Libraries plan disgusting activities

Gross! Kimiora Wikiriwhi looks suitably disgusted at the activities of Wellsford Library’s resident Yuck Master, aka senior assistant Gene Nicolson.

Slime, snot, monsters and poo will all be featuring heavily in local libraries over the next two weeks, as staff embark on a series of school holiday activities with the theme “Grossology”.

Kids will be encouraged to create, make and learn about all sorts of gross items and activities at daily sessions in Warkworth, Wellsford and Mahurangi East libraries.

Young visitors to Wellsford War Memorial Library could well encounter the Yuck Master, a self-professed expert in “all things gross” who, according to senior library assistant Gene Nicolson, likes to “read disgusting stories, share disgusting facts, and quiz everyone he meets about yucky things”.

Wellsford is also running a Whose Poo? scavenger hunt, a Troll Snot session on April 28 and a Gross Grub competition to see who can design the most disgusting pizza and burger.

Get in quick for a night time slime mystery at Mahurangi East, which takes place from 6.30pm on Monday, April 19. Acting manager Fleur Coleman says old clothes are needed, as things will definitely get messy, as well as a flashlight and prebooking.

On Wednesday, April 21, kids can make their own Garbage Patch Doll at a special workshop that focuses on using upcycled and recycled materials to create eco-warrior figures, with the help of the Crazy Sewing Lady, Mahurangi Wastebusters and friends of the library.

Meanwhile, at Warkworth Library, activities include a Grossology interactive quiz on April 28, Slime Time the following day and Gruesome Guts – a look at the digestive system – on April 22, but the highlight could well be a visit from Warkworth Floral Arts Club, whose members will be hosting a Grossology-themed plant designing workshop on Tuesday, April 20 at 10.30am.

All three libraries will also be holding activities to commemorate Anzac Day, including storytelling, wreath-making and creating a community remembrance wall.

Info: For details and times for all holiday activities, call 09 377 0209 or 0800 695427, visit Mahurangi East, Warkworth and Wellsford Library’s Facebook pages, or call in to see library staff.