Book lovers come and celebrate creativity, connections and the power of WORD at Tūranga next week.
The central Christchurch library showcases many WORD Christchurch events during the literary fiesta’s run from 27 August to 1 September and WORD enthusiasts on Tūranga’s staff have combined to provide some awesome offerings.
Fancy a gameshow that melds steamy bodice rippers and Artificial Intelligence? Well, Romancing the AI could be your bag where the helpless romantics of Tūranga embark on an AI-assisted crash course through the romance genre. Could AI power up your own love language and drive your imagined romantasies and rom-coms? Find out in the TSB Space on what is sure to be a fabulous Friday night on 30th of August.
Join Tūranga staffer and celebrated author Amy Head on a central Christchurch hīkoi which starts at Cathedral Square on Saturday 31 August at 11am. Her latest book, Signs of Life, is set in the years following the Canterbury earthquakes and this walking tour will give you insights into the city seen through the eyes of her characters.
If you wish to chase the muse you could try The Poetry Machine on He Hononga, Tūranga’s ground floor. Push the red button and the repurposed receipt printer will punch out a poem. Howzat for push-button inspiration?
As you stride up the stairs to Hapori, the first floor, keep an eye out for a roving coven of Book Witches. Politely request (it never pays to be rude to a witch) a reading recommendation from your friendly witches and be entranced as they magic up a spellbinding yarn that you can take away and peruse at your pleasure.
Gems from the Archives involves Tūranga’s history librarians who will regale attendees with odd, surprising and downright scandalous tales from the past. Sadly this event is now fully booked but if you have missed out on this event, chat with a Tuakiri staffer about your family or local history queries or check out the House of Treasures Te Whare Taonga exhibition on the floor’s Waruwarutū space.
You will find WORD themed displays throughout Tūranga and competition boxes in which all library cardholders can enter a draw for mystery prizes. If you don’t have a library card, join up (it’s free for Christchurch city residents) and enter for your chance to win.
Find library resources
- Read more about AI (artificial intelligence)
- Find some Poetry books
- Find some NZ Poetry
- Check out our Romance fiction reading guide
- Check out our local history guide
- Check out our family history guide
More WORD Christchurch
Make your own picks of the festival - check the programme online online or picking up a printed copy from your library.
- WORD Christchurch website
- Follow WORD Christchurch on Instagram, Facebook and X FKA Twitter
- Our WORD Christchurch 2024 page - Find books by writers coming to this year's festival
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