July is of course, Matariki. It is a time for whānau to come together and enjoy one another’s company.
It’s also time to reflect on the past and prepare for the year ahead. The school holidays also happen in July. In this newsletter, we have an outline of our mostly Matariki themed holiday program. And over the holiday period it’s important to keep tamariki reading, so we close this newsletter with some books by one of our highly recommended children’s authors and illustrators.
Leys Institute Little Library’s School Holiday Programme July 2026
Monday 6 July
Matariki Storytime
2pm-2:30pm
Join us for stories and songs that celebrate Matariki. Suitable for younger tamariki.
Thursday 9 July
Matariki drop-in craft event.
10am-5pm
Matariki manako nui
The wishes and desires of Matariki
Traditionally, Māori would send their hopes and dreams into the stars during Matariki. We have printed stars for you to decorate and write your wishes for the coming year. You can keep your star or add it to a matraiki library display. This is a drop in event, and you are welcome to visit any time of the day.
Monday 13 July
Storytime
Join us for songs and stories in a half an hour session that celebrates Matariki
Friday 17 July
2pm-3:30pm
Robogals Elastic Catapult Workshop
In this workshop, kids will design, build, and test elastic-powered catapults. By adjusting the number and arrangement of popsicle sticks, they will explore how elasticity and deflection affect force, distance, and projectile motion.
Robogals is run by volunteers from the University of Auckland. They run STEM focused workshops.
Signup at eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/robogals-elastic-catapult-workshop-tickets-1990309611626
Recommended Book Author
Gavin Bishop is one of our much decorated and celebrated authors. He has written and illustrated over 70 books for children. His series of board books in te reo Māori are a great way to introduce Māori to little ones. We recommend the board book Matariki, which covers the star cluster. Older kids may like Atua - Māori Gods and Heroes. Or in a similar vein, Taming the Sun Four Māori Myths. Both books are visually striking and written simply and concisely. In other words, highly engaging.
Hours: Monday - Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday Closed.
Please note we will be closed Friday 10 July for Matariki.
Leys Institute Little Library, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz
