CENTRAL HAWKE'S BAY DISTRICT LIBRARIES

Central Hawke's Bay Libraries Blog is moving

2011-03-25T12:10:00.000+13:00

Yep. We are heading off to Tumblr. You can find us over there at http://www.chblibraries.tumblr.com

A little potpourri of Non Fiction reviews for your delectation

2011-03-01T16:43:00.000+13:00

Down-to-Earth Garden Design by Phil Dudman. ABC Books

This garden design book takes you through the planning and design process and gives you the practical skills, knowledge and construction ability to make your ideas a reality.

From Coast to Country: Waterwise Garden Designs by Neil and Jenny Delmage. Fremantle Press

In this book the husband-and-wife team take us on a magical journey from coast to country, revealing some of their most spectacular landscape designs.

Food From Many Greek Kitchens by Tessa Kiros. Murdoch Books

Who better than Tessa to take you on a colourful and magical journey into the kitchens of her friends and family, cataloguing the traditional Greek foods for festivals, feast days and fasting in her own enchanting way.

Football - Bloody Hell! by Patrick Barclay. Yellow Jersey Press

Britain’s most respected sportswriter takes on the greatest football manager of all time

Sir Alex Ferguson is without doubt the most controversial and compelling figure in football today. For many he ranks as the greatest manager of all time. He is certainly the most successful. His reign at Manchester United has seen him win every major footballing honour. And then win them again.

Villages of Britain: The Five Hundred Villages That made the Countryside by Clive Aslet. Bloomsbury

Villages of Britain is the history of the countryside, told through five hundred of its most noteworthy settlements. Many of Britain’s villages are known for their loveliness, of course, but their role in shaping the nation over the centuries is relatively untold, drowned out by the metropolitan bias of history.

So just a little selection from the new book shelf at your CHB Libraries. Check out the catalogue for other new books, or if you want to reserve books or renew.

NZ Book Month is almost here

2011-02-18T11:26:00.004+13:00

March is New Zealand Book Month.

Check out the fantastic website at http://www.nzbookmonth.co.nz/home.html

New Zealand Book Month announces four “reading role model” ambassadors, each of whom will feature on ¼ of the voucher mailers distributed during New Zealand Book Month. They will also appear on point of sale, advertising and publicity material.

In support of the Books Change Lives campaign for March 2011, these ambassadors have generously donated their support, their time, and the story of the book that changed their life:

Stephen Fleming – Former International Cricket Captain

talks about Politically Incorrect Parenting (HarperCollins)

Sir Peter Jackson – Oscar-winning Film Director

talks about The Lord of the Rings (HarperCollins).

This March, NZ Book Month hope to put books into more homes across the country than ever before, by distributing four million $5 book vouchers as part of our Books Change Lives campaign.

Join NZ Book Month in the celebration of books in March 2011. Find heroes. Untangle mysteries. Hook up with personal and national histories. Have a good belly laugh. Shed blood and tears or discover true love. It’s all there between the covers...

New Year at your CHB Libraries

2011-01-21T13:30:00.010+13:00

Holidays are slowly drawing to a close and it's time to reflect on what was a fabulous Summer Reading Programme. Thanks so much to Eastern and Central Community Trust for the sponsorship and special thanks to all you wonderful kids in CHB who participated in the programme.

The Read Plus Finale held out at Ashley Clinton was a great success. The Severinsen family were our co hosts and everyone had a fantastic time at our 'Flights of Fancy' event where we had a trebuchet, cannons, Flappy Yaks, Strikers and Hot air balloons - all of varying shapes and sizes.

We were also lucky enough to visit the local museum where everyone had their first glimpse of the elusive Jackalope.

A great night was had by all.

The Summer Reading Finale was held at Lindsey Bush and was extremely well attended with kids going on a bird hunt with a tiger and bumblebee for guides. Presentation of prizes and certificates was followed by an early evening barbecue enjoyed by all on a beautiful CHB night.

Thanks CHB for making both these events such a great success.

2010 About to be Done and Dusted

2010-12-31T11:39:00.004+13:00

I've been scanning CHB newspapers from 1955 for the CHB Kete and came across some of the top books of that year and thought I would share them with you and then tell you what CHB liked this year.

H.M.S Ulysses by Alistair MacLean

The Valley of the Vines by Joy Packer

We Die Alone by David Howarth

Sara Dane by Catherine Gaskin

Requiem for a Wren by Neville Shute

Let's keep Christmas by Peter Marshall

A Man called Peter by Peter Marshall

Banner in the Sky by Jas. Ramsay Ullman

Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill

The Batfut Eagles by Gerald Durrell

Amberwell by D E Stevenson

The Dollmaker by Arnow

Doctor at Large by Richard Gordon

The Shiralee by D'Arcy Niland

Having just run the 2010 top issues report I have been very surprised to find that the top reads were by Nora Roberts.

The Bride Quartet series came out on top followed very closely by Three Fates.

Stieg Larsson was also right up there too.

Others were:

Cold Harbour by Jack Higgins

The Enemy by Lee Child

Double Cross by James Patterson

At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks

Gone North by Fiona Kidman

Shooting the Moon by V M Jones

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

And my top reads this year were also surprising because they are mainly NZ reads and I'm not known for my love of NZ books except the NF stuff published by the amazing Craig Potton.

However there were some great NZ reads that arrived on the scene this year especially:

Heir of Night by Helen Lowe.

A stunning 1st adult novel and a great fantasy read.

Bloodlines by Tania Roxborogh.

Book 2 of the Banquo's Son trilogy. Fantastic.

Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier. (NZ born).

Never met a book of hers I didn't love! I'm currently waiting on her new one Seer of Sevenwaters to arrive from Fishpond.

A Life on Gorge River by Richard Long.

Quite inspiring. Although I would have loved to have heard from his wife about the nitty gritty of bringing up their children in such a remote area.

Words Chosen Carefully: NZ writers in discussion.

A very revealing look into the NZ literary scene. Most enjoyable.

So that's it for 2010. We look forward to having you in the libraries in 2011.

Remember you can keep up with us on Twitter @chblibraries and on Facebook as Chblibraries

Merry Christmas to all

2010-12-22T09:27:00.005+13:00

The team at Central Hawke's Bay District Libraries - Sue, Karen, Rachel, Kylee, Miriam, Ngai, Sharon, Lee, Andy and the student librarians would like to thank all our community members for their support this year and we wish you happy and safe holidays.

It has been a big exciting year for us in CHB Libraries with the highlight being our new space in Waipawa. We love being in the refurbished library and from all the comments we have been receiving, so do you.

It is time now to stock up on your Christmas reading. Here is a list from Ngai of some good stuff for the holidays:

For the Fiction Quest/Mystery lovers try:

The Eden Legacy by Will Adams
The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry
Mozart's Ghost by Julia Cameron
The Poet Prince by Kathleen McGowan

For lovers of contemporary non fiction try:

A life in frocks by Kelly Doust
Dewey's nine lives:
The legacy of the small-town library cat who inspired millions by Vicki Myron & Bret Witter

General Non Fiction:

Tasman Trespasser II by Shaun Quincey
All Blacks Don't Cry by John Kirwan
Forever Today: A memoir of love & Amnesia by Deborah Wearing
Kahurangi Calling: stories from the backcountry of Northwest Nelson
by Gerard Hindmarsh

Crime Fiction:

Port Mortuary by Patricia Cornwell
The Bone House by Brian Freeman
Body Work by Sara Paretsky
Indulgence in Death by J D Robb

Fantasy Fiction:

Dragongirl by Todd McCaffrey
Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan
The first collected tales of Bauchelain & Korbal Broach by Steven Erikson

Science Fiction:

Guardians of Paradise by Jaine Fenn
The Evolutionary Void by Peter F. Hamilton
Zones of Thought: A fire upon the deep by Vernor Vinge

New Fiction:

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
Luka and the Fire of Life by Salman Rushdie
Blackout by Connie Willis
Rescue by Anita Shreve
The Small Hand by Susan Hill

Remember that we are closed on Saturday 25th December and reopen on Wednesday 29th December. We then close again on Saturday 1st January and reopen on Wednesday 5th January, 2011.

Read Plus is coming this Summer

2010-11-12T10:27:00.005+13:00

Read Plus is a Reading Programme for Tweens & Teens

The books you review must be from the Library.

When you have completed your first review bring your booklet to the library for a bonus.

When you read and review 3 books you get to choose a book to keep. (If you are reading a really long book this might count for more than one review.) You can earn 2 books in any one week, and up to 6 over the

Programme.

Check at your Library for the

Programme dates

Done 3 reviews? You can come to the Finale!!

Talk & Taste Wine in Central Hawke's Bay

2010-11-10T13:00:00.006+13:00

Thanks to Hachette New Zealand, Lime Rock Wines and Friends of the CHB District Libraries we will be hosting Author & Wine Expert Michael Cooper at Waipawa Library to talk about his book Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines (Hachette).
Come and join us on the 18th November @ 6pm for an evening of tasting and insider tips on the best new season's wines from the Hawke's Bay Region.
Michael will answer all your questions and introduce you to some of his favourite wines. He will also recommend the Best Buys of the 2011 vintage and guide you through tastings of some of his top reds and whites.
Tickets are available from Waipukurau & Waipawa Libraries

The Great Bush Read is here

2010-11-05T12:10:00.005+13:00

Summer holidays are almost upon us and once again CHB Libraries are pleased to host a Summer Reading Programme - The Big Bush Read. Te Panui Ngahere Nui. The programme is brought to you with the fantastic support of the Eastern and Central Community Trust.

Registrations open at Waipukurau and Waipawa Libraries on the 22nd November and Check In's start on the 6th December.
We will be giving you a sneak peek of The Big Bush Read at the CHB A & P Show on November the 13th. Come and talk to us at the CHB District Council tent. We will also be having a Bush Read competition going so bring your binoculars for spying out bush birds and animals!

Book Club Reviews

2010-10-21T12:53:00.005+13:00

Karen has been very busy with her bookclub lately and has passed on some great reviews which I will share with you below. Be warned though that anything that Sallie recommends that I haven't read yet I usually take out straight away. Can you beat me to it...?

AUTHOR: Helen Lowe

TITLE: The Heir of Night (Published by Orbit)

CATEGORY: Fantasy

The violence of an age-old war on a world far, far away means mercy is seen as weakness and conflict is a way of life.

Malian is the heir and only child of the Earl of Night, lord of the Keep of Winds, the last bastion between civilisation and the dreaded Swarm.

Expected to rule after her father, Malian is brought up in the strict traditions of her people, but when her hidden magic flares into life, to protect her and her home from utter destruction, she and her father are caught in a dilemma.

This is an exceptionally good fantasy, by New Zealand author Helen Lowe. A well-realised world and convincing characters kept me racing through the book – with a few back steps to check for vital points I’d missed – and some impatience that the second book is not already available!

Sallie recommends this:

A very good read for anyone who likes fantasy. Helen Lowe has a light touch, keeping the action going without exhausting her heroes or the reader, with everyone – reader included – discovering the intricacies of the plot and supporting characters as they go along.

‘A richly told tale’ says best selling fantasy author Robin Hobb…but Helen Lowe is better than Robin Hobb.

Check out Helen Lowes website here and get to reading and supporting our fantastic New Zealand authors

AUTHOR: Rachel Neumeier

TITLES: Lord of the Changing Winds & Land of the Burning Sands (Published by Orbit)

CATEGORY: Fantasy

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

The first two books of The Griffin Mage trilogy.

Griffins, huge and predatory creatures who live in fiery deserts, are invading neighbouring countries Feierabiand (in Lord of the Changing Winds) and Casmantium (in Land of the Burning Sands).

Griffins create their desert homes out of their own essence, converting farmlands and towns into habitats impossible for humans…but why are they leaving their northern home for human civilisation?

Terrific books. Always a joy to find a new author and Rachel Neumeier is a keeper. It takes a very competent writer to approach a subject from opposite sides in successive books, and she does this very well, without compromising the original ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ from the first book.

Sallie recommends this:

An excellent fantasy series which should appeal to any fantasy fan, from young adults upwards.

You should also check out Rachel's Neumeier's great website

Spotlight on Maeve Binchy

2010-10-14T15:30:00.004+13:00

The boss has just pulled the new Maeve Binchy book off the binding shelf and said she took it home over the weekend and remarked that it was just like visiting an old friend. In other words - She was very impressed.
The new book is called Minding Frankie (published by Orion Books)

Here's the blurb from Orion:

"Baby Frankie is born into an unusual family. Her mother is desperate to find someone to take care of her child and she doesn't have much time.

Noel doesn't seem to be the most promising of fathers but despite everything, he could well be Frankie's best hope.
As for Lisa, she is prepared to give up everything for the man she loves; surely he's going to love her back?

And Moira is having none of it. She knows what's right, and has the power to change the course of Frankie's life . . . but Moira is hiding secrets of her own.
MINDING FRANKIE is a story about unconventional families, relationships which aren't quite what they seem, and the child at the heart of everyone's lives . . ."

Sue says there is lovely interaction between characters and the relationships are beautifully written. Sounds like a great recommendation for a wet day read to me.

Don't forget we have a heap of other Maeve Binchy books. Whitethorn Woods is a particular favorite of mine as is Heart and Soul. Check out the catalogue for other titles.

So indulge in some 'me' time with the lovely Maeve Binchy. If you can't be in Ireland this is the next best thing

Spring into your garden

2010-10-08T14:09:00.007+13:00

I've been nabbing all the gardening books from the library lately as Clint continues the gardening move from our giant garden to a series of raised beds in front of the house. Fantastic to step out the kitchen door and be amongst the tomatoes, lettuce, mange touts and strawberries. Not to mention the tyres liberated from the local transfer station.

So in honour of all his hard work here are a few of the amazing books available from the library that have really helped our gardening odyssey:

Organic Vegetable Gardening by Annette McFarlane (HarperCollins 2010)
An Australian based book with some great advice. Annette McFarlane also has a great website with lots of info.

The small edible garden -growing organic fruit and vegetables at home by Diana Anthony (David Bateman 2008).
A New Zealand book which gives tips on planting, growing and caring for a wide variety of vegetable, herbs and fruit.

Organic vegetable gardening by Xanthe White (Godwit 2009)
Another New Zealand book that "takes readers by the hand and shows them how to transform their backyard bombsites to organic Gardens of Eden in just one year".

The Cook's Herb Garden Revisited by Mary Browne, Helen Leach & Nancy Tichborne (Craig Potton 2010)

This classic NZ book has been updated and is chock full of great stuff about how to grow, harvest and use herbs.

It goes hand in hand with another revised NZ classic:

The Cook's Salad Garden Revisited by the same author and also published by the wonderful Craig Potton Publishing
For cooks who garden and gardeners who cook.

And don't forget that the libraries hold copies of magazines like New Zealand Gardener and New Zealand Lifestyle Block as well as others like Home & Garden and Country Living.

So enjoy all this lovely Spring weather whilst we have it and take the kids, the books and go and enjoy your gardens.

Spotlight on William Horwood

2010-10-04T16:00:00.007+13:00

From the writing genius that produced the Duncton Wood Chronicles comes a new series - 'Hyddenworld'.
I have had the pleasure of reading the first book Spring and it is no doubt going to be the start of a gripping series.
From William Horwood's website:
"The beginning of an epic new, series Hyddenworld: Spring is a quest-story on a vast canvas, with a cast of unforgettable characters whose loves, fears and courage lead us on a journey of deep feeling and epic ideas to the very edges of the universe. Set in the world we know and the one we have forgotten, the journey begins here..."

The interplay between the human world and the hydden world and history and fantasy is beautifully written.
Hyddenworld will have 3 more books each named after the seasons and published one a year.
It will be a long wait for those who love well written fantasy.

Here is the official blurb:

Hyddenworld: Spring

At the heart of the series is the legend of Beornamund, 7th-century founder of ‘Brum’ or Birmingham as it became. He was a Mercian CraftLord, or maker of objects of great beauty and power. When his young lover Imbolc or Spring died he made a sphere of glass and metal, which he hurled in anger at the Gods. They broke it into a thousand pieces but could not destroy its power. Four of the fragments became gems each of which ‘stole’ something of the fires of the universe and earthly seasons.
Over the centuries these gems were lost to mortals. But it was said that when they are found and brought together again, Beornamund’s Sphere will be recreated and the fires of the dying Universe saved.
The story’s protagonists are humans and little people called Hydden who live in parallel but connected worlds. The Hydden lives and cities are intertwined with those of humans, who they can see but who cannot see them.
One day a Hydden called Jack, aged six, who is a ‘giant-born’ and as such is seen as threat to the Hyddenworld, is sent to live in the human world for his own survival. When he saves the life of Katherine, a human girl his own age, their futures become entangled with the quest for the first of the gems. So begins Hyddenworld: Spring and an extraordinary journey leads Jack and his Hydden and human friends to find all the gems and save a dying Universe.

You can reserve a copy at Waipukurau or Waipawa Libraries by going to the catalogue now

My visit to the Library!

2010-09-07T14:33:00.004+12:00

Hello! My name is Hannah and I am todays guest writer. I work part time at the Hasting Central Library, mainly processing the new items that come through, mending the old items that need some love and also taking my turn on the issues desk. I was lucky enough to take part in a "Swapportunity Day" being run beween the Libraries along the East Coast of the North Island so I have been spending the day down here in CHB. I spent 2 hours at the Waipawa Library this morning and I am now at the Waipukurau Library. Its been a lot of fun seeing how things are done in a smaller library than the one I work in, a lot of job-sharing etc which I found a nice change to the segregated sort of task specific roles in Hastings. Huge kudos to Karen for putting up with my aimless-ness. I didn't come with any direction in mind, I just wanted to see how it all worked and she was very patient. Explained all the systems and answered my questions so many thanks!

Generally speaking I split my time between Hastings and Takapau, and I have a little boy who keeps me very busy. Making time to read is important to me, so I tend to read when ever I get the chance-when I'm cooking, eating, walking round the house. If I could read while I was driving or walking my dog I would! At the moment I am reading Lynn Flewellings series 'Nightrunners' which I am finding very similar to David Eddings series 'The Belgariad' so if you like one you should try the other. While I wait for the next one in that series I am reading the Anita Blake series by Laurel K Hamilton (i'm a closet Twihard who's having withdrawal).. My all time favourite authors are Terry Pratchett and Bill Bryson, with *coughStephenieMeyercough* coming in a close third.

Its taken me a long time to write this small blurb so I suppose I had better go, thanks for having me!

Lots happening in September in Central Hawke's Bay

2010-08-25T12:27:00.004+12:00

Don’t Miss Out! Support your local events!

Wednesday 1st September

CHB Anglers Club. @ the Shooters Clubrooms, 7.30pm Winter, or 7pm daylight saving.
Marlborough St, Waipukurau .P: Debbie or Trevor 8566744. Learn tips and skills on how to catch that elusive trout.

Thursday 2nd – Sunday 5th September

CHB The Festival opens at Pukeora Estate. 10.am – 4pm. Free Shuttle buses available at the bottom of the hill. $7.50 entry fee per day or, $10.00 unlimited entry.
Traditional art, garden art, art workshops, art seminars, designer jewellery and more.
More than 90 fabulous stalls. Go to www.thefestival.org.nz

St Mary’s Clothing Sale. St Mary’s Church Hall, Waipukurau 8.30am-1pm

Friday 3rd September

CHB The Festival at Pukeora Estate. 10.am – 4pm. Free Shuttle buses available at the bottom of the
hill. $7.50 entry fee per day or, $10.00 unlimited entry.
The Warratahs at The Festival $65 p.p. Pukeora Estate, Waipukurau. Tickets are available from
the CHB Visitor Information Centre. P: 06 8586488
New Zealand’s fabulous nationally renowned band. Their music is known to most of us, so put on your dancing shoes, it promises to be a good night out...

Saturday 4th September

CHB The Festival at Pukeora Estate. 10.am – 4pm. Free Shuttle buses available at the bottom of the
hill. $7.50 entry fee per day or, $10.00 unlimited entry. The Big Red London Bus will transport visitors from town to the Festival for a small cost.
The Festival Market Day and the Great Ypuk Chilli Cook-Off. Ph 858 8986 for a stall.9am – 2pm.
Join in the fun down town - madness and mayhem where teams challenge your taste buds to select the best chilli dishes . Street stalls, bargains and entertainment abound so you can shop 'til you drop in Waipukurau's main street.
A London bus is available to shuttle folk from Waipukurau to The Festival at Pukeora Estate.
Otane Arts & Crafts Corner celebrate 40th Anniversary. 2.30pm.

Monday 6th September

CHB U3A St Peters Church Hall, Kenilworth St, Waipawa. $3.00 cover charge 1.30pm

Thursday 9th September

Inter Primary Schools Cross Country Event. (TBC)

Takapau WI Meeting. RSA Hall. Charlotte Street, Takapau 11am. P: 06 855 8148

VIP ( Visually Impaired People) meet @ Woburn Home, Holyrood Terrace, Waipukurau 1.30pm.
P: Clarice 06 858 9317

Sunday 12th - 19th September

Conservation Week ‘We Love You New Zealand’
DOC - No Ivy League Meet at Gwavas Garden Homestead (5740 SH 50) Sunday 12 September
Time: 9:30 am contact Kay Griffiths on 06 857 7291
Help to restore this grand old bit of lowland podocarp bush by pulling out small bits of ivy, an
opportunity to see Puahanui Bush, the renowned Gwavas garden and recently restored homestead.
Please bring your lunch and drink. Gloves will also be useful!

Monday 13th September

CHB Probus. St Mary’s Church Hall. Waipukurau 10.am. P: 06 858 9791 Guest speaker CHB Budget Services.

Tuesday 14th September

Waipawa WI Meeting at Waipawa Senior Citizen’s rooms Waverley St, Waipawa. 2.pm. P: 857 8835.

Thursday 16th September

Te Radar performing " Eating the Dog" CHB College Hall Tavistock Rd, Waipukurau 7.00pm
Tickets: $30 single, $50 double: available from Westpac Bank Waipukurau, Super Liquor Waipawa or Dallas Manning on 858 8386
This multi award-winning show will help raise money for Waipukurau Scouts to get to Jamboree!

Waipawa Senior Citizens meet at Club Rooms in Waverley Street 1.30pm. P: 06 857 8839

Friday 17thSeptember

Mainly Music. For children and toddlers at St John’s Hall Waipawa.9.30-10.30am. P: 06 857 8146
$2.00 per Family.

Saturday 18th September

Tramping 101 to Sunrise Hut Sunrise Hut, Central Hawke’s Bay 9:00 am – 4:00 pm To book,
contact DOC on (06) 834 3111
Have you ever been tempted to give tramping a go but aren’t sure if it’s for you? Join DOC Tramping 101 up to Sunrise Hut.

Waipukurau Herb & Garden Society. New members welcome. If you are interested in joining this group P: Marjory 06 858 8674 or Kay 06 858 8674

Waipukurau Arts & Crafts Exhibition (Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th), 5 Coughlan Road, 10am-
4pm.

St Joseph’s School Spring Second Hand Ball . Pukeora Estate, Pukeora Scenic Road, Waipukurau
8pm til Late. Tickets school office. 06 858 589221 $25.00 single, $40.00 double.
Dress up in anything fit for a wedding, eg; Bride, Groom, Flower Girl, Priest etc. Supper provided and bar facilities available.

Sunday 19th September
Carters Hatuma Half Marathon. It's count down to this fun annual sporting event around scenic Lake Hatuma.
Starts and finishes at the Waipukurau Racecourse. Registrations at 8am.. Patrice CHB Sport HB
P: 06 858 6523
Get off the couch and lace up your runners! Run it or walk it, but do it!
Entry Fee: $15 walker / runner $20 per team
Start Times: Walkers: 8.30 am Runners: 10.00 am Prizegiving:12.30pm

Waipukurau Arts & Crafts Exhibition (Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th), 5 Coughlan Road, 10am-
4pm.

Monday 20th September

CHB Primary Schools Rotary Speech Competitions. Waipukurau School 7.00pm.

Wednesday 22 September

CHB Business & Professional Women’s Club AGM 7.30pm Bowling Clubrooms, Harker Street,
Waipawa P: 06 855 4707.

Thursday 23 September

CHB Promotions Inc. Annual General Meeting Tavistock Hotel cnr Bar, Waipukurau. 5.30pm
P: 06 8586488 E mail: info@chb.co.nz
Everyone is invited to attend our Annual General Meeting. “Planning for the Future”.

CHB Brewers & Winemakers Meeting, Masonic Lodge Hall 7.30pm P: Ian 06 858 7190

Friday 24 September
School Term Three Ends

Saturday 25 September

Hawkes Bay Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Champs at Pukeora Hill MTB Park

Waipawa Lions Car Boot Sale. High Street. P: 06 857 5144
CHB Dirt Bike Riders Club Family Day. 10am-2pm. P: Tony 06 856 6606. Sausage sizzle and drinks available for purchase and loan bikes available.

Sunday 26th September

Daylight Saving Begins 2am –Spring forward 1 hour

Porangahau Spring Fair Chapelwick Coastal Estate 482 Hunter Rd, Porangahau,
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm Contact: Raewyn 06 855 5119 Website: www.chapelwick.co.nz
Arts, Crafts, Wine tasting, Food, Exhibitions, Fresh Produce, Music, Licensed Cafe, Devonshire Teas.
View Porangahau Station's historic chapel! Something for all the family.
The Spring Fair will held on the large flat area next to the Chapel and orchard. Reserve your stall.

CHB Country Music Club Monthly concert. 59 Ruataniwha St, Waipawa. 1.30pm.. P: Norm or Mary
06 8577858. $2.00 entry for members and $3.00 for non members
Great country music. Guest artist is to be announced. Afternoon tea & raffles available..
Tuesday 28th September

CHB Red Cross Branch Meeting at Waipukurau Club, Russell Street, Waipukurau. 9.30am P: 06 858 8731

Wow, September is going to be a busy month in Central Hawke's Bay. Remember that the libraries are open Monday-Friday & Saturday Mornings. Late nights are Thursdays.
We also have pre- school programme Rhyme Time running every week. Give us a ring on 06857 8123 for details

Library Week 2010

2010-08-20T15:38:00.005+12:00

Well that wraps up Library Week for another year.
"Ask Me - you might be surprised" was a great success. We had been a little worried after our Library Week article in the Local Newspaper said we knew everything.

But the trickiest question we were asked most was "Where is the newspaper today?".
It seems a few days there, our daily newspaper went walking!

New Zealand's Biggest Storytime was enjoyed by lots of under 5's on Wednesday at both Waipukurau and Waipawa Libraries and the book Mr Muggs The Library Cat by Dave Gunson was hugely enjoyed.

Thanks CHB. Let's do it again next year!

One staff book review & one author review

2010-07-22T16:15:00.004+12:00

A Loyal Spy by Simon Conway

This book is set mainly in the Middle East and the UK, and revolves around Jonah and his sort-of wife Miranda. The book moves between both of their viewpoints, and follows them as they foil a terrorist plot on London.

This was an interesting book. It's not a typical military-thriller book. The emphasis seemed to be on the characters rather than the action, which I found a little boring at the start but after I learnt a bit more about them it became a lot better. There was a bit of Al Qaeda history discussed which was quite interesting, as well as a sort of behind the scenes look at a spy's life.

The author, Simon Conway, served in the British Army, and then The Halo Trust where he cleared landmines.

I liked this book and will probably read it again. In my opinion it's one of those books that are better to read when you already know what will happen. If you like military themed books but without a lot of gore and with some interesting ideas then this is a good book for you.

This book is available at both the Waipawa and Waipukurau library.

James Rollins

I absolutely love James Rollins books. The first five books he wrote, (Subterranean, Excavation, Deep Fathom, Amazonia, and Ice Hunt), are quite bloody and slightly unbelievable at times, but if you can suspend a bit of belief then you'll enjoy them.

Neither the Waipawa or Waipukurau library have any of James Rollin's early books, but they are available to buy on the internet, and if you enjoyed any of his latest books I would recommend buying the earlier ones. I've done so and I've read them quite a few times since I got them. Not at night though because they can be a bit scary at times.

The Sigma Series is newer and is definitely a step up from the above books. It revolves around Sigma Force who are an elite arm of the U.S. Defense department. These books are just as bloody as his first books but are different in the way that they are often heavy on science, which confuses me sometimes but it also makes for a slightly educational read. These books are good to read again because they have so much detail so it's easy to miss things.

All the Sigma Force books are available to borrow from both branches of the library, and though it's not essential to read them in order, it does help.

Altar of Eden is the latest James Rollins' book and is a stand-alone novel that is written in the same vein as the Sigma Force novels, just with a U.S. Border Patrol agent as the main character rather than a U.S. Defence Department agent as one.
It was quite a good read and as most of his books are, was educational as well.

If you like James Rollins then I would definitely recommend Matthew Reilly , who is one of my favourite authors.

Ana. :)

Waipawa Library is back, bigger and better

2010-07-15T16:19:00.013+12:00

First weeks back in the new renovated Waipawa Library and the staff are still wandering around:

A. Looking for stuff we stored whilst we were renovating
B. Marvelling at the new beautiful fittings
C. Just generally enjoying our new space.

Personally as the IT librarian I spend most of my time admiring the new Comms Cabinet. (I know, I'm a sorry sad individual). But honestly take a look at these before and after pictures.

I call this sequence- From Triffid to Terrific

And for the interested here are some more pics of the whole renovation.

You can check out some others on our Flickr photostream

Exciting Times Ahead

2010-06-21T11:49:00.002+12:00

Central Hawke's Bay District Libraries Update:

Waipawa Library will close its temporary premises on Monday the 28th June, 2010 to allow for the move into the NEW (refurbished) premises.

ALL GOING TO PLAN THE WAIPAWA LIBRARY WILL REPOPEN MONDAY 5TH JULY

We will look forward to seeing lots of you come to check out the new improved library. We have to tell you the space is coming together beautifully and is looking quite a picture.

OTHER NEWS:

Both the Waipawa and Waipukurau Libraries are going to trial a late night closing on Thursdays. We will close at 6pm instead of 5pm starting in July. This will only become permanent if our patrons take the opportunity to come in. So instead of rushing home on Thursdays you can take your time and come on in and browse for that special book and then go grab takeaways and head home for a great night of food and reading.

July Holiday Programme

2010-06-21T11:40:00.002+12:00

It is almost school holiday time again and along with running the Winter Warmers Programme we will have some fun craft sessions scheduled and also storyteller Tanya Batt will be joining us.

Here is the timetable of events:

WAIPUKURAU LIBRARY

7th July 2pm -3pm Window Lights

9th July 10.30am -11.30am Straw Danglers

13th July 3.30pm -4.30pm Storyteller Tanya Batt visits

WAIPAWA LIBRARY

6th July 2pm -3pm Window Lights

8th July 10.30am -11.30am Straw Danglers

14th July 10.30am -11.30am Storyteller Tanya Batt visits

We look forward to seeing you at the new Waipawa Library. You will be able to relax and enjoy our craft sessions and Storyteller Tanya Batt in our new Children's section.

Non-fiction Book Reviews

2010-05-20T10:15:00.008+12:00

Hi there from the newest member of the team at CHB Libraries. My name is Andy Lyver and my favourite genre as a reader is non-fiction.

The Fight for Fordhall Farm by Ben and Charlotte Hollins (published by Hodder & Stoughton) is an English rural story. After their father died, Ben and Charlotte resisted the landlord's attempts to evict the family from the farm. This is the inspiring story of two young people who raised hundreds of thousands of pounds against great odds to enable them to continue the family tradition of organic farming.

Hell West and Crooked by Tom Cole (published by Ulverscroft Large Print) is an autobiography of a man who was born in 1906 and left home in London at 17 to emigrate to Australia. With no experience, he went to work in the outback where life was hard and the rewards were few and far between. This is the vivid account of a life lived at pace with many scrapes and misadventures, told with clarity and dry humour.

NZ Post Children's Book Awards

2010-05-11T12:33:00.005+12:00

Central Hawke's Bay Festival Programme until 19th May

May 11th
Author Des Hunt is visiting Pukehou School for an author's talk. In the afternoon he will be in Southern Hawke's Bay at Dannevirke Library (1.50pm). Be prepared for some great fun and some surprises

May 12th Childrens Librarian Kylee will be visiting Argyll School at 10am to read Piggity-Wiggity-Jig & do the Wonky Donkey Dance.

May 12th
Sharon will be hosting a special NZ Post Book Awards Rhyme Time session at Waipukurau Branch at 10.30am. Come along for some great fun and games.

May 12th
Kylee will be visiting Waipawa Kindergarten at 1.30pm for some jigging and dancing and possibly even some great story reading.

May 13th
Kylee will be visiting Waipukurau Primary School at 11am to read E3 and do the Wonky Donkey dance.

May 14th
Kylee will be hosting a special NZ Post Book Awards Rhyme Time session at Waipawa Library. Bring all the children and come celebrate NZ Post Book Awards Week.

May 14th
Kylee will be visiting Waipawa Primary School to read E3 and do the Wonky Donkey Dance. Check with the school for times.

May 17th
Today Kylee wil be visiting Hunter Park Kindergarten at 12pm

May 17th
Kylee's road trip continues with a visit to Tikokino Primary School at 1.40pm

May 18th
Last stop on the NZ Post Children's Book Awards tour is Omakere Primary School at 1.40pm

So a very busy week for Kylee and Sharon. They have some fun stuff planned so come along and help us celebrate NZ Post Children's Book Awards. You can also check out the finalists in the book awards here

Update from the Sunshine Coast

2010-04-16T16:26:00.004+12:00

So how are you all back in CHB. I'm living it up large on a sunny Noosa beach catching up on lots of reading. Thought I'd let you know about a couple of great books which will make great holiday reading for any of you lucky enough to still be on holiday or are heading off.

Christian Jacq's Tutankhamun The last secret (published by Simon & Schuster) is a great read for all you lovers of Da Vinci Code type books. It doesn't have all the twists and turns of a Dan Brown novel but is still a great read for a sunny afternoon beside the pool. Or if you are in New Zealand tucked up in bed.

Traci Harding's Being of the Field (Triad of Being Book One) (published by HarperVoyager) is a really good read. Almost a new genre. Science Fiction/Fantasy meets Chicklit. A little bit of Quantam theory, a little bit of mysticism, a little bit of romance and you have what is the first in a great series. I haven't come across a Traci Harding book I don't like so give this one a try.

Here's a little blurb about it:

The power to control the driving force of the universe has finally come to light.

At the university on Malaldaan, Taren has studied everything from genetics and cell communication to Quantum Physics, Astrophysics and ESP. She believes there is an ocean of microscopic vibrations connecting everything in the universe to every other universe - an inter dimensional field theory.

Unbeknownst to Taren, however, her research and psychic talents are being noticed.

So it's back to the pool for me with my next book Edward's Rutherford's New York....This one could take awhile:-)

What has Kylee got planned this holidays?

2010-04-06T12:52:00.003+12:00

As I type this I can hear Kylee's first school holiday session starting upstairs. Twenty excited Scallywags children are having what sounds to be a lot of fun making balloon men. In case you didn't make it today Kylee will be doing the same at Waipawa Library tomorrow at 10.30am.

Here is the rest of the holiday schedule:

Waipukurau Library 8th April 10.3am-11.30am - Mosaic craft
Waipukurau Library 13th April 2pm-3pm - Leaf puppets
Waipukurau Library 15th April 10.30am-11.30am Mosaic craft

Waipawa Library 7th April 10.30am-11.30am Balloon people
Waipawa Library 9th April 2pm-3pm Mosaic craft
Waipawa Library 14th April 10.30am-11.30am Leaf puppets
Waipawa Library 16th April 2pm-3pm Mosaic craft

Conspiracy 365

2010-03-30T15:04:00.004+13:00

Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 365 days. The countdown has begun

On New Years Eve Cal is chased down the street by a staggering sick man with a deadly warning:
"They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days."

Thus the phenomenon that is Conspiracy 365 began. Twelve books over twelve months written by Gabrielle Lord.
The libraries now have January, February and March in stock and we are a week away from having April. These are great reads for ages 10-15.

You can also check the website and become a Conspiracy 365 member where you can enter competitions and have sneak peaks at what is coming up.

http://www.conspiracy365.com/index.php