Library Notes 11 January 2017
Published on January 11, 2017
Libraries, literacy and learning
Joanne Dillon (JD) – Community Learning Lead
Much of what we do as librarians is focused on learning and literacy – whether it be small children enjoying a storyteller, an adult learning how to install apps on their phone or a young person gaining confidence in discussing the books they’ve been reading. We have just concluded a successful children’s literacy programme and launched a new one for teen readers. We also have a number of fun learning activities coming up to tell you about.
In 2015 our Children’s team launched an initiative called A Million Pages, asking children to keep a record of the number of pages they read to be added to our total. Having come to the end of 2016, we have also come to the end of the Million Pages reading promotion. We were so close…the grand total was 900,827, not quite a million, but a very impressive total indeed!
Special mention must be made to Levin East School who contributed 440,000 pages; making up almost half of our final total - this was a huge contribution and our thanks go out to them. Also worth mentioning is Poroutawhao School who came third with 97,849 pages, just behind North school at 101,151, a massive effort from a much smaller school. Thanks to the children of Horowhenua who helped us to reach this amazing total.
Youth Program Coordinator Sophie Parrant has recently launched a Teen Book Club – all young people are welcome to come along at 4pm on the first Thursday of each month. Meet your fellow teen readers on the Mezzanine Floor and share your reading recommendations.
Learning can take place in a formal setting like a classroom but it can also be achieved through play. I personally know that I learn better if I’m actively involved in what I’m learning and if I’m having fun. My personal summer project involved purchasing a programmable robot called Jimu who I have carefully constructed from about 200 tiny Lego-like parts. Jimu is not just a fun toy but a learning device that I will be able to programme to move in a range of different ways using Apple’s Swift programming language.
Our popular Minecraft clubs return from Sunday 12th February and Monday 13th February. Sign up forms are available at the Service Desk. Coding Club also starts on Sunday 12th February so register up now.
We are keen to start Lego clubs in the three libraries this year. Before we can launch these clubs we need to build up a collection of Lego. If you have any Lego sitting unused in your cupboard please drop it into the library…we can guarantee that we will make very good use of it.
Top 10 books
- Someone to Love by Mary Balogh
- A Year and a Day by Isabelle Broom
- The Shogun’s Queen by Lesley Downer
- If Blood Should Stain the Wattle by Jackie French
- The Maid’s Courage by Rosie Goodwin
- The Blood Card by Elly Griffiths
- Gallows Drop by Mari Hannah
- The Operator by Kim Harrison
- Belle Chase by Suzanne Johnson
- Exposed by Roberta Kray
What’s on in Te Takere
Exhibitions
Peace in 10,000 Hands –19 November to 14 January
Jeanette Gilroy Art and Meredith Parkin Photography Exhibition – 17 January to 6 February
Monday to Friday
Volunteer Resource Centre: Talk to the Volunteer Resource Centre about becoming a volunteer. They can help you match your individual skills and interests with a large number of groups who need volunteers. 10am - 12 noon.
Family and local history: Call into the Heritage Room for help and advice on researching your family tree. 10am-3pm.
Friends of Horowhenua Libraries Book Sale – on at Te Takere until 20 January.
Thursday
Fusion FM Radio Workshop mentored by Lequan Meihana from Kia Ora FM 1.30-3pm
JP Service Centre Shannon Library 2-3pm
Friday
Yoga class: Open Meeting Room 10.30-11.30am
Lunchtime music: Geoff Stokes 12-1pm
SeniorNet: Get help with your tablets, phones and laptops 2-4pm
Youth Cooking: Contact Youth Space 3.45pm
Saturday
Yoga class: Open Meeting Room 10.30-11.30am
Monday
Tai Chi: Takere Space 10-11.30am
Tuesday
Young Parent Coffee Group: Contact Youth Space 10am
Kate Martin Dance workshop: Youth Space 10am-2.30pm
JP Service Centre: Kowhai Room, Te Takere 11.30am-1.30pm
Traveling Tuataras: Open Meeting Room. 3pm
Guitar Club: Contact Youth Space 4-5pm
Wednesday 18 January
Social crochet and coffee club: Jenny Goyne will teach you to crochet, or bring you own craft project along and join in the coffee and chat and meet new friends 10.30am
Kate Martin Dance workshop: Contact Youth Space 10am-2.30pm
Learn new skills
Monday January 16Stepping Up: Employment Readiness 10am-12pm