Library Notes 22 January 2020
Published on January 22, 2020
Top 10 books
New Non-Fiction
How to Machine Sew by Susie Johns
Applique: The Basics & Beyond by Janet Pittman
50 Fashion Designers You Should Know by Simone Werle
Drawing Animals by Lucy Swinburne
Pastels for the Absolute Beginner by Rebecca de Mendonca
Beginner’s Guide to Screen Printing by Erin Lacy
Dress Up! By Linda Schmidt
Fair Isle Knitting by Monica Russell
Whitework Embroidery by Ayako Otsuka
Mastering Black & White Photography by John Walmsley
Pam Coleman- Community Engagement Librarian
Reading outside the Box
While we might not need much encouragement to read, most of us have an idea of what they like to read and we just stick to that. I realised that, like so many of us, I filter my book choices to reflect the world I already know. With novels, I’ve been guilty of drawing the curtains, and surrounding myself with my friends who make me feel secure, for far too long. There isn’t a huge problem with that other than we might be missing out on many books that we just don’t know exist. I miss out on reading stories that I would never have chosen, mistakenly believing them to be uninteresting or too remote from my world view.
Our 2020 Reading Challenge is well under way with the aim to encourage us all to read outside our comfort zone. One particular genre we are hoping to highlight, and one that is vastly underestimated in the adult world of fiction and non-fiction, is graphic novels. They’re not comic books, though the words and images are contained in panels, much like the comic books of old. Graphic novels are real reading! They contain a complete narrative and provide visually rich, literary adventures requiring a reader’s skill of blending text and image. The language is high quality and with little space for words, text is chosen with a great deal of care for maximum impact.
Graphic novels can deal with complex themes. When you pair serious literature with “comic” art, the result can be extraordinary. Here’s a sampling of the best graphic novels and memoirs, old and new.
No discussion of great graphic novels would be complete without Art Speigelman’s Maus. His incredible story of the Holocaust is an eye-opening read capturing the fear and paranoia of the most horrific events.
Persepolis is an autobiographical graphic novel focusing on what life was like for Marjane Satrapi living in Tehran during the overthrowing of the Shah’s regime, the Islamic Revolution and the war with Iraq.
A gem I have recently discovered is Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant? Roz Chast brings her signature wit to the topic of aging parents. Spanning the last several years of their lives, it is as rife with laughs as it is with tears. Chast lovingly describes her parents’ quirks (like how they saved decades worth of old Schick shavers, jar lids, and unwearable glasses), finds the humour in the hardest moments, and conveys a sense of near-palpable devotion. Anyone who’s had to deal with declining parents will want to linger here.
Whether you're looking for hard-hitting memoirs or exciting stories filled with action and suspense, graphic novels have got you covered. Go on, read outside that box!
What’s On
Friends of Horowhenua Libraries’ Annual Summer Used Book Sale.
Monday, 13 January to Friday, 24 January
A great choice of quality fiction, non-fiction and children’s books for sale.
As well as puzzles, magazines and DVDs.
Books only $1. Children’s books only 50c.
Bring your own bag.
Thanks to the Friends - all proceeds go to supporting Horowhenua libraries.
Exhibitions
'The Divine Alchemist' an exhibition of paintings and works by local artist Ramila Parbhu: Friday 3 January to Wednesday 29 January Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō
Anne Frank ‘Let me be myself ‘Exhibition: Friday 1 November to Monday 2 March 2020 Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom
Children’s Summer Reading Programme:
Summer Reading Programme runs from December 16 to January 24.
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau pō: 6 - 23 January: Report in Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Take part in a fun craft activity from 10am to 12pm
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom: 6 - 23 January: Report in Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Take part in a fun craft activity from 10am to 11.30pm
Shannon Community Library 6 - 23 January: Report in Monday to Friday opening hours. Take part in a fun craft activity from 12pm to 3pm
Adult Reading Challenge:
16 December to February 26
Join in with 2020 Reading Challenge and let us guide and inspire you with your book choices. Pick up a booklet at your local library. There are also lots of book related activities to choose from each week, to help you make the most out of the library this summer!
Heritage room:
The Heritage rooms at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō are manned by volunteers 10am-12.30 pm Monday to Saturday and Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 1.00pm – 3.00pm.
Thursday, 23 January
Holiday Music Showcase: Come along and enjoy our talented local musicians. This week, the fantastic Steve Poulton will be captivating everyone with his soulful sounds. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom 12pm – 1pm Come along and enjoy our talented local musicians.
Friday 24 January
Tech Try- outs: Curious about e-Readers? Wondering about tablets? Or do you have a digital device query that you’d like help with? Come and join us for an informal drop-in session! B.Y.O device, or try one of ours! Booking is not essential, just come on by. Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 10.30am-12.00pm
SeniorNet: Get help with your tablets, phones and laptops
-Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom 10am-12pm
-Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 2pm -4pm
Monday 27 January:
Tai Chi Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō Main Space 10am
Tech Try- outs: Curious about e-Readers? Wondering about tablets? Or do you have a digital device query that you’d like help with? Come and join us for an informal drop-in session! B.Y.O device, or try one of ours! Booking is not essential, just come on by. Shannon Library 10.30am-12.00pm