‘Game On’ at Mahu libraries for holidays

Mahurangi children will get to experience much more than books these school holidays as part of Auckland Libraries ‘Game On’ initiative.

Activities at Wellsford Library range from Matariki star-gazing, to a Lego build-off. They even have a Nerf gun-shooting academy. Library manager Megan Livick says the approach has proved successful in the past.

“We have a fabulous response to our holiday programmes,” Megan says. “Wellsford Library becomes a destination for children and youth. We like to offer them something new to entice them into the library.”

Wellsford will also provide more traditional library activities, with a Roald Dahl reading from professional storyteller Nick Duval-Smith.

Warkworth Libraries have their own list of events and activities, drawn up by children and teens librarian Mellony Meek. They range from theatre sports to multi player iPad gaming. Mellony says that although they have events that embrace both modern technology and play, the focus is still very much on learning.

“There’s a literacy element to just about everything we do, but don’t put that in the paper – we don’t want to put the kids off!”