Growth of Library Services
By Leeann Morgan 8th May 2012
The incredible role that libraries play
April was a busy month in the libraries with school holiday programmes at all four libraries, tea and tales sessions, community group meetings and lots of staff training.
We have been working on a draft activity management plan which will provide a strategic framework for future opportunities and growth of our library service over the next ten years. It’s an exciting document and has really highlighted the incredible role that libraries play in our communities.
Preparation for supporting the US Marines “Salute 70” celebrations is well underway with displays, photos and music from the 1940s planned for each library.
From 1942 to 1944, over 15,000 American troops were stationed at Camp Russell (now Queen Elizabeth Park), Camp Mackay (now Whareroa Farm), and Camp Paekākāriki (now Paekākāriki village).
The camps went up in a record six weeks, and brought huge social change to Paekākāriki and the whole Wellington region. The Kāpiti US Marines Trust is planning a full programme to mark the 70th anniversary of this from 29 May to 14 June 2012. See www.marinenz.com for more information.
The New Zealand Post Book Awards are happening in May. Great new Zealand books will be showcased as part of this award and events are happening all around our country to inspire our communities to read books written and illustrated by New Zealanders. Kāpiti Coast District librarians will be dressing up and boarding a book bus to tour Kāpiti schools to read to children.
The book bus will be on the road on Tuesday 8th May. On Wednesday 9th May writer Joanna Orwin will be talking about writing: how, why, what inspires you, and why you do it, to groups of children at Ōtaki College, KenaKena School and Paraparaumu Library.
The mastermind competition will also test the memory of students in our communities when they answer questions about a number of the stories nominated in the award.
And if music is your passion, then come to our libraries in May to enjoy our New Zealand Music Month promotion. To celebrate this occasion our libraries are offering a 2 for 1 deal on all CDs. Get two CDs out, but pay for only one! CDs cost $2 for a three week hire.
Plan a visit to Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae or Ōtaki Library this month and enjoy great music, free internet, fantastic displays and awesome books!