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Underwater oddities such as shark’s teeth, sea serpents and even ‘wastewater soup’ can be found at two local libraries during the current school holidays, which run until April 28.
They all feature in a range of free activities being run under the theme of Secrets Under the Sea at Warkworth and Wellsford Libraries.
Holiday highlights include visits from teams at Auckland Zoo and Watercare and, in Warkworth, a visit to the town’s RSA for Anzac Day stories and biscuits with local veterans.
Auckland Zoo staff will be sharing “secrets, stories and strange sensations” from the sea, while the Watercare team will exploring “wastewater soup science” and the journey wastewater takes from drains to the sea.
As well as a diverse range of scheduled activities for all ages, there will be free in-library things to do at anytime, including crafts, scavenger hunts and, at Warkworth, the chance to make a poppy to add to the library’s Anzac Day wreath.
Young readers are also being encouraged to make a game out of reading by taking part in Auckland Libraries’ holiday reading challenge via its free Beanstack app for five to 12-year-olds. Kids can earn digital badges for every day of reading logged, plus extra badges for submitting reviews of the books they’re reading.
“Writing reviews encourages kids to think critically, express their creativity and share their thoughts with others in a safe and supportive environment,” a library spokesperson says.
“Make a game out of reading and they’ll have a blast exploring the world of books, while developing valuable analytical skills.”
The Beanstack tracker app can be downloaded on Apple or Android devices or visit https://aucklandlibraries.beanstack.com/reader365 to register.
What’s happening and where
WARKWORTH
Monday, April 15, 10.30am
Secrets Under the Sea Storytime
Story session with activities and craft for 3 to 7-year-olds.
Tuesday, April 16, 11am
Wastewater Soup Science with Watercare
Fun, hands-on science experience to learn about the journey water takes from wastewater to the ocean.
Wednesday, April 17, 10.30am
Secrets Under the Sea craft session
A crafty morning making woolly octopuses.
Thursday, April 18, 10.15am
Warkworth RSA
Visit to Warkworth RSA for Anzac Day stories, activities and tour, then Anzac biscuits with local veterans.
Monday, April 22, 10am
Auckland Zoo Team Visit
Secrets of the sea revealed by the Auckland Zoo crew, for all young beach-goers, picnickers, snorkelers and shell-collectors.
Tuesday, April 23, 10.30am
DIY Beeswax Wraps with the Wastewise team
Learn about looking after the environment and create a reusable, plastic-free alternative to cling wrap.
Wednesday, April 24, 10.30am
LEGO Time
Secrets Under the Sea LEGO session, with challenges, piles of LEGO and heaps of fun.
WELLSFORD
Monday, April 15, 2pm
Aquarium in a Jar
Making sea creatures for a mini-aquarium, as well as a magnetic wand to bring it to life.
Tuesday, April 16, 10.30am
Sea Serpent Paper Chains
Creating mythological sea serpent paper chains to summon storms and sink ships!
Wednesday, April 17, 2pm
Sandpaper Starfish
Experiments with texture to turn sandpaper into colourful, sandy starfish.
Thursday, April 18, 10.30am
Shark Pegs
Making shark puppets that chomp from wooden pegs.
Friday, April 19, 2-4.30pm
LEGO Club
Secrets Under the Sea LEGO challenges with the library LEGO collection.
Monday, April 22, 1pm
Auckland Zoo Team Visit
Secrets of the sea revealed by the Auckland Zoo crew, for all young beach-goers, picnickers, snorkelers and shell-collectors.
Tuesday, April 23, 11am
Wastewater Soup Science with Watercare
Fun, hands-on science experience to learn about the journey water takes from wastewater to the ocean.
Wednesday, April 24, 2pm
Shark Tooth Necklaces
Using recycled materials to make shark tooth necklaces, to symbolise strength and courage.
Friday, April 26, 2-4.30pm
LEGO Club
Secrets Under the Sea LEGO challenges with the library LEGO collection.
Mahurangi East
*There are no children’s activities at Snells Beach during the April school holidays, as the Mahurangi East Library is closed while major building refurbishment takes place.
Books can still be browsed, ordered and collected, however, from a library bus parked at the nearby Mahurangi East Tennis Club Carpark, at 296 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach.
Info: www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Pages/school-holidays.aspx
