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Christchurch City Libraries Homepage

What's On

Christmas and New Year holiday hours

Ngā mihi o te wā me te Tau Hou. Check our library opening hours for the holidays.

Summertime Reading Challenge

The Summertime Reading Challenge runs from Sat 1 Dec 2018 to Wednesday 28 Feb 2019 for kids (ages 0 to 13) and adults (ages 13+).

Huraina

The latest copy of the free library magazine Huraina is online, or pick up a paper copy from your library next week.

A Library Christmas Story

Dec 18th | 5:00pm - 6:00pm
South Library

Join us for an interactive Christmas story, with music provided by Dewey and the Decimals Library Band! Bring your PJs, a cushion and picnic

Inside the Four Avenues

The Christchurch Documentary Project looks at life in the inner city. Exhibition at Tūranga and online.

Recommended

Website

Summertime Reading Challenge Summertime Reading Challenge

Read & Win! The Summertime Reading Challenge is on until Weds 28 Feb 2019. It is for kids (ages 0 to 13) & adults (ages 13+).
Read & Win! The Summertime Reading Challenge is on until Weds 28 Feb 2019. It is for kids (ages 0 to 13) & adults (ages 13+).
Article

Huraina Huraina

The Summer issue of our free library magazine Huraina is online. Paper copies will be in libraries soon.
The Summer issue of our free library magazine Huraina is online. Paper copies will be in libraries soon.
Website

New titles - December 2018 New titles - December 2018

Our monthly list of the new audio and video, eAudiobooks, eBooks, fiction, large print, non-fiction, and stuff for kids and teens.
Our monthly list of the new audio and video, eAudiobooks, eBooks, fiction, large print, non-fiction, and stuff for kids and teens.
Blogpost

Getting crafty for Christmas Getting crafty for Christmas

By Missbeecrafty
Missbeecrafty has left her Christmas gift-making a little late. Which crafting book 'superheroes' will come to her rescue?
Missbeecrafty has left her Christmas gift-making a little late. Which crafting book 'superheroes' will come to her rescue?
Article

Best of 2018 Best of 2018

What books, movies, & music have you loved? Explore the picks of our staff and customers, and Best of the Year lists. Have your say!
What books, movies, & music have you loved? Explore the picks of our staff and customers, and Best of the Year lists. Have your say!
Blogpost

Christmas Books for Christmas Time Christmas Books for Christmas Time

By Kateccl
Kate shares the Christmas love with her favourite festive reads (and a BBC radio comedy classic).
Kate shares the Christmas love with her favourite festive reads (and a BBC radio comedy classic).
Staff List

Stuff we love - The Holiday Edition Stuff we love - The Holiday Edition

recommended by StaffPickles
Librarians share the stuff they are looking forward to enjoying these summer holidays. A Staff Pickles list.
Librarians share the stuff they are looking forward to enjoying these summer holidays. A Staff Pickles list.
Website

Holiday hours 2018/2019 Holiday hours 2018/2019

Meri Kirihimete ki a koutou. Here are our opening hours over Christmas and the New Year.
Meri Kirihimete ki a koutou. Here are our opening hours over Christmas and the New Year.
Blogpost

Best book covers of 2018 Best book covers of 2018

By Donna R
My pick of New Zealand's finest book covers this year - the bold and the beautiful in book design.
My pick of New Zealand's finest book covers this year - the bold and the beautiful in book design.
Article

Join the library online Join the library online

Join online & start using library eResources straight away! Read newspapers & eBooks, browse mags, listen to eAudiobooks, & do research.
Join online & start using library eResources straight away! Read newspapers & eBooks, browse mags, listen to eAudiobooks, & do research.
Blogpost

Dan recommends: The best of fiction Dan recommends: The best of fiction

By Devilstatedan
Another year is coming to a close and Dan looks back at his best fiction reads of 2018.
Another year is coming to a close and Dan looks back at his best fiction reads of 2018.
Blogpost

Podcast - Teaching war, teaching peace Podcast - Teaching war, teaching peace

By Cclstaff
Does how we learn about and commemorate war also help us learn about peace? With recommended reading and resources on WWI.
Does how we learn about and commemorate war also help us learn about peace? With recommended reading and resources on WWI.

Local History

Blogpost

Ōtautahi Advent Calendar 2018 Ōtautahi Advent Calendar 2018

By Cclstaff
24 Christmas images from the Discovery Wall. Meri Kirihimete ki a koutou.
24 Christmas images from the Discovery Wall. Meri Kirihimete ki a koutou.
Blogpost

Christchurch Photo Hunt 2018 Christchurch Photo Hunt 2018

By Jacqst
Thank you so much for sharing your memories and contributing to our photographic history. Here are the winners in the 2018 Photo Hunt.
Thank you so much for sharing your memories and contributing to our photographic history. Here are the winners in the 2018 Photo Hunt.
Website

Inside the Four Avenues, 2018 Inside the Four Avenues, 2018

3 photographers show the ever-changing landscape of the central city & its people. View the images online, & see the exhibition at Tūranga.
3 photographers show the ever-changing landscape of the central city & its people. View the images online, & see the exhibition at Tūranga.
Blogpost

Christchurch women vote - 28 Nov 1893 Christchurch women vote - 28 Nov 1893

By Donna R
Christchurch women voted for the first time on 28 November 1893. About 10,000 Christchurch women voted, with only a few incidents.
Christchurch women voted for the first time on 28 November 1893. About 10,000 Christchurch women voted, with only a few incidents.
Blogpost

A fire, a lady and a singed parrot A fire, a lady and a singed parrot

By Katccl
Today we know the Ilam Homestead as the University of Canterbury's staff club but another house existed on the site and burnt down in 1910.
Today we know the Ilam Homestead as the University of Canterbury's staff club but another house existed on the site and burnt down in 1910.
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Kids

Website

Summer School Holiday Programmes Summer School Holiday Programmes

This school holidays libraries have free bookable activities, pay-for classes that require bookings, and sessions you can just drop in for.
This school holidays libraries have free bookable activities, pay-for classes that require bookings, and sessions you can just drop in for.
Article

After school clubs & programmes After school clubs & programmes

Join us for after school clubs & programmes. Some sessions are free & no bookings required; others have a cost attached & require bookings.
Join us for after school clubs & programmes. Some sessions are free & no bookings required; others have a cost attached & require bookings.
Blogpost

More Classic Rhymes for Kiwi Kids More Classic Rhymes for Kiwi Kids

By Kateccl
It's mid-December. That means there's only a few more days before school breaks up, and Kiwi families start getting together to celebrate...
It's mid-December. That means there's only a few more days before school breaks up, and Kiwi families start getting together to celebrate...
Blogpost

Stacy Gregg interview Stacy Gregg interview

By Missbeecrafty
"I write for strong, brave independent-minded readers who aspire to be heroes" - an interview with New Zealand writer Stacy Gregg.
"I write for strong, brave independent-minded readers who aspire to be heroes" - an interview with New Zealand writer Stacy Gregg.
Website

Best books of 2018 for kids and teens Best books of 2018 for kids and teens

Librarians have picked their best books of 2018 for kids and teens. Heaps of excellent reading to explore!
Librarians have picked their best books of 2018 for kids and teens. Heaps of excellent reading to explore!
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Blog

Christmas Books for Christmas Time

18/12/2018

Biography and Memoir newsletter

18/12/2018

Nature and Science newsletter

18/12/2018

Getting crafty for Christmas

17/12/2018

Fiction A to Z newsletter

17/12/2018

Teens

Article

Youthtown Learners Licence Workshops Youthtown Learners Licence Workshops

Sign up for 2019 Learners Licence Workshops - $130 for six workshops with Youthtown & on session 6 they will take you to sit your test.
Sign up for 2019 Learners Licence Workshops - $130 for six workshops with Youthtown & on session 6 they will take you to sit your test.
Article

After school clubs & programmes After school clubs & programmes

Join us for after school clubs & programmes. Some sessions are free & no bookings required; others have a cost attached & require bookings.
Join us for after school clubs & programmes. Some sessions are free & no bookings required; others have a cost attached & require bookings.
Staff List

Best of 2018 for teens Best of 2018 for teens

recommended by ChristchurchKids
Librarians have picked the best books for teens in 2018. Have a browse for some excellent reading.
Librarians have picked the best books for teens in 2018. Have a browse for some excellent reading.
Blogpost

"I started writing this when I was 17" "I started writing this when I was 17"

By Cclstaff
Interview with new local author for teens Jack Hartley. You are welcome to his book launch at Tūranga on Monday 26 November at 6pm.
Interview with new local author for teens Jack Hartley. You are welcome to his book launch at Tūranga on Monday 26 November at 6pm.
Website

Christchurch City Libraries for teens Christchurch City Libraries for teens

A guide to the library - from joining & membership, to study & eResources, & library events as well as finding your next great read.
A guide to the library - from joining & membership, to study & eResources, & library events as well as finding your next great read.
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eResources

Blogpost

Christmas inspiration from RBdigital Christmas inspiration from RBdigital

By Simoneccl
Need inspiration for your Christmas day? Have a look at RBdigital magazines - Table decoration, food, craft, music and more!
Need inspiration for your Christmas day? Have a look at RBdigital magazines - Table decoration, food, craft, music and more!
Blogpost

Hidden Gems - Fugazi Hidden Gems - Fugazi

By Simoneccl
After digging deep in the library catalogue, I found a couple of great things on one of my favourite bands, Fugazi.
After digging deep in the library catalogue, I found a couple of great things on one of my favourite bands, Fugazi.
Blogpost

Libby for travelling families 方便旅行家庭的电子 书 Libby for travelling families 方便旅行家庭的电子 书

By Hongwangccl
旅行的季节又到了！很多华人朋友都利用孩子假期、圣诞节和春节回国探亲或出国旅游。有时在图书馆遇到华人顾客因出国前忘记还书需交超期罚款很是同情。自己也曾在回国时为找孩子的英文阅读材料煞费苦心。其实，这些问题都可以用图书馆的电子资源eResources 解决。OverDrive…
旅行的季节又到了！很多华人朋友都利用孩子假期、圣诞节和春节回国探亲或出国旅游。有时在图书馆遇到华人顾客因出国前忘记还书需交超期罚款很是同情。自己也曾在回国时为找孩子的英文阅读材料煞费苦心。其实，这些问题都可以用图书馆的电子资源eResources 解决。OverDrive…
Blogpost

Just for Kids Just for Kids

By Simoneccl
Thousands of videos & interactive games - Sesame St, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Franklin the Turtle, Berenstain Bears, Arthur & more
Thousands of videos & interactive games - Sesame St, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Franklin the Turtle, Berenstain Bears, Arthur & more
Blogpost

eMagazines eMagazines

By Simoneccl
New eMagazines in the RBDigital Magazines collection - read 'em for free.
New eMagazines in the RBDigital Magazines collection - read 'em for free.
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Community

News

Sumner to close between Christmas & NY Sumner to close between Christmas & NY

Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre is closing 6pm Monday 24 December, & reopening 10am Monday 31 December so some minor works can be done.
Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre is closing 6pm Monday 24 December, & reopening 10am Monday 31 December so some minor works can be done.
Website

Technology Programmes - eKnow How Technology Programmes - eKnow How

Explore library sessions from basic computer skills to music production. Some are pay-for, & some are free drop-ins. Book your spot now!
Explore library sessions from basic computer skills to music production. Some are pay-for, & some are free drop-ins. Book your spot now!
News

Parklands Library is closed for repairs Parklands Library is closed for repairs

Parklands Library is closed for six months as it undergoes a major upgrade & repairs. Mobile library will provide services.
Parklands Library is closed for six months as it undergoes a major upgrade & repairs. Mobile library will provide services.
Website

Spark Jump Workshops at Hornby & Linwood Spark Jump Workshops at Hornby & Linwood

Spark Jump is designed to get families in low-income communities with the care of children (0 to 18) online. Find out if you are eligible.
Spark Jump is designed to get families in low-income communities with the care of children (0 to 18) online. Find out if you are eligible.
Website

Reading in Mind book scheme Reading in Mind book scheme

If you have a mental health issue like anxiety, reading books can help you better understand & manage your mental health & wellbeing.
If you have a mental health issue like anxiety, reading books can help you better understand & manage your mental health & wellbeing.
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Māori

Resource

Parihaka Parihaka

There was a peaceful resistance to a militia invasion of Taranaki settlement Parihaka 5 November 1881. Discover the Christchurch connection.
There was a peaceful resistance to a militia invasion of Taranaki settlement Parihaka 5 November 1881. Discover the Christchurch connection.
Blogpost

Tāngata Ngāi Tahu Tāngata Ngāi Tahu

By Gregccl
Tāngata Ngāi Tahu: People of Ngāi Tahu. Volume One is a new book celebrating the rich and diverse lives of fifty people of Ngāi Tahu.
Tāngata Ngāi Tahu: People of Ngāi Tahu. Volume One is a new book celebrating the rich and diverse lives of fifty people of Ngāi Tahu.
Website

Tī Kōuka Whenua Tī Kōuka Whenua

Explore the vibrant past of Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region that extends back many hundreds of years before 1850.
Explore the vibrant past of Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region that extends back many hundreds of years before 1850.
Blogpost

Podcast – Tā moko Podcast – Tā moko

By Cclstaff
Sally Carlton talks to an academic, a moko practitioner and a photographer about the meaning and mana of tā moko, traditional Māori tattoo.
Sally Carlton talks to an academic, a moko practitioner and a photographer about the meaning and mana of tā moko, traditional Māori tattoo.
Blogpost

Kōmako: Reclaiming Māori literature Kōmako: Reclaiming Māori literature

By Jemmawiki
Our Pou Kohikohinga Māori talks about a new online tool that makes finding work by Māori writers easier, and shares her favourite reads.
Our Pou Kohikohinga Māori talks about a new online tool that makes finding work by Māori writers easier, and shares her favourite reads.
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