Library Notes 27 March 2019

Published on March 27, 2019

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Top 10 books

Adult Non Fiction
Writing for Social Media by Carrie Marshall
Hearken O Daughter by Grace J. Adams and Poia Alpha
The Family of Mary Pitt by Janelle Cust
Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand by Dylan Winkel
The Pacific in the Wake of Captain Cook with Sam Neil by Meaghan Wilson Anastasios
The Stepney Doorstep Society
By Kate Thompson
The Healthy Slow Cooker by Danii Martin
The Family Tree Toolkit by Kenyatta D. Berry
Zakka Home by Sedefimer
Textile Folk Art by Anne Kelly


Pam Coleman Community Engagement Librarian
Diversity in our Library

 

200 ethnicities. 160 languages spoken. This is what on paper New Zealand’s diverse population looks like. In real life as Maya Anjelou says “diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their colour.”
Diversity is a fundamental value of Horowhenua Libraries. We recognise the need for access to information both digital and print, for all people. Language and culture are some of the most important things which make us human.

The word “diversity” encompasses acceptance and respect. Diversity is understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing our individual differences in regards to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religion, and political beliefs.
The library has long been recognized as one of the most trusted environments in which discovery and exploration of these differences should take place.

In the wake of the recent events in Christchurch, through all the trauma, hurt, outrage and sadness it’s important for us to think of ways to do something, to be the change. It’s about moving past just being tolerant and actually embracing and celebrating the richness of each individual.

It can be very easy to stick with what you know, rather than trying to meet people who are different from you. However, actively trying to understand and embrace cultural differences can open you up to a whole world of exciting new possibilities and experiences. Our community, from seniors to children and their families can take part in Council and library programs throughout the year that celebrate cultural diversity and provide opportunities for developing bridges of understanding. 

An appreciation for multiculturalism can be cultivated through the reading of books or through films that reflect an array of viewpoints and backgrounds. Librarians often talk about stocking the shelves with books that offer both mirrors and windows for people. When one person picks up a book, he might see a character who looks like him and experiences life the way he does, but another person reading the same book could experience the story as a window into a new culture or life experience.

A librarian’s goal is for all children, teens and adults to read books that provide both mirrors and windows so they build an image of who and what they could be, while building empathy and understanding for the lives of others.

This has been a particularly difficult column to write. Our hearts go out to the people of Christchurch and particularly to the Muslim community in Christchurch and New Zealand.
Libraries Horowhenua want to offer everyone in our community the chance to broaden and deepen their ability to empathise and identify with people from backgrounds very different from their own. It’s time.

 

What’s on

 

Exhibitions

Rembrandt Remastered: Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom February 9 to April 28
Macondo: Andy Granville, Wednesday, April 3 to 30

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

Wednesday March 27:
Social crochet and coffee club: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 10.30am
Quiz Night 7pm Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō $5

Thursday March 28:
Raukawa Whanau Ora playgroup: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 9.30am-12.00pm
Lego Club Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Introduction to Chromebooks: Come along and try out how to use a Chromebook and its online capabilities - please register at the library. Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 10am to 12pm

Friday March 29:
Local Music Showcase (Friday concert): TBC Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 12-1pm
SeniorNet: Get help with your tablets, phones and laptops: Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom 10am-12pm,Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 2pm -4pm 

Sunday March 31:
Sunday Concert: Karleigh O’Connor & Friends Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 2pm

Monday April 1:
Raukawa Whanau Ora playgroup: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 9.30am-12.00pm
Tai Chi Classes:  Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 10am to 11.30am

Tuesday April 2:
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

Wednesday April 2:
Basic Computing Skills: This tutorial is designed for first-time computer users. Please register in library. Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 10am to 12pm

 

 

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