While 2016 was taking its final victims, one smaller obituary caught my eye amidst the many articles on the passing of Carrie Fisher and George Michael. The obituary was for Richard Adams, author of Watership Down. At 96, we certainly could not say that Adams' rich life was cut short, but to lose him at the…
Podcast – Youth engagement in elections
Christchurch City Libraries blog hosts a series of regular podcasts from New Zealand's only specialist human rights radio show Speak up - Kōrerotia. This show is created by Sally Carlton. This episode discusses issues around youth engagement with elections such as - youth engagement in the recent NZ local-body elections and disappointingly low levels of voter turnout…
According to Helen: Best reads of 2016
These are my top 10 books of 2016 - a mix of poetry, novels, and non-fiction that I loved and still wish I hadn't finished (grumble grumble). Book of Longing I have always been a big fan of Leonard Cohen's incredible music and was in no way disappointed by his poetry. This anthology is every…
David Bowie : The Man Who Stole the World DVD
On 10 January 2016 David Bowie died, leaving us his last album, Blackstar. The world as we knew it changed forever. The Man Who Stole The World DVD is a tribute to the man "who stole the world and put it in a better place", according to the narrator. The short documentary, the first to be…
Te Rerenga Kōrero – Waimarie!
Kia ora. To encourage the use of Te Reo Māori Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori - The Māori Language Commission publish weekly Māori phrases that can be used to support or cheer someone on. Waimarie! Lucky! Full list of 50 rerenga kōrero for the year Browse our Te Reo Māori resources. Previous Te Kupu o…
Improbable places and improbable food
Jane's latest reads have a distinctly "out of the way" flavour.
Something for the coffee table
Jane recommends beautifully illustrated books about Victorian wallpaper and aristocrats at home.
Trevor Noah in my Christmas stocking!
South African born comedian Trevor Noah is a terrific talker - let there be no doubt about that. But can he write? Well here's our chance to find out with his hot-off-the press biography Born a Crime. Not the first sentence in the book, but right near the start of Chapter 1, is the following…
Family history at the library; unravelling the mysteries
I’ve just completed a six-week course on family history, ably run by colleagues here at Christchurch City Libraries. It’s been fascinating and I recommend it for anyone with an interest in history and/or their family. Taking a class at the library gives you an insight into just how much family history information is now available…
Back in time and half a world away
Armchair travel is always a big hit over the Summer holidays, so we've put together a travel list with a bit of a twist... Come, throw yourself backwards in time and half a world away. Our new booklist, International Historical Fiction, has heaps of recommendations from all over the world, and from many different time…
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