Rodney Libraries

Lest we Forget

2009-11-11T09:05:00.003+13:00

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month marks the moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front in 1918. Armistice (or Remembrance) Day marks commemoration of the end of the Great War, and when many vowed that such an event would never happen again in their lifetimes.

The fact that we now call the War from 1914 to 1918 the First World War, means that the hopes of those men and women were in vain. And today hostilities still occur around the world, although thankfully not on the same scale.

I am a huge believer in history teaching us very important lessons and one of those is that we should learn from our mistakes. For whatever reason, some of us are poor learners. So it is vital that we all actually take a moment on days like these to remember the events and losses suffered in our past and make a new pledge for peace.

There are many ways that this can be done. Include a trip to your local Rodney Library where you can not ony find literature, pictures and DVD's that will bring the history to life, but in the case of the Warkworth Library can also view the Memorial Boards of the local men who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Here are some Rodney Library catalogue links to help you. Just click on the different terms:

Armistice Day

World War One (a list of subject headings including both adult and children)

World War Two

World War One Children's Fiction

Anzac Day (our own special Remembrance Day)

And here are links through to the RSA website and the NZ History website giving information about Armistice Day.

Berlin Wall

2009-11-10T09:01:00.002+13:00

This year is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. On television, on the night of 9 November 1989, an East German government spokesman announced that East German citizens would be allowed into West Germany via the border crossings effective immediately. He didn't realise that it wasn't supposed to come into effect until the next morning. Neither did the crowds of people who flocked across the border. That was the popular start of the German reunification process. This year there is a special celebration ceremony in Berlin commemorating that occasion.

Claudia Lux, the Director General Central and Regional Library of Berlin, was in New Zealand for the national library conference this year. She told several tales of what it was like during that time. One was about library staff in East Germany who volunteered to stay in their library on the first day. Noone came to visit them. By contrast the lines for the librayr in West Germany were very long. Some of the people were carrying books which they had taken out from the library before the borders closed (over 25 years previously). They had carefully looked after them and were now returning the books to the correct branch.

There are a few items in Rodney Libraries about the Berlin Wall which is a good place to start if you want to know more about this fascinting era of German history. Alternatively you could go along to Novemberkinder the German Film Festival New Zealand put on by the Goethe Institue. The Auckland dates are 11-18 November.

Mo-vember

2009-11-09T08:00:00.003+13:00

Ah, November. The weather starts to settle down. Baby birds and moustaches come out to play. Moustaches...? You may not have ever heard about Movember but surely you've seen the increase in facial hair about the place during spring? It's all for a good cause.

This year there are two causes being highlighted - prostate cancer and depression in men. Funds raised will be split equally between The Cancer Society and The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

There are rules
1. Once registered each Mo Bro must start November 1st with a clean shaven face.
2. Then, for the entire month of Movember each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache according to these rules:
• There is to be no joining the Mo to the side burns – that’s a beard. There are no beards.
• There is to be no joining of the handlebars on the chin – that’s a goatee.
• A small complimentary growth under the bottom lip, aka a tickler, is allowed.

There are donations – either to an individual or to a team.

There’s even a style guide!

It's not all beer and skittles however. There is a serious side.

"As an organisation, we have a goal to change the attitudes men hold towards their health. The moustache is the symbol by which we generate the necessary awareness and funds in order to be able to achieve this ambition. It is a simple and effective way to reach our number one objective – awareness – as during Movember, each Mo Bro effectively becomes a walking billboard promoting men’s health. "

Echoes, kilts and stones

2009-11-06T10:10:00.003+13:00

Those in the know will immediately realise I am talking "Gabaldon speak" (a new term I think I just invented). To those who aren't quite sure where I am going with this - last night a couple of Warkworth Librarians went down to listen to Diana Gabaldon who is author of the Cross Stitch (also known as the Outlander) series of novels.

Diana Gabaldon is an extremely clever woman, and not just because she has written one of the most popular series in Rodney Libraries. Dr Gabaldon has three degrees in Zoology, Marine Biology, and Quantitative Behavioral Ecology, worked as university professor for over 10 years and has written several textbooks. If you have ever read a Scrooge McDuck comic book, you may have also been reading her words as she has written many scripts for Walt Disney.

It is fabulous to actually listen to an author and get an insight into how the stories came about. For instance, Jamie was inspired by a kilt clad character in an early Dr Who episode (the second Doctor - Patrick Troughton). Claire was not initially a modern woman, but when she wouldn't stop giving "smart-arse" answers, Diana decided that was who she was, so it is all Claire's fault that there is time-travel in the books. She was adamant that Jamie will NOT visit the future and is surprised herself that quite often she will write in characters and happenings that her research later reveals to be true.

A common question Diana is asked is "How do you manage to do it all?" This was especially true with the first novel because at the time she was working full time as University Professor, writing scientific books and articles, was a wife and a mother to three young children. Diana quips that she "didn't sleep and didn't do housework" (and she adds, she still doesn't do housework). Sleeping is also something that she doesn't appear to do a lot of as she often does a lot of her writing between midnight and 4am. She uses a lot of visualisation to retain ideas and revealed that, to a large extent, these characters have a life of their own, taking place in a paddock next to her - sometimes she can see and hear them clearly, while at other times they are more opaque. Her husband critiques her work and she credits him with a very good literary instinct.

Many people have commented that Diana's science background and her novels are strange bedmates, but she believe art and science are simply two sides to the same coin. Both include an hypothesis and the ability "to perceive patterns from chaos". The scientist will carry out experiments to test the hypothesis whereas the artist/writer will use their imagination to create a world to prove it to the public.

We can expect much more from Diana's pen with another Lord John novel and a graphic novel which is a prequel to Cross Stitch, which are both due out next year. There is also a second non-fiction compendium for the last three books in the Jamie and Claire series due out, a contemporary crime novel in the pipeline and she confirms that Jamie and Claire will be back.

New Zealand has the highest per capita sales of Diana's books (and An Echo in the Bone has just knocked Dan Brown's latest off the Kiwi best seller lists). However Germany is the real star in her market as they seem to have adopted Jamie and Claire as one of their own.

To gain more insight into Diana Gabaldon and her works, visit her website. To search the holdings we have for her in our catalogue, click on this link for Diana Gabaldon. The latest book in the Cross Stitch series is An Echo in the Bone.

image courtesy of Hachette NZ website

Rodney Writes 2010 - Your Story

2009-11-06T08:25:00.002+13:00

The Rodney Writes writing competition 2010 is open for entries. The organising committee were struggling to come up with a theme until they realised that this might be the last year the competition is run as the *Rodney* Writes competition - then it was easy.

The theme is "Your Story". You can write a short story up to 2,500 words on any topic of your choice. Write to inspire, provoke, excite or entice your reader.

An entry form can be picked up from any of the Rodney Libraries or it's available here in PDF.

There are three categories:

Premier Award: 1st prize $1000, runner up $500

Open only to entrants who have had creative writing published or broadcast for payment previously.

Novice Award: 1st prize $500, runner up $200

Open only to entrants who have not had creative writing published or broadcast for payment previously.

Young Writers Award: 1st prize $500, runner up $200

Open only to entrants under the age of 18 as at 1 January 2010.

Important dates:

Entries open - now!
Closing date: 5 March 2010

Awards evening: 5 May 2010

Silence! Exams in Progress

2009-11-05T11:57:00.004+13:00

Only 11 days until NCEA exams start for the multitude of students around New Zealand. Rodney Libraries are keen to support our local teenagers as they get ready to sit their examinations and there are several ways we can do this.

1. We have just added to our collection a wide range of NCEA Study Guides which are available for issue. If you can't see them displayed at your local Rodney Library, ask one of the librarians where they are. Across Rodney we have tried to cover as wide a subject range as possible, so if you can't see the one you want on the shelf, either search the library catalogue (keyword or subject search for "study guide"), or ask at the Help Desk.

2. There are also a lot of very good websites specificially designed for New Zealand NCEA students. One of the best for maths, science and English is Studyit. This also has an exam timetable and Q & A section. The ManyAnswers section of the Many Questions website is also helpful as is the NZQA website which also contains the rules applicable when setting the exam.

3. At this time of the year we strive to provide a quiet study place for students. This is not always possible with other activities happening in the library, but we do our best and we ask that both everyone using the library, respect other patrons. This applies equally to students who are using the space for study and other people who are in the library being considerate of the students.

Good luck on the exams everyone.

Maria Gill, Eco-ranger

2009-11-04T08:00:00.001+13:00

Today at 11am author Maria Gill (a Rodney Libraries fav) and illustrator Vivienne Lingard will be launching their new book "Eco-rangers save the planet : earth-friendly missions for green Kiwis" at the Warkworth Masonic hall. Invitations have gone to local schools from the Library and some of our local library team will be there.

From the first post on her eco-rangernz blog set up for the book you can tell Maria cares about the environment. "In the book I've got loads of ideas of what you can do to help the environment. From saving water, reducing waste, caring for our wildlife, buying wise, turning your school and home into a sustainable place, to being energy conscious. But that's not all; I also look at global issues and how it affects you. The book also tells positive stories about what people your age, adults and schools are doing to make a difference - there are some very inspiring stories.This blog is a place for you to tell me and everyone else what you are doing to save the planet - I can't wait to hear your story... "

Aimed at ages 9+ there's a competition on her website. "Draw a logo or picture and write a catch phrase for 'Save the Planet'" Entries close 15 November.

Tuesday's Child is full of Grace

2009-11-03T09:00:00.003+13:00

First of all - a big Hi to all the students at Huapai District School today who are receiving a visit from Kumeu Librarian Tina Collins (and I think she will be back talking to some of the other classes on Thursday as well). Have a fantastic day all.

It's Tuesday, which is just one reason for the title of today's blog post. But that's not the only reason. It's also because it ties in nicely with a children's book I finished last night.

Grace by Morris Gleitzman, tells the story of... Grace and her family. Imagine if you lived in a family where everything you did was controlled. You couldn't eat any food bought in shops, unless you microwaved it first (including icecream). If you were a girl, you had to grow your hair long and you weren't allowed to cut it (only the split ends). And speed limits don't apply to you as you have already been saved (although stopping at a red light is still a good idea).

Grace is struggling, because although she loves God, the rules she is being asked to obey seem to be more those of the Elders. And she doesn't think she is a sinner, although the Church does. When her father is expelled and the family is broken up, Grace fights to keep them together.

This is an extremely well written book, and the author has managed to get into the head of his main character, telling the story through her eyes and thoughts. It is definitely a Rodney Library recommended read.

Morris Gleitzman is a popular Australian author who tackles both topical and historical issues with a mix of humour and sensitivity.

Who do you fancy in the Melbourne Cup?

2009-11-03T08:00:00.001+13:00

It's not only Australians who are fans of the Melbourne Cup. As this article from New Zealand History Online says "One of the reasons the Melbourne Cup has become such an ingrained part of New Zealand culture is the great success our horses have enjoyed in the race. Since its inception in 1861, 41 New Zealand-bred horses have won..." One of these horses was Phar Lap.

The book "Melbourne Cup, 1930 : how Phar Lap won Australia's greatest race" by Geoff Armstrong and Peter Thompson tells "The story of four days in November that became at the same time the most famous and infamous in Cup history. It began with a gunman, like something out of a Chicago gangster movie, apparently trying to kill Phar Lap on a quiet suburban street."

Personally I don't know much about racing or horses and have only been to two race events in my entire life...but I know about the Melbourne Cup. I'm not sure whether it's the racing or the fashion that makes the first Tuesday in November so memorable. First run in 1861 the current race is a 3.2km handicap-horse race. Theoretically the combined weight of each jockey, horse and gear is adjusted to a nominated weight although there seems to be a complicated formula depending on the age and experience of each horse (as explained in this Wikipedia article and this one from Australia's Cultural Portal.)

One of my favourite things to have a look at in recent years has been the live webcam at Flemington. Obviously it slows right down about race time but I like to check in during the day to see what else is going on.

Have you picked or been given your horse yet? Do you fancy your chances?

Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum offers free entry to Auckland Region residents

2009-11-02T08:07:00.002+13:00

New Zealand’s national maritime museum has a new name, new brand, and a new approach to telling stories of maritime adventure and discovery. From today, Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum will take on its new identity, complete with a new logo, new signage, and a ‘black out’ of its downtown Auckland waterfront buildings.
To celebrate the occasion, CEO Paul Evans says Voyager will be free of charge to all residents of the Auckland Region from 7-22 November.
“Voyager invites all Auckland Region residents to come along and discover the explorative spirit of New Zealand as a seafaring nation,” says Mr Evans.
Mr Evans says Voyager has been chosen as the new name because so much of our New Zealand’s creation as a nation is founded on pioneering voyages of exploration, discovery, courage and imagination.
While most people will immediately notice the new name and logo, Mr Evans says the changes also signal a new approach for the way in which Voyager presents New Zealand’s maritime heritage.
“We’ll be taking a more engaging and interactive approach to telling stories of driving ambition, daring feats and human achievement. Visitors will hear the roar and feel the salt spray as they experience history through the eyes of great New Zealand voyagers.”
Visitors only need to bring along proof of address to see Voyager’s galleries for free. Additionally, for a small charge visitors can climb aboard one of Voyager’s heritage vessels and explore the sparkling Waitemata Harbour in a fun and interactive sailing experience. The new museum shop will also stock a great new range of modern and stylish merchandise.
Please note: free entry does not include heritage vessel sailings or education groups.

A Great Recipe

2009-10-31T11:08:00.003+13:00

I have been meaning to write this post since the start of New Zealand Book Month, but somehow there was never enough time to do it justice. Which is why I find myself on the last day of October, at work on a lovely clear (but crisp) Saturday morning, but determined to find the time to write about the one Kiwi type of book (well one of the types of Kiwi books) that tumbles from my cupboards and book shelves.

My name is Kowhai Reader and I am a ... Recipe Book Junkie. I have recipe books, both new and old, secondhand, handed down, clean and in most cases somewhat food soiled. Working in a library has meant that I am able to restrict my purchasing somewhat. And I do also have to admit that while I love the books, I am less likely to be found toiling over the stove and oven trying out the recipes. From experience, there was always one ingredient that I didn't have in the pantry when the urge to cook or bake came upon me.

Which is one of the reasons why Kiwi Cook Books are best. I am far more likely to have the ingredients when I open a Kiwi recipe book, than any of the international ones. Here are a few of my favourites.

I was expounding to my mother the fantastic new recipe book that had just come into the library, when she went to her recipe draw and pulled out a very battered and stained little blue cookbook that I remembered from my childhood. Recipes from the Heartland from the CWI was simply a refresh and reprint of one of my favourite when growing up and learning how to bake. It had the Never Fail Toffee recipe in it that never failed me as a kid (but went badly wrong the first time I tried it as an adult).

Of course the Edmonds cookbook was a staple in most homes. I have three now. My grandmother's, my own which Mum gave me when I left home and a microwave version. If you get out the latest one and compare it with my grandmothers, it makes fantastic (and nostalgic) reading. Which is one of the reasons that the Edmonds Classics edition is one of the most popular in the library.

Names such as Alison Holst, Alison Gofton, Sophie Gray, Jo Seager, Aunt Daisy, Julie Le Clerc, Lauraine Jacobs, Peta Mathias, Garth Hokianga and Richard Till are all represented, as well as many others. We have at least 173 different Kiwi Cookbooks in the library (and several copies of most of them). Just do a subject search for Cookery New Zealand to find the list.

New Zealand Book Month Wraps Up

2009-10-30T15:18:00.007+13:00

NZ Book Month at Warkworth Library with Gail Dallimore (Warkworth Library), Sharleen Greer (Village Bookshop), guest speaker Lauraine Jacobs and Darrell Soljan (Ascension Vineyard)

NZ Book Month at Kumeu Library with artist Gaylene Earl and helpers who created two works of art based on cutting and pasting from materials supplied by the Library.

New Zealand Book Month is wrapping up at Rodney Libraries and a Kiwi book that I have been thinking for some time I should read has finally arrived on my desk. What Remains Behind by Dorothy Fowler is based around the Kaipara Harbour, so it will be interesting to see if I can recognise any landmarks.

Have a good weekend everyone.

The October Story

2009-10-29T08:01:00.001+13:00

This was NZ Book Month's 'social experiment' on Facebook. The October Story was a community written short story with anonymous contributors writing the next installment.

From the Facebook description...

"This is what it entails: you read the last note posted and submit your paragraph to continue the story by SENDING A MESSAGE to 'The October Story' the best submission for that period (a.m. and p.m. daily) will be posted from the 'trail' of that paragraph, we'll ask for submissions to follow on…thus making a NZ Book Month 'story' for October 2009."

The October Story so far... (to 14 October) is on the NZ Book Month website. It's been left at a very interesting point - I hope someone finishes it before the month is out!

Halloween Party at Warkworth Library

2009-10-28T17:15:00.004+13:00

Celebrate Halloween with a special storytime at Warkworth Library on Friday 30th October at 6.00pm.

This is dress up time for the WHOLE family for scary stories (but not too scary) plus songs and games. It will be lots of fun so bring a mug (for your milo) and a cushion (unless you don't mind sitting on the floor) to the Great 2009 Halloween Storytime with the Wicked Witches of the Warkworth Library.

PS And to all the students from Warkworth Primary School who came to see me today and wanted scarier stories - come along on Friday and see if you can scare me.

PPS There will be cake and biscuits

Final chance to take part in the 100!

2009-10-28T08:00:00.000+13:00

The final session with local artist Gaylene Earl is on at Kumeu Library today.

Wednesday 28 October 10am - 12pm

Gaylene has been involving the community in developing two art works to be displayed in the library. Adults and children are welcome to attend and all of the artistic materials needed to develop the art works will be available at the library. She's been using withdrawn library books which are damaged, have multiple pages missing or are very old.

The art works have been inspired by works by New Zealand artists Don Binney and Ani O’Neill, which are featured in “Contemporary New Zealand Art Four".

ASB Wordbank competition for New Zealand Book Month

2009-10-27T08:48:00.002+13:00

Building the country’s first and largest Wordbank was an exciting challenge for staff at ASB, and with children dropping off their entries at branches all over the country, the bank is bulging with new currency: words.

Words are the newest form of collateral this October - New Zealand Book Month, and kids are proving that they know what our words are worth. Five to thirteen year olds have been asked to write a letter to their favourite Kiwi author, telling them why they love their books and stories, and then post or drop their words – in letter form – into their nearest ASB branch.

With less than a week to go, the inaugural ASB Wordbank competition is proving popular with Kiwi kids. And so too are the prizes – behind the scenes visits to Auckland Zoo and Shortland Street, rides in a Hot Rod, books and more. Communities get the chance to win big too as ASB branches with the most entries can select a school or library to receive books and author visits.

Authors are also getting excited about what Kiwi kids have to say. Fifi Colston, children’s author, illustrator and TV presenter says, “Feedback from kids about my books is fertiliser for my creativitree. It helps me grow, thrive, blossom and produce that delectable fruit called 'story'.” And this year’s children’s choice award winner Melinda Szymanik notes, “Hearing from people who’ve read your books is the best gift a reader can give an author. We love knowing what you think and finding out whether the things we enjoyed writing the most are the things you’ve enjoyed reading the most.”

Director of NZ Book Month Michele Powles is animated about the competition. “Kids genuinely want to let authors know what they thought of their stories, and for authors it’s the best feedback possible. It’s fantastic to be partnering with a company like ASB who has such a strong profile in local schools and communities, so that we can get national reach with this promotion.”

The ASB Wordbanks close at 4pm on Friday the 30th of October. For entry forms and further information go to http://www.nzbookmonth.co.nz/ or pop into any local ASB branch.

Weekend Snippets

2009-10-23T16:32:00.002+13:00

The end of a busy week and State Highway One has been busy through Warkworth from first thing this morning as people make their escapes from the city on the first long weekend of the spring/summer season. If you are out on the road - be careful out there.

If you haven't already got your reading, music or DVD's for the holiday weekend, all Rodney Libraries are open on Saturday (all slightly different hours so check our website for details - just click on your local library on the map for information).

In the meantime, here are a few snippets from the book world to finish off the week.

Visit the Stuff.co.nz "Books" page to get information on Nick Hornby's latest novel (his first in four years) Juliet, naked and Ozzy Osbourne's biography called I am Ozzy. Several copies of both have already been ordered for Rodney Libraries so watch out for these and ask at your library if you would like to request them.

Check out one of our favourite Kiwi website's Beatties Book Blog for all the up to date national and international news and views in the world of publishing, books and authors. There will be an excerpt in the Sunday Star Times this week of Rachel King's novel Magpie Hall, so that will be worth checking out.

If you are a science fiction, fantasy, graphic novel or pop culture fan, then you will probably already know that the Armageddon Expo is on in Auckland this weekend at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane. If you can bear to brave the roads this weekend, it certainly sounds like it is worth a visit.

For information on events around Rodney District over the weekend and through to November check out the Rodney District Council website

Have an awesome weekend everyone.

Have you read a Kiwi Book yet this month?

2009-10-22T15:56:00.003+13:00

I have scanned a couple but Michelle Holman's new kiwi chick lit title Knotted dropped onto my desk today. It will be top of the pile for Labour Weekend reading as I so enjoyed her laugh a minute Bonkers and Divine. That means there should be a review on this site early next week.

It doesn't have to be a new release (although there are plenty of new Kiwi titles launched this month for New Zealand Book Month). Do a subject search for New Zealand fiction and have a forage through 20th and 21st Century entries - almost 800 of them, not including the children's fiction and picture books (over 900 titles).

And I haven't even touched on our biographies or some of the fabulous non-fiction on our shelves. Someone mentioned to me last weekend that they had just read Willie Apiata VC - A Reluctant Hero and thought it was the most awesome book they had read for ages. There are several copies on the shelf at the moment so grab one for the weekend.

I'm late... I'm late...

2009-10-21T17:06:00.004+13:00

It's past closing time and today's Blog entry is only now being written.

Which means that today's subject of time management and personal efficiency is very appropriate. Despite being an advocate of such lofty goals, unfortunately I have to reveal that there is no magic pill that will suddenly clear your desk (and email inbox), organise your calendar and prioritise your tasks (and no magic wand either). This is something that simply requires you to put decide to do it, set some time aside and get stuck in. Then once you are clear, set up a system AND STICK TO IT!.

While we have no magic pills or wands in the library, we do have a wide range of books on our shelves with lots of helpful suggestions. Not all of them will work for you, but the ones that do will make a difference. Try a subject search for time management to find titles such as New Leaf New Life or Eat that Frog! (21 ways to stop procrastinating). In keeping with the New Zealand Book Month theme, have a look at the titles from Kiwi author Robyn Pearce. Robyn also has a website which is worth a visit http://www.gettingagrip.com/#

Most books on this subject are on our non-fiction shelves under Call Number 650.1. I'm off to take some of my own advice and see if I can make a dent in the pile of paper on my desk. Until tomorrow...

Children's literature auction

2009-10-20T10:53:00.005+13:00

If you have always wanted to own some original artwork from a Kiwi illustrator, have lunch or go horseriding with a New Zealand author, or even own a shawl created by one, then you should check out the Storylines Charity Auction.

This is the second time that run a fundraising auction has been run by the Storylines Children's Literature Charitable Trust. A wide range of authors, illustrators, Kiwi identities and organisations have got behind the auction such as the Auckland Zoo (go behind the scenes with the keepers and meet the monkeys), Weta Workshop (have lunch with Richard Taylor and Martin Baynton - creators of the WotWots), the Scary Washing Machine Man (aka Mike Whittaker) and courtesy of a range of Publishers, the back catalogue of Margaret Mahy from 1986 to today.

To bid on any of the lots you need to register at the Storylines Auction website. There are 39 items and experiences that you can bid on and funds are going to a very worthy cause (of course I would say that).

NZ Book Month at Rodney Libraries

2009-10-19T09:38:00.003+13:00

This is the week when New Zealand Book Month REALLY comes to Rodney Libraries. There are several events around the district so here is a quick run down.

Orewa Library

Wednesday 21 October at 2pm hear Michael Irwin speak at the Orewa Library. Michael is the author of Educating Boys which is called a "practical handbook" on "what's working and what is not" based on research, experience and lengthy discussions with the boys themselves.

Kumeu Library

Local artist Gaylene Earl will once again be at the Kumeu Library this week, looking for up to 100 local people to help to create a couple of pieces of art using old and withdrawn library books, which can then be displayed in the library. She will be at the library on Wednesday 21 October from 10am to 12 noon and again on Thursday 22 October from 3pm to 5pm.

The Kumeu Book Club also meets this week on Thursday 22 October at 7pm. The book for this month is Leaving Home by Anita Brookner and the November title is Adam Bede by George Eliot.

Warkworth Library

Cuisine magazine Editor and author Lauraine Jacobs can be found at two events in north Rodney on Friday 23rd October, so why not kick off your long weekend in style. She will be hosting a High Tea at Brookview Teahouse in Matakana at 10.30am. Later the same day you can indulge in a glass of wine and listen to Lauraine speaking at the old Masonic Hall (next to the Library) in Warkworth at 6pm. She is promoting her new book A Treasury of New Zealand Baking.

For more details phone your local library.

Minidigitastic*

2009-10-16T07:12:00.000+13:00

They can be held in the palm of your hand, but contain thousands of words. They come in a wide range of subjects. They are highly miniature and digital and are capable of providing an extraordinary audiobook that is small in size and easy to use. And they are now at Rodney Libraries.

Playaway Audio Books are a new type of audio (or talking) book for Rodney Library patrons. Instead of battling the bulk of tapes, or having the hassle of returning the audio book with one CD still in your player at home, Playaways come in a single small unit AND batteries are provided. All you need to do is plug in some earphones and you are away. The earphones are not provided with the units so you can either use your own (my cheap radio ones work fine) or you can buy a set from us for only $2.00.

All the popular authors are represented, with a mix of both fiction and some non-fiction. These include Maeve Binchy, Bill Bryson, Alexander Kent, Sarah Waters and Jeffery Deaver. There is also a smattering of classics from writer like John Le Carre and Dame Ngaio Marsh. Although the collection is only small at the moment, it is growing. Click on this link, Playaway Audio Books at Rodney Libraries, to get a full list of what is currently available so you can try them out.

Meanwhile, there may be some changes in store for other audio books if author and musician Nick Cave has his way. "The Bad Seeds frontman teamed up with bandmate Warren Ellis to compose a soundtrack for Cave's The Death of Bunny Munro audiobook." To read more about what may become a new trend with audio books, click this Stuff.co.nz link.

Magazine Mayhem

2009-10-15T09:27:00.003+13:00

Following on from one of yesterday's posts, Kiwis are passionate about their magazines. You only have to look in any news agency, bookshop, cafe or waiting room to realise the truth of this statement. And Kiwis are excellent at producing really good homegrown magazines for their readers, because we want to read about ourselves in relation to the world, as much as we read about the rest of the world.

Rodney Libraries can provide you with a wide selection of magazines to choose from. The important thing to note is that it is not just the magazines on the shelves of your local library that you get to choose from. Every Rodney Library has a different selection of magazines so that we can cover as wide a range of intersts as possible. So just like a book, just because you can't see it doesn't mean we haven't got it.

Here is the catalogue link through to all the New Zealand Magazines held in Rodney. And if you want to travel further afield here is the link to the list of over 450 different magazines from both New Zealand and around the world that you can source through Rodney Libraries.

Celebrating Achievements

2009-10-14T15:16:00.003+13:00

Librarians and information professionals from around New Zealand (and some from further afield) are currently gathered in Christchurch for the LIANZA 2009 Conference. While this might inspire visions for some of a lot of grey hair, flat shoed, cardigan wearing matrons, having been lucky enough to attend the conference last year, I can confidently assure you that this is not the case. As with any industry gathering what you actually find is a group of vibrant like-minded people, passionate about their profession, all sharing ideas and inspiration on how they can do things better for their customers.

Rodney Libraries have not only attended the Conference but have been the focal point on three occasions.

Our Manager Marion Read was part of the eLGAR presentation on "the best customer experience". Helensville Children's Librarian Rachel Fisher and Services Coordinator Kris Wehipeihana (aka rodneylibraries) presented a session on our successful Poetry Podcast competition run earlier this year.

Kris made it onto stage again when she and Collection Services Manager Paula Legal received the Nielsen Bookdata Research Award (check out the beaming pair - photo courtesy of Ross Becker).

Congratulations to you all. It may be blowing our own trumpet but it's fantastic to see Rodney Libraries represented nationally and recognised by our peers.

A sample of Kiwi fiction

2009-10-14T10:22:00.002+13:00

Sometimes you just don't have time to read a whole book. There are times when all you want is to pick something up, put it down again a short time later and be left fully satisfied. You don't want to have another 200 odd pages to read (and usually more in todays market of huge thick tomes) to reach the conclusion. It's one reason why in our busy Kiwi lifestyle, magazines are so popular (which is a topic for another day).

One solution is to dive into the Rodney Libraries collection of short stories and anthologies of new Zealand fiction (whether extracts from longer workers or stand alone stories). This is also an excellent way to sample lots of different authors, both new and old, to find someone that takes your fancy who you can go ahead and read more of.

Volume 6 of the Best New Zealand Fiction (edited by Owen Marshall) is due to hit our shelves soon. But in the meantime you can wander through Volumes 1 to 5 which includes stories and excerpts from authors such as Lloyd Jones, Charlotte Grimshaw, Karyn Hay and Paula Morris among others.

The 2009 Huia Short stories compilation is another book due later this month. These are the best short stories and novel extracts from the Pikihuia Awards for Māori Writers 2009 and includes local author Jacquie McRae. Earlier volumes of the Huia publication which covers the best in Maori fiction can be found in our catalogue.

We have 220 entries if we do a subject search in our catalogue for New Zealand Short stories so there is something for everyone, including the children and teen readers. The majority of the short story collections are shelved with the general fiction, but just ask the librarians for help if you can't find what you are looking for.

And... reading some short stories is a good chance to get yourself in the mood to do some writing yourself with the 2009/2010 Rodney Writes competition just around the corner. Entry forms should be arriving in the libraries soon.