Top 10 books
New Adult Non Fiction
Houseplants for all: how to fill any home with happy plants, by Danae Horst,
The complete guide to yoga inversions: learn how to invert, float, and fly with inversions and arm balances, by Jen DeCurtins
Creative engagement: a handbook of activities for people with dementia, by Rachael Wonderlin
Food for camping: Vol 2
Basements, attics & garages: step-by-step projects for adding space without adding on, by Anthony Regolino
Fat quarter accessories: 25 projects to make from short lengths of fabric, by Susie Johns
Raising a rare girl: a memoir about parenting, disability and the beauty of being human, by Heather Kirn Lanier
The COVID-19 catastrophe: What's gone wrong and how to stop it happening again, by Richard Horton
Bangkok in 12 dishes: how to eat like you live there, by Leanne Kitchen
What You Become in Flight: a Memoir, by Ellen O'Connell Whittet
Shannon Library
Kiri Pepene and Beth Bolton
Shannon Library has been a vital part of the community for many years.
The library in Shannon was first part of the Mechanics Institute in 1911 until it became part of the borough council and the first librarian Miss Jessie Cameron ran it, as well as attending to her duties as town clerk. Mechanics’ Institutes were educational organisations for craftsmen and skilled workers. Subscription libraries for the use of Institute members and for the public usually formed part of the organisations.
The library was renovated first in 1963 and then again in 1966. In 1969, the old building was demolished, and for the princely sum of $22,000 a new purposed building rose which divided into three providing a dress shop, council services and library. They held the local Shannon board meetings there and, like AA services at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō now, everyone who got their drivers licence in Shannon did so at the Library building.
National Library used to deliver books from their truck to beef up the library stock and these visits were highly anticipated by the community. Apparently, one of the early (attempted) borrowers was a cow that had wandered in off the street. Perhaps he wanted to read the moooospaper?
Children have always been a huge part of the Shannon library and many generations have grown up using the Library. Many are now bringing their own children to our popular Toddler Times and holiday programmes. Proud parents and grandparents often drop in and have a look at the stunning artwork adorning the walls created by our tamariki.
The library now consists of the entire building and provides not only Library services but also council services, bus tickets and local information.
The Library has had a huge refurbishment and we now have a bright modern space that the community can call their own. The feedback from the borrowers and users of the library since the upgrade over lockdown has been very positive and new signage on the front walls and windows beckons the passer-by in. Shannon Library has moved from a cold, dated environment to a cheery, welcoming atmosphere.
Our librarians love catching up with the locals and it’s important to them that we keep looking at different ways we can connect with the community, offer equitable access to information and support educational opportunity. Importantly, the Library also protects, conserves and maintains Shannon specific heritage resources.
Like all libraries around New Zealand, change isn’t just happening between the walls, we want to continue to reach out into the community. We have had great success recently partnering with Skinny Jump and Shannon School to provide low cost internet access to families. We can now continue expand that to more people in the community.
Shannon Library is part of the strong pillar of community connectedness and character which is unique to Shannon. So to celebrate who we are now and what we can offer, we invite you to come along to our open day on Saturday 24th of October. Come and see what services we have. Enjoy a sausage (or two) thanks to the Friends of the Library. As an added bonus - if you are a Shannon library user you can go into the draw for 2 tablets. Sit, relax and enjoy our chilled out Shannon vibe!
What’s On
Exhibitions
Celebrating Levin Playcentre: October 2020, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō Gallery
Town and Country Quilters: 4th – 18th October, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō Main Space
Whenu - A Multimedia Exhibition, Five contemporary artists from around the region have come together, each weaving their innovation and story-telling into one space. Saturday 29th August to Sunday 11th October, Te Awahou Niuewe Stroom
Heritage room:
The Heritage rooms at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō are manned by volunteers 10am-12.30 pm Monday to Saturday. Monday to Saturday and Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 1.00pm – 3.00pm. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom Heritage Room has the Research librarian available all day every Friday.
Friday 16 October:
Friday Concert: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 12pm
Sunday 18 October:
Whānau Time in the Youth Space: Giant board games, craft activities and family fun in the Youth Space every Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Come on in with the kids!
Jazz Jam: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 2pm to 4pm