First of all, thank you for your patience while we were closed for refurbishment.
In the public area, you may not have noticed much change. We had the equivalent of a layer of new foundation and a splash of lippy put on. That is, new paint, and some carpet tiles replaced.
It is in the main staff area that the changes are most apparent – it’s a whole facelift out there. The space is our kitchen / tea room / store room / work room / locker room, and was designed for three staff. We now have seven staff, with up to six at work at a time – and it is the kitchen for Council’s Helensville Service Centre staff, too. So it can be quite crowded.
We are enjoying being able to open the freezer without having to move the rubbish and recycling bins. And our coffee cups are in a cupboard, rather than a drawer. Not to mention, more than one person can have lunch at the lunch table at a time. It’s definitely making our lives easier!
July means Matariki and school holidays.
We will be celebrating Matariki with Matariki-themed kids time sessions from Tuesday 3 July until Thursday 19 July. Kids time runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am. Each session is about 30 minutes, and is aimed at under-6s, but all ages are welcome, particularly during the school holidays.
The theme for Matariki 2018 at Auckland Libraries is: Te Kawerau a Maki :Ngâkôrerohauâuru (Stories of the West). This, and the sub-themes of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and râhui (conservation) will be the focus of our sessions.
The school holidays will start with our annual Soft Toy Sleepover on Friday 6 July. Children bring along a soft toy (not a special toy that has to be home at bedtime) between 4pm and 5pm. Toys will be registered and photos taken for ID purposes.
Between 5pm and 6pm (yes, after hours and in the dark!) there will be storytime, milo and marshmallows (or similar).
Toys are left in the library overnight, under supervision, for a sleepover. They will be fed dinner and breakfast, so we will need to know of any dietary requirements.
Children pick their toys up while the library is open on Saturday 7 July (between 9.30am and 4pm).
During the school holidays there will be special events between 3pm and 4pm each day the library is open. Details are available on Auckland Libraries’ website (www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz) and on the Helensville Library Facebook page (facebook.com/HelensvilleLibrary). Flyers are also available from the library.
We are looking forward to seeing you and your family during these events.
When the weather’s cold and horrible, you are welcome to enjoy the warmth and dry of the library.
Anne, Senior Librarian – Children and Youth
Helensville Library
