Library Notes 24 July 2019

Published on July 24, 2019

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Top 10 books

New Fiction
Falling from Grace by Kristen Vayden
Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron
The Dark Bones by Loreth Anne White
Dark Water by Elizabeth Lowry
A Single Source by Peter Hanington
Everyday Lies by Tanya Anne Crosby
The A List by J .A. Jance
Treason by Rick Campbell
Gold Iron by Miles Cameron
The Black Ascot by Charles Todd

 

Pam Coleman Community Engagement Librarian
What Makes A Classic?  Harry Potter?

After three whirlwind weeks of touring England and Scotland, the many libraries and Primark stores (of course), visiting the relatives and catching up with friends with a wee dram or two, I’m back! As Renee wisely said “definitely with some memories of home to bring … home.”  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Renee’s entertaining columns and I know we will hear more from her in coming months!

I loved my time in Scotland. My roots run deep in that beautiful land and my favourite time was spent walking in Glencoe, with the mist settling around the mountains. As a librarian other than visiting libraries, one of my other ‘must do’s’ was visiting Warner Brother’s Harry Potter World.

As a Harry Potter fan since my children started reading them 20 years ago the experience exceeded my expectations. Undeniably, J.K. Rowling is gifted at creating a carefully crafted universe, and the tour of the props and set design from the Harry Potter films are a credit to this.

The tour did bring up a discussion with a literary friend (over that wee dram or two) who found the book entertaining but questioned whether the Harry Potter books are quality literature.

The main complaint was that she found the series to be extremely derivative. She claimed that you could see where many of Rowling’s elements have come from and did not consider her story to be terribly original. She lamented the tedious length of the later books, which she claimed could have easily been 100 pages shorter.

There is no doubt though that Rowling is a top-notch storyteller. The books are page-turners with good character development. It has been said by some that she displays genius as a weaver of plots.

One of the most compelling arguments in favour of the Harry Potter series is how Rowling created a community of readers. Reading is often a solitary experience, many of us read Harry Potter as part of a community, discussing, interacting and even growing up together. J.K. Rowling conceived a story which ignited a passion for reading across the world.

Lastly, I argued that there is certainly no consensus on what constitutes “quality literature.” For me reading is about being true to myself. Every time I open a book I do so with an open mind.  I accused my friend of being a book snob. She scoffed. I left her with a list of titles from Roberts, Gabaldon, Binchey, Patterson, and Steele, titled ‘Nothing should get in the way of a good story.”

What’s On

Exhibitions:
Te Marama Puta: Emerging Light, Presented by Te Kokiri Development Consultancy Inc
Toi Whakarakai: Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, May 1 to July 30

Heritage room:
The Heritage rooms at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō are manned by volunteers 10am-12.30 pm Monday to Saturday.

Thursday July 25:
Winter Warmers: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 3pm – 5pm

Friday July 26
Friday Lunchtime Concert: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 12pm
Winter Warmers: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 3pm – 5pm

Saturday July 27:
Wand Making Workshop; Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join Honorary ‘Professor’ W. Therese Eberhard  in a one day wand making workshop, where you will be creating one main partially clay sculpted wand as well as smaller, but no less powerful wands.
Registration Essential- Limited numbers!

Charms Class: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō
    -Age 5 to 8: 10.15am – 11.15am & 1.30pm- 2.30pm 
    -Age 8+: 11.30am – 12.30pm & 2.45pm – 3.45pm
Three Wizard Themed Science Activities per session
These are all hands-on experiences where the participants will make things and then explore the science behind it. Registration Required

Sunday July 28:
Wand Making Workshop; 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Harry Potter Movie Focal Point Cinema For Cost – contact Focal Point 3.00pm

Monday July 29:
Tai Chi classes Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō Main Space 10am
Toddler Time:
    -Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō – Children’s Library, every Monday, 2pm
    -Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom – Children’s Library, every Monday 2.15pm
Harry Potter's Most Magical 21st Birthday. Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 3.30pm to 5pm
Winter Warmers: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 3pm – 5pm

Tuesday July 30:
Raukawa Whanau Ora playgroup: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 9.30am-12.00pm
JP Service: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 11.30am-1.30pm
Winter Warmers: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 3pm – 5pm

Wednesday July 31:
Toddler Time: Shannon Community Library, every Wednesday, 1.30pm
Social crochet and coffee club: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 10.30am
Quiz Night- Harry Potter Theme & dress up7pm Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō $5
Winter Warmers: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 3pm – 5pm

 

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