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Local History

Christchurch Photo Hunt 2017

The theme of our heritage photo competition is Plains, Port Hills & Peninsula – Finding our way. Enter online or at your local library.

Bathing beauties at Corsair Bay

Neck to knee bathing costumes, around 1920. Mother and daughter Alice and Venis with two cousins. Historical image from Kete Christchurch.

A 1920s bloke's shed, Merivale

At 60 Aikmans Road, Merivale. This shed held the prized family car, the motorbike, tools and was also used for the family business.

Antarctic Season Opening 2017

Christchurch has a long history of playing host to Antarctic explorers and scientists. Find out more in our blog post.

Curragh Cottage: Picturing Canterbury

Curragh Cottage, Ferrymead Heritage Park. Originally erected at 104 Holly Road. Photo from Kete Christchurch.

Recommended

Blogpost

Yeah! Noir!: Ngaio Marsh Awards Yeah! Noir!: Ngaio Marsh Awards

By Donna R
Craig Sisterson is a writer and reviewer, and a fan of great crime writing. He's the force behind the Ngaio Marsh Awards ...
Craig Sisterson is a writer and reviewer, and a fan of great crime writing. He's the force behind the Ngaio Marsh Awards ...
Blogpost

How not to 'Halloween'... How not to 'Halloween'...

By Angelabccl
Angela shares Halloween misadventures, tips and book suggestions.
Angela shares Halloween misadventures, tips and book suggestions.
Blogpost

Remembering Lawrie Metcalf – Plantsman Remembering Lawrie Metcalf – Plantsman

By Dazaccl
Christchuch-born Lawrie Metcalf passed away on 18 August. He wrote numerous books on NZ native plants and leaves a lasting botanical legacy.
Christchuch-born Lawrie Metcalf passed away on 18 August. He wrote numerous books on NZ native plants and leaves a lasting botanical legacy.
Blogpost

Girls with big hair, saving people Girls with big hair, saving people

By Alina
We recommend web resources, articles and further reading for fans of The Changeover movie.
We recommend web resources, articles and further reading for fans of The Changeover movie.
Staff List

Stuff we love - October 2017 Stuff we love - October 2017

recommended by StaffPickles
Our team share the stuff they are loving this month. A Staff Pickles list.
Our team share the stuff they are loving this month. A Staff Pickles list.
Article

uncover - huraina uncover - huraina

Kia ora. Here is the latest issue of our quarterly magazine, uncover - huraina. It is full of info on what is happening at your libraries.
Kia ora. Here is the latest issue of our quarterly magazine, uncover - huraina. It is full of info on what is happening at your libraries.
Blogpost

The Little Library Cookbook The Little Library Cookbook

By Helenccl
You know that a book is a wonder when you stomp around the house muttering 'I should have written this' ...
You know that a book is a wonder when you stomp around the house muttering 'I should have written this' ...
Staff List

Not to be read on the bus Not to be read on the bus

recommended by MomoT
Books I've found so hilarious they've led to embarrassing levels of laughter and snorting unsuitable in the context of commuter travel.
Books I've found so hilarious they've led to embarrassing levels of laughter and snorting unsuitable in the context of commuter travel.
Catalog Search

Nobel Prize for Literature winner, 2017 Nobel Prize for Literature winner, 2017

British author of The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro, has won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Find titles by Ishiguro in the catalogue.
British author of The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro, has won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Find titles by Ishiguro in the catalogue.
Blogpost

Cookie serendipity Cookie serendipity

By Missbeecrafty
Sometimes the library gods smile and send the right book at just the right time! This clever cookbook saved Missbeecrafty's baking.
Sometimes the library gods smile and send the right book at just the right time! This clever cookbook saved Missbeecrafty's baking.

Kids

Website

Science Alive Science Alive

Science Snippets will not be running this week (Term 4 - starting Tuesday 24 Oct). We will update you as soon as possible.
Science Snippets will not be running this week (Term 4 - starting Tuesday 24 Oct). We will update you as soon as possible.
Staff List

Top Pick Children's Books October 2017 Top Pick Children's Books October 2017

recommended by KimKids
Recently arrived playful picture books, illustrated chapter books and children's graphic novels.
Recently arrived playful picture books, illustrated chapter books and children's graphic novels.
Blogpost

Stacy Gregg's The Thunderbolt Pony Stacy Gregg's The Thunderbolt Pony

By Kimccl
Stacy Gregg's latest book is a children's novel set close to home. Meet the author at Scorpio Books on Tues 17 Oct and read Kim's interview.
Stacy Gregg's latest book is a children's novel set close to home. Meet the author at Scorpio Books on Tues 17 Oct and read Kim's interview.
Blogpost

Kids' Books newsletter Kids' Books newsletter

By Cclstaff
Our latest Kids' Books newsletter has titles that will excite young minds and foster a love of reading.
Our latest Kids' Books newsletter has titles that will excite young minds and foster a love of reading.
Blogpost

Te Reo Māori Picture Books Te Reo Māori Picture Books

By Missbeecrafty
Tuhinga Pikitia - a celebration of picture books in te reo Māori for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.
Tuhinga Pikitia - a celebration of picture books in te reo Māori for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.
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Community

Website

Jobs at Christchurch City Libraries Jobs at Christchurch City Libraries

Want to work with us? Find out about our current vacancies.
Want to work with us? Find out about our current vacancies.
News

Name decided for new central library Name decided for new central library

Christchurch’s new central library has its official name — Tūranga.
Christchurch’s new central library has its official name — Tūranga.
Website

Cycling resources for Biketober Cycling resources for Biketober

Resources and information on cycling in Christchurch in celebration of Biketober.
Resources and information on cycling in Christchurch in celebration of Biketober.
Blogpost

Christchurch Photo Hunt 2017 Christchurch Photo Hunt 2017

By Moata
Help grow the city's photographic archive by entering our annual heritage photo competition. Entries open 1-31 October.
Help grow the city's photographic archive by entering our annual heritage photo competition. Entries open 1-31 October.
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Blog

Kids' Books newsletter

10/24/2017

Historical Fiction Newsletter

10/23/2017

Bathing beauties at Corsair Bay about…

10/23/2017

Tusiata Avia - From poetry to prose

10/20/2017

Bonsai!

10/20/2017

What's On

Event

How to research the history of a house How to research the history of a house

Oct 28th | 11:00am - 12:00pm
Spreydon Library
Ever wondered who has lived in your house? Did anything exciting or scandalous happen to them? Staff share house research resources and tips
Ever wondered who has lived in your house? Did anything exciting or scandalous happen to them? Staff share house research resources and tips
Website

Christchurch Photo Hunt 2017 Christchurch Photo Hunt 2017

This year’s theme is Plains, Port Hills & Peninsula – Finding our way. Entries open on Sunday 1 October and close on Tuesday 31 October.
This year’s theme is Plains, Port Hills & Peninsula – Finding our way. Entries open on Sunday 1 October and close on Tuesday 31 October.
Website

Halloween for kids Halloween for kids

Halloween-themed storytime and bookbuddies sessions.
Halloween-themed storytime and bookbuddies sessions.
Event

Tell me a story Tell me a story

Oct 27th - Dec 8th
South Library and Learning Centre
Free 6 week class for you to record your memories, local history or anecdotes and present them using iMovie, Fridays 9.30-11.30am.
Free 6 week class for you to record your memories, local history or anecdotes and present them using iMovie, Fridays 9.30-11.30am.
Website

JP clinics at libraries JP clinics at libraries

Regular Justice of the Peace clinics take place at a number of libraries. Check our calendar for one near you.
Regular Justice of the Peace clinics take place at a number of libraries. Check our calendar for one near you.
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Māori

Blogpost

Waka, Okain's Bay: Picturing Canterbury Waka, Okain's Bay: Picturing Canterbury

By Simonccl
Taken on Waitangi Day, 1977 at the opening of Okain's Bay Museum. Image from Kete Christchurch.
Taken on Waitangi Day, 1977 at the opening of Okain's Bay Museum. Image from Kete Christchurch.
Blogpost

What’s in a name? A whole story! What’s in a name? A whole story!

By Jolyccl
Our libraries all have te reo Māori names that tell a story about our places and people.
Our libraries all have te reo Māori names that tell a story about our places and people.
Blogpost

Stars of storytelling Stars of storytelling

By Jemmawiki
Hei whakanui i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori/ to celebrate Māori Language Week, Christchurch City Libraries teamed up with Te Reo Wainene o Tua.
Hei whakanui i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori/ to celebrate Māori Language Week, Christchurch City Libraries teamed up with Te Reo Wainene o Tua.
Resource

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

Mai rānō – Way back when… Mai rānō – Way back when…

By Ccleditor
Learn some Māori words associated with gardening in Janna's post about her history with mahi māra.
Learn some Māori words associated with gardening in Janna's post about her history with mahi māra.
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eResources

Blogpost

The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett

By Simoneccl
What Happened to Lizzie Lovett? Join the OverDrive Big Library Read to find out.
What Happened to Lizzie Lovett? Join the OverDrive Big Library Read to find out.
Blogpost

Learning music with Lynda Learning music with Lynda

By Purplerulz
Our learning eResource, Lynda, can teach you about a lot of things... including Musical Theory.
Our learning eResource, Lynda, can teach you about a lot of things... including Musical Theory.
Website

eResource Tasters eResource Tasters

Get a free taster of our popular eResources: Ancestry, PressReader, OverDrive, BorrowBox, RBdigital magazines, Mango Languages ...
Get a free taster of our popular eResources: Ancestry, PressReader, OverDrive, BorrowBox, RBdigital magazines, Mango Languages ...
Online Resource

Learn a new skill 24/7 Learn a new skill 24/7

Find it 24/7 with our eResources: Lynda.com, Smartmath Practice, Mango Languages, and eDS - eResources Discovery Search.
Find it 24/7 with our eResources: Lynda.com, Smartmath Practice, Mango Languages, and eDS - eResources Discovery Search.
Blogpost

Kia ora RBdigital Magazines Kia ora RBdigital Magazines

By Simoneccl
Check out the new eMagazine app RBdigital, which is replacing Zinio for Libraries app. It comes with some great new features.
Check out the new eMagazine app RBdigital, which is replacing Zinio for Libraries app. It comes with some great new features.
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Teens

Staff List

Love The Changeover movie? Read these! Love The Changeover movie? Read these!

recommended by ChristchurchTeens
Just seen The Changeover and want something like it? Try some of these bewitching titles!
Just seen The Changeover and want something like it? Try some of these bewitching titles!
Blogpost

Teen Programmes at new Central Library Teen Programmes at new Central Library

By Ccleditor
If you are aged between 13 and 18, tell us what events you'd like at your new Central Library. You could win a $100 Westfield voucher.
If you are aged between 13 and 18, tell us what events you'd like at your new Central Library. You could win a $100 Westfield voucher.
Blogpost

The Changeover by Margaret Mahy The Changeover by Margaret Mahy

By Bibliobishi
Laura sometimes receives ‘warnings’ and this time the danger is supernatural. With a movie version due soon, Joy reviews this YA classic.
Laura sometimes receives ‘warnings’ and this time the danger is supernatural. With a movie version due soon, Joy reviews this YA classic.
Blogpost

Teen Scene newsletter Teen Scene newsletter

By Cclstaff
Stories from a teenage point of view. Discover your next great read with our latest Teen Scene newsletter.
Stories from a teenage point of view. Discover your next great read with our latest Teen Scene newsletter.
Staff List

Māori teen fiction & non-fiction Māori teen fiction & non-fiction

recommended by ChristchurchTeens
Books and graphic novels written by and/or starring Māori characters and culture, for teens.
Books and graphic novels written by and/or starring Māori characters and culture, for teens.
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