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School’s out for summer, so it might be handy for parents to know what’s going on at local libraries over the holidays to keep the kids amused as the weeks roll by.
While most of the main activities kick off in the New Year, Wellsford Library still has some pre-Christmas fun going on – this Tuesday and Wednesday, December 19 and 20, drop in for quick Christmas crafts from 2pm to 4pm and at LEGO club on Fridays, there are festive challenges from 2pm to 4.30pm, plus there are scavenger hunts and other Christmas fun available any time.
The Raumati Reads Summer Reading Challenge theme for this summer is Kiwiana. Young people aged five to 18 can win prizes by logging their reading and other activities via the Auckland Libraries Beanstack Tracker app, or a school holiday activity booklet available at local libraries. Prizes this year include visits to Auckland Zoo and the Sky Tower, a Lenovo tablet, gift hampers and books.
Holiday highlights at Warkworth Library include visits from two children’s authors. On Monday, January 15, renowned illustrator and writer Stu Duvall will be at the library to run a workshop on how to draw cartoons. Using easy to draw, step-by-step techniques, he will demonstrate how to create convincing characters and have fun with figures. Bookings are essential for the hour-long session, which is aimed at eight to 12-year-olds – email warkworth.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Then, on Thursday, January 18, Snells Beach author Eleanor Neil will be at the Warkworth Library for a special storytime session based around her book Shoe Trouble. As well as a reading, there will be games and activities, and Neil will have books available for cash sales and signing.
At Mahurangi East Library, there’s a summer colouring competition to enter, a library scavenger hunt and plenty of drop-in art and craft sessions for DIY creative fun. There is also a regular Books and Basketball sessions every Friday afternoon. To take part, kids simply need to choose a book to read for the week, before heading next door to the Mahurangi East Community Centre at 3.30pm to shoot some hoops and work on ball skills with coach Dylan.
Meanwhile, Wellsford Library has a raft of different Kiwiana-themed crafts and activities going on from January 4 to 24, including making ‘puff’ paint, stickers and toy boats, as well as a special Hairy Maclary-themed storytime on January 22, which features games and activities involving NZ’s favourite dog.
What’s happening and where …
WARKWORTH
Wednesday, January 10, 10.30am
DIY Cookies in a Jar
Learn how to make cookies in a jar with the Wastewise team. Ingredients and jars provided, ideal for seven to 12-year-olds. Bookings required – email warkworth.library@aaron-pickeringaucklandcouncil-govt-nz
Thursday, January 11, 10.30am
Mini-Paddleboats
Calling all young engineers – here’s a chance find out how to make your own paddleboat. Be prepared to get at least your hands wet!
Monday, January 15, 10.30am
Cartoon workshop with Stu Duval
Learn to draw cartoons with author and illustrator Stu Duval using step-by-step techniques. Bookings required – email warkworth.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Tuesday, January 16 & 23, 10.30am
LEGO Time
If it’s Tuesday, it’s Lego – stacks of challenges, piles of bricks and heaps of fun provided, just bring your imagination.
Wednesday, January 17, 10.30am
Nature Weaving
Nature-themed craft session using natural materials to make a piece of weaving.
Thursday, January 18, 10.30am
Shoe Trouble with Eleanor Neil
A special storytime with local author Eleanor Neil, followed by games and activities. Book signings and cash purchases available.
Monday, January 22
Kiwiana Storytime
NZ-themed session of stories, games and activities.
Wednesday, January 24, 10.30am
Kiwiana Crafts
A craft-filled morning with a variety of Kiwi-themed activities to choose from.
WELLSFORD
Thursday, January 4, 2pm
Kiwiana Stickers
Design and colour cool Kiwiana stickers.
Friday, January 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2pm
LEGO Club
Drop in to create, make and play with the library’s huge LEGO collection and complete Kiwiana challenges.
Tuesday, January 9 & 16, 10.30am
New Zealand Birds Craft Pick’n’ Mix
Try one or more of a range of fun native bird paper craft activities.
Thursday 11 January 10.30am
Kiwiana Puff Paint
Learn how to mix up paint that ‘puffs’ and create a puffy Kiwiana masterpiece to take home. Bookings required – email wellsford.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, or call in at the library.
Wednesday, January 17, 2pm
Hovering Tui
Create and decorate an amazing hovering tui toy.
Thursday, January 18, 10.30am
Buzzy Bee Workshop
Chance to make an iconic Buzzy Bee toy using recycled materials.
Friday, January 19, 10.30am
Hairy Maclary Storytime Fun
Special Hairy Maclary-themed event, with stories, crafts and fun with kiwi party games.
Tuesday, January 23, 10.30am
Dragon Craft
Get ready for the Year of the Dragon with this fun dragon craft.
Wednesday 24 January 2pm
Build a Boat
Design, create and launch your own toy boat made from recycled materials.
