And here we are, summertime and the end of the year. Hopefully, you will have some time to rest and relax – read a book under a tree in Western Park, perhaps.
Kids’ Holiday Activities
Over the summer school holidays, Leys Grey Lynn and Parnell are jointly running a kids’ story writing contest, Waitematā’s Korero Paki. The contest runs from December 16 through to January 28. There are two age divisions – 5-7 and 8-12, and two categories: Best Story and Best Illustrated Story. We want the contest to be fun and haven’t placed too many restrictions, for instance there is no word count or specific theme. Here at Leys, we will run a workshop to help kids with their stories and illustrations on Monday January 13. Parnell has a similar workshop for January 9 and, at the time of writing, Grey Lynn has yet to confirm the date of its workshop. Contact us for more information.
Raumati Reads
Auckland Council Libraries' Summer Reading Programme, Raumati Reads, is for kids aged 5-10 yrs. The actual programme kicks off December 16. You will need to register your kids and there is a pick up pack, with fun activities, including a reading bingo board. Raumati Reads encourages kids to read every day so their competency doesn’t drop off over the break. The event finishes 26 January 2025.
Mere Kirihimete from everyone at Leys and me, Sarah-Jane
Leys Institute Little Library, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209
Grey Lynn 100th
Grey Lynn Library turns 100 this month and you’re invited to the birthday bash!
Celebrations open at 10am on Saturday 14 December, with speeches at 10.30am and a whole lot more that the library users of 1924 might never have imagined.
Facepainting, a preschoolers’ story session, a clown, family friendly disco and festive craft-making are on the programme, which runs to 1pm.
For safety reasons, the library carpark will be closed until activities finish, except for three disability designated spaces between the library and Great North Road.
It’s the busy season, but on this day the library offers a welcome break from retail madness, plus free fun for the kids.
Grey Lynn Library, 474 Great North Road, had its official opening on a Saturday, chosen specifically so workers could attend. The building, including a lecture hall, was designed by William Henry Gummer. With partner Charles Reginald Ford, he formed what became one of the 20th Century’s most prominent New Zealand architectural practices.
Among the best-loved constructions associated with Gummer are the Domain Wintergardens, the grand old Auckland Railway Station, Christchurch’s Bridge of Remembrance and another haven for books, the Remuera Library.
Hours Monday - Friday 9am-6pm. Saturday 9am-4pm. Sunday Closed. We are open every day (usual hours) except for the stats (and of course Sundays) during the Christmas/New Year break.
Leys Institute Little Library, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz