.
Fashion [updated]
We've updated our page about fashion.
James Tait Black Memorial Prize - Fiction 2017
Attrib by Eley Williams is the 2017 Winner
James Tait Black Memorial Prize - Biography 2017 winner
Ma’am Darling by Craig Brown is the 2017 Winner.
2018 Hugo Award Winners [updated]
The best writing in science fiction and fantasy in the categories of novel, novella, novelette, short story, graphic story and related works.
Quick Questions with Michele A'Court - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September) Winner of Female Comedian of the Decade in 2010, Michele A'Court is a stand-up comedian, writer and social commentator. She has written two books: Stuff I Forgot To Tell My Daughter (2015) and How We Met (2018).
Quick Questions with Brannavan Gnanalingam - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Brannavan Gnanalingam is a Wellington writer who has published five novels through Lawrence & Gibson. His latest, Sodden Downstream (2017), was shortlisted for the Acorn Foundation Prize at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.
Quick Questions with Catherine Robertson - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Catherine Robertson's five novels have all been No. 1 New Zealand best-sellers. She reviews fiction for the New Zealand Listener and is a regular guest on RNZ.
Quick Questions with Kate De Goldi - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Kate De Goldi writes fiction for all ages and reviews books for print and broadcast media. Her most recent novel is From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle.
Quick Questions with Kirsten McDougall - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Kirsten McDougall has written a book of interconnected short stories, The Invisible Rider, and a novel Tess.
Quick Questions with Lloyd Jones - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Lloyd Jones is one of New Zealand's most internationally successful contemporary writers. He has published essays and children's books as well as adult fiction but his best-known work is the phenomenally successful novel, Mister Pip.
Fiction A to Z newsletter August 2018
Take a walk through the aisles of our general fiction section with our Fiction A to Z newsletter & discover reads to engage and enlighten.
Together We Read - The Love That I Have [blog post]
Christchurch City Libraries joins libraries across Australia and New Zealand in offering the latest Together We Read digital book club selection, The Love That I Have by award-winning Australian author James Moloney. From 23 August to 6 September, Christchurch City Libraries users will be able to borrow the eBook for free - with no wait lists.
Quick Questions with Vanda Symon - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Vanda Symon is the author of the Detective Sam Shephard series, and the standalone thriller, The Faceless.
Quick Questions with Rajorshi Chakraborti - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Rajorshi Chakraborti is an Indian-born novelist, essayist and short story writer.
Quick Questions with Diana Wichtel - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Diana Wichtel is a multi-award-winning journalist and a feature writer and television critic at the New Zealand Listener.
WORD Christchurch Festival and Book Towns [blog post]
Jane is happy with her WORD Christchurch festival choices and wonders if Christchurch could become a "book town".
Quick Questions with Barbara Else - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Barbara Else MNZM is an award-winning author who also works as a manuscript assessor. She has held university fellowships and was awarded the Margaret Mahy Medal for services to children's literature.
Quick Questions with Megan Dunn - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Megan Dunn writes about mermaids and contemporary New Zealand art. Her first book, Tinderbox, is about the end of Borders bookstores, Ray Bradbury and Julie Christie's hair.
Quick Questions with Catherine Chidgey - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Catherine Chidgey's novels have been published to international acclaim. The Wish Child won the 2016 Acorn Foundation Fiction Prize and Golden Deeds was a Los Angeles Times book of the year.
Parachutist free-falling from a Gipsy Moth over Christchurch: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
Highlighting an image from our Digital Collection.
Quick Questions with Hera Lindsay Bird - WORD Christchurch
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Hera Lindsay Bird is a writer from Wellington. Her first book, Hera Lindsay Bird, won the 2017 Jessie Mackay Prize for Best First Book.
Quick Questions with Nathan Fa’avae - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Nathan Fa'avae has been a top adventure athlete for 20 years. He has captained the New Zealand Adventure Racing team to five world championship victories.
What to do in Christchurch while WORDing [blog post]
Donna suggests activities, art and food and drink opportunities for those heading to town for WORD Christchurch.
The Great Library Seed and Plant Swap 2018 [blog post]
Our annual seed and plant swap is on again this year, and in more libraries than ever - in the first half of September.
Not too old for picture book fun [blog post]
"I've been having car trouble lately. If Sheldon Cooper rode shotgun with me, he would have a complete meltdown, because Daisy's check engine light came on over a week ago, and I haven't checked her engine."
Quick Questions with Charlotte Graham-McLay - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Charlotte Graham-McLay is a journalist and broadcaster from Wellington. Her reporting and reviews appear in The New York Times, Vice, New Zealand Geographic, Landfall, The Spinoff, and on Radio New Zealand.
History and Current Events: picks from our latest Newsletter [blog post]
Our History and Current Events newsletter is filled with great reads that tell stories of wars, revolutions, and extraordinary lives all over the world - in the present day, and the past.
Quick Questions with Miriama Kamo - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Miriama Kamo is a broadcast journalist who presents the current affairs programmes Sunday and Marae on TVNZ 1.
Quick Questions with Victor Rodger - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Victor Rodger is an award-winning playwright of Samoan and Scottish descent, best known for his play, Black Faggot.
Win tickets to the NZSO and The Phoenix Foundation - Celebrate! [competition]
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra joins forces with The Phoenix Foundation, one of the country's most lauded bands, for a remarkable concert experience on 30 August at the Isaac Theatre Royal.
Quick Questions with Emily Writes - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Emily Writes is the best-selling author of Rants in the Dark: From one tired mama to another and her new collection, Is it Bedtime Yet?
Quick Questions with Nicky Pellegrino - WORD Christchurch [blog post]
We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 (Wednesday 29 August to Sunday 2 September). Nicky Pellegrino is the author of 10 best-selling novels.
NZIFF Survivalist [blog post]
After seeing survival tale "Arctic" at the New Zealand International Film Festival, Dan recommends other One Person vs Nature themed films.
Mr George King who began breeding ostriches for their feathers on his Burwood property in 1893: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
Mr George who King began breeding ostriches for their feathers on his Burwood property in 1893. An image from our Digital Collection.
Read Aloud Day - 2018 NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults [blog post]
Hear from some finalists in the 2018 NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults - Including Sophie Siers, Alison Ballance, & Gavin Bishop.
New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2018
Read the winners of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Gavin Bishop's book Aotearoa: The New Zealand Story won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award.
The winners of the Dr Seuss Creation - A Family Challenge [blog post]
We announce the winners in our Dr Seuss family challenge, with photos!
Step into a River of Words [blog post]
Donna talks to artist John Maillard from Ara who has created a River of Words installation as part of Botanic D'Lights.
Who are you? Playing with genealogy in the library [blog post]
Simone looks at the online resources that can help with your family history research.
Anthony Awards [updated]
Updated with the best novel finalists for 2018 in this annual mystery fiction awards.
Central & Transitional - Christchurch City Libraries in the central city since 2011 [blog post]
With the announcement of the opening date for Turanga we look back at the temporary libraries of the central city since 2011.
Recent necrology, July 2018 [blog post]
Some well-known people who have died recently including American film star and recording artist Tab Hunter and Children's author Clive King, who became a publishing phenomenon with his Stig of the dump.
Royal Society Science Book Prize [updated]
Now updated with 2018 shortlisted titles.
Teen Scene Newsletter August 2018
Stories from a teenage point of view. Discover your next great read with our latest Teen Scene newsletter.
National Poetry Day - Friday 24 August 2018 [blog post]
Aotearoa has been celebrating National Poetry Day on the last Friday in August for over 20 years now! This year it's on Friday 24 August.
WORD Christchurch Festival 2018: Having coffee with my author friends [blog post]
WORD Christchurch Festival 2018 gives Roberta the perfect opportunity to amp up author-spotting skills & think of coffee connections to writers
WORD Christchurch 2018: Picks for teens [blog post]
The youth librarians of Turanga pick what's good for teens at the upcoming WORD Christchurch Festival.
Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki [blog post]
On the 6th of August 1945, at 8:16am (Japan time), an American B-29 bomber let loose the first atomic bomb to ever be used in warfare.
Johnson's Fishponds, the Aquarium at 105 Clarendon Terrace, Opawa: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
In 1875 Andrew Mensal Johnson (d. 1916) established a fish hatchery and aquarium at Opawa, on the south bank of the Heathcote River.
Sustainability in the library via Minecraft [blog post]
"This holiday programme wasn't a relaxed, laid back affair - this one really had children thinking. The challenge was to create an Eco-House using Minecraft."
Read your way around the New Zealand International Film Festival 2018 [blog post]
Let's take a walk on the cinematic side! Here are the movie-related books from this year's Christchurch leg of the New Zealand International Film Festival on from Thursday 2 August to Sunday 19 August.
Dead Men's WORDs [blog post]
Dan picks some WORD Festival events.
Best Picks Evening: highlighting the best of writing for NZ kids and teens - Wednesday 8 August 7pm [blog post]
Painted Stories invites you to celebrate the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults by attending their annual Best Picks evening at Fendalton Library, Wednesday 8 August, 7pm. There is no charge for attending and members of the public are welcome.
The Canterbury football representatives 1894: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
A photo from our historical collection.
No coward soul ... [blog post]
Katherine looks back on Emily Bronte's 200th birthday.
Thrilling crime - what are we waiting for? [blog post]
Dan highlights some new crime titles winging their way to our shores.
Thrillers and Suspense newsletter July 2018
Find the latest thriller and suspense titles in our email newsletter.
Picture books newsletter July 2018
Fun reading for the kids in your life - subscribe to our monthly Picture books newsletter and find out what's new, and explore some classics.
Zines [updated]
We have updated our zines page with info on a new zine library coming to town.
Mokaa - the Land of Opportunity: 125 Years of Indians in Aotearoa exhibition
You are welcome to come and view the free exhibition Mokaa -The land of opportunity: 125 years of Indians in Aotearoa. It is on from Monday 13 August to Friday 24 August in the Christchurch City Council foyer.
The Man Booker Prize 2018 longlist
Read the 13 titles on the longlist.
WORD Christchurch Festival 2018: Joyce's picks [blog post]
Joycie has made her picks of #wordchch - and they are tinged with tartan! Plus a couple are possessed of great barnets.
Riverside Neo-Georgian: The Theosophical Society Hall [blog post]
92 years ago on Cambridge Terrace the Theosophical Hall had its dedication ceremony. Read more about the history and purpose of this unique building.
Cool stuff from the Selectors: Feeding frenzy [blog post]
Selector Jane recommends some of the latest titles to do with food.
Kids' Books newsletter July 2018
Whether you're looking for something educational, creative or fantastical, our latest Kids' Books newsletter has titles that will excite young minds and foster a love of reading.
Marshmallows, Money, and Madness: Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton - WORD Christchurch
The marshmallows flew around the auditorium at Christchurch Boys' High School when Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton came to visit. Kate reports back on this WORD Christchurch event.
Surprise yourself! [blog post]
Kat reflects on how she's broadened her reading horizons and surprised herself with what she's enjoyed.
Historical Fiction Newsletter July 2018
Tales from ancient times or more recent history - read about the latest historical fiction titles in our monthly newsletter.
givUS - funding for your group, club or organisation [blog post]
Find out how the givUS eResource can help with funding for your group, club, or organisation.
Cross-cultural parenting with library resources
Hong recommends library resources to help Chinese-speaking parents looking for educational resources for both their children and themselves.
Daresbury Rookery, 67 Fendalton Road, Christchurch: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
Daresbury, a 50-room house on 25 acres, designed by S. Hurst Seager and built between 1897 and 1901 for George Humphreys.
WORD Christchurch 2018: Spoilt for choice - Roberta's Picks [blog post]
The library team makes their picks of the newly released WORD Christchurch Festival programme for 2018.
Of humans and gods elemental [blog post]
Dan's latest read, Flames by Robbie Arnott has him thinking about stories where gods and mortals share the stage.
When the man you love lives in a bush: Intrepid romance, humour and travel [blog post]
Fee reviews a funny, unorthodox romance by Emmy Abrahamson based on the story of how she met her husband.
WORD things to get excited about: Mark's picks of the 2018 festival [blog post]
The library team makes their picks of the newly released WORD Christchurch Festival programme for 2018.
The world of WORD: Dan's picks of the 2018 festival [blog post]
The library team makes their picks of the newly released WORD Christchurch Festival programme for 2018.
WORD Christchurch 2018: Moata's picks of the festival [blog post]
The library team makes their picks of the newly released WORD Christchurch Festival programme for 2018.
Spirituality and Religion newsletter July 2018
Looking inward, outward or upward? All manner of devotional and spiritual books will be part of this list, to inform, enlighten and engage.
Biography and Memoir newsletter July 2018
Subscribe to our monthly Biography and Memoir newsletter and explore the interesting lives of a diverse group of people.
Cool stuff from the Selectors: New Children's books [blog post]
Rhyming books and titles about the world we live in - our Children's selector recommends some books to share with the kids in your life.
200 years of the Modern Prometheus [blog post]
There are few horror novels that have the long-lasting appeal of Mary Shelley's classic work. Dan looks at 200 years of Frankenstein.
Fantasy and Science Fiction newsletter July 2018
Find out about new fantasy and science fiction titles, with some topical picks by our selectors in our Fantasy and Science Fiction newsletter.
Los Angeles, North West Corner: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
Los Angeles is a bungalow at 110 Fendalton Road built in 1909. Photograph taken 21 March 2003.
Reading many lives [blog post]
Moata's recent reading has featured many lives, fictional and real - from short story collections to biographies of First World War soldiers.
Staff picks for the Winter Reading Challenge for teens [blog post]
How are you going with the Winter Reading Challenge? We have highlighted some of the fab books picked by teens, now here are some staff picks to help you tick off some challenges.
The Golden Man Booker Prize
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje has won this special prize.
Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel [2018 shortlist]
The shortlist is out.
Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime novel [2018 shortlist]
The shortlist is out.
Popular Culture newsletter July 2018
New and recommended reads from the worlds of television and film, fashion, sport, the internet, music and theatre.
History and Current Events newsletter July 2018
Our History and Current Events newsletter is filled with great reads that tell stories of wars, revolutions, and extraordinary lives all over the world - in the here and now, and the past.
"Lymond is back!" [blog post]
If you love dense, clever historical fiction then you can't go past Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles for some 15th century intrigue.
Home, Garden and DIY newsletter July 2018
Our Home, Garden and DIY newsletter is the place to go for all the best new reads on crafts, cooking, decor, gardening, and home maintenance and repair. Projects aplenty for people who like working with their hands.
Big may be beautiful, but small is seductive! [blog post]
Roberta waxes lyrical about the pleasure of a small book and recommends some little titles to try.
Let's think about the future [blog post]
Mark ponders dystopian versus dystopian futures in science fiction.
OverDrive Big Library Read - Cowboy Pride [blog post]
OverDrive's Big Library Read, the world's largest digital book club, is back for July. This time with a story that's romance meets western meets Jane Austen.
Recent necrology, June 2018 [blog post]
Some well-known people who have died recently including American celebrity chef, author and television personality Anthony Bourdain.
Give Me Money $$$ [blog post]
Generosity has a database called GivME with over 4000 scholarships and grants for students.
St. Mary's Bridle Path Road, Heathcote - Snow - Church next door to "Hillwood": Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
A view of St. Mary's church and the Bridle Path Road, Heathcote on a snowy winter's day. An image from our Digital Collection.
Hot tips for the Winter Read Challenge (for ages 13 to 18) [blog post]
Winter Read Challenge is ON! Here are some hot reading ideas from teens who have already got their entries in.
Bigger is better (and just what your coffee table needs) (blog post)
Pru finds the joy of big beautiful books.
Teen Scene newsletter June 2018
Stories from a teenage point of view. Discover your next great read with our latest Teen Scene newsletter.
What's lava got to do with it? [blog post]
Moata has recommended resources if you too harbour a scaredy-cat fascination with volcanoes.
Christchurch kids! Give Turanga's Bookbots Earth names & win prizes! (2 to 31 July) [blog post]
Kids can win awesome prizes by filling out this special online survey. All you have to do is help name Turanga's intergalactic heroes, the Bookbots.
Harry Potter's Birthday Celebrations [blog post]
On Tuesday 31 July at Parklands Library and Fendalton Library (and a bit earlier on Friday 13 July at Shirley Library) Christchurch City Libraries will be celebrating Harry Potter Day.
Asteroids - friends or foe? [blog post]
Did you know that 30 June is International Asteroid Day? Rob takes a closer look at what asteroids are and why they're important.
A luncheon interval on Mt Sebastopol while on a ski trip at Mount Cook National Park: Picturing Canterbury [blog post]
Highlighting a wintery image from our Digital Collection.
Wish I was there... [blog post]
We have a great collection of always available Lonely Planet travel guides from OverDrive, no holds or waiting.
Curate Your Own Personal Film Festival (from the Library DVD Collection) [blog post]
here may be fewer places to hire DVDs from, but you can still get 'em at your local library!
New titles July 2018
Our lists of items that arrived over the last month are available near the end of each month: Audio and video, eAudiobooks, eBooks, children, fiction, large print, non-fiction, young adults.
7 Reasons to start your research with eDS [blog post]
eResource Discovery Search (eDS) is the perfect starting point for your next piece of research and here are 7 reasons why.
A Matariki poem: Ururangi - Seventh born
An original poem about Matariki that references one of the stars of the cluster, Ururangi - the star of the wind.
Lighting up the winter nights - Lyttelton Harbour Festival of Lights, Friday 29 June
This week is an exciting one for Lyttelton Library and our customers, with our fabulous Stories after Dark with Lindsey on Thursday night, and the awesome Lyttelton Harbour Festival of Lights on the evening of Friday 29 June
Ururangi's Gift - a Matariki Story
An original story about Matariki that draws on the themes of Sustainable Natural Resources of Matariki.
The family of Arthur John Inwood 1850 to 1932 and his wife Angelina 1860? to 1919 pictured outside their dwelling - Picturing Canterbury
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Garden bird survey - 30 June to 8 July 2018 [blog post]
You can participate in this citizen science project. There are lots of activities and resources to help you identify birds. For creative kids, there is colouring in, masks to make and quizzes to do.
Online dating and book reviews [blog post]
We all have at least one story in us. But very few of us will ever write a book. Even a blog may be a stretch too far. Which leaves us with the option of the book review.
Kids' book newsletter June 2018
Whether you're looking for something educational, creative or fantastical, our latest Kids' Books newsletter has titles that will excite young minds and foster a love of reading.
Podcast - Homelessness [podcast]
Three expert guests share their knowledge regarding the state of homelessness in New Zealand.
Top of the web - May 2018 [blog post]
Here's our summary of the webpages, blog and social media posts that were popular in May.
Yet another fantasy school that I wish I could enrol in: Magnalia House [book review]
Claire reviews Rebecca Ross's new book.