Space is a fascinating topic for both children and adults and libraries offer a wide range of resources for space exploration and learning.
Are you planning for the upcoming school holiday break? This year, World Space Week takes place from 4 to 10 October. Aranui, New Brighton, Parklands and Shirley Libraries will celebrate this global event by offering a variety of programmes and activities for people of all ages.
Storytelling and craft
Space-themed storytimes
Come along to one of our sessions and enjoy space-themed stories, songs, rhymes and hands-on activities.
These sessions are suitable for preschoolers and younger school-aged children and their caregivers.
- 10.30am-11.30am, Tuesday 6 October| New Brighton Library
- 10.30am-11.30am, Wednesday 7 October| Shirley Library
- 10.30am-11.30am, Thursday 8 October| Parkland Library
Space-themed puppet show and activities
Curious about puppets and fascinated by space? Do not miss this exacting session!
This interactive session combines puppet storytelling with space exploration, providing younger children and their caregivers with a fun and engaging learning experience.
You will have the opportunity to listen to stories, browse space-themed books and make a craft to take home.
Hands-on activity: Space junk building
These hands-on workshops are suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years.
Materials, examples and inspiration will be provided but you are encouraged to unleash your creativity and imagination as you design and build your own space-travelling vehicles.
Bookings are required for workshops at Shirley Library and New Brighton Library, while the Aranui Library session is open to drop-in participants.
- 10am-11.30am, Monday 5 October| Shirley Library
- 3pm-4.30pm, Wednesday 7 October| Aranui Library
- 2pm-3.30pm, Thursday 8 October| New Brighton Library
Space knowledge fun and learning
Space scavenger hunt
This fun and educational adventure will take place at the four libraries listed above and is suitable for people of all ages.
Search high and low among the shelves to find all the hidden planets scattered throughout the library. As you explore, you'll discover fun facts about our solar system and become a real space detective!
Once you've tracked down every planet, join us to create your very own revolving solar system craft and take home a stellar reminder of your cosmic journey.
- All Day, Sunday 4 October - Saturday 10 October| Aranui Library
- All Day, Sunday 4 October - Saturday 10 October| New Brighton Library
- All Day, Monday 5 October - Saturday 10 October| Parkland Library
- All Day, Sunday 4 October - Saturday 10 October| Shirley Library
Space STEAM Activities
This free booking-required activity is for children aged 7 to 9 years.
Participants will be guided in using iPads to explore space through fun, hands-on STEAM activities inspired by NASA.
The Stars at Your Fingertips
This free, booking-required workshop is offered in collaboration with the University of Canterbury and Shirley Library. It is suitable for children aged 9 to 12 years.
You will learn about star patterns and discover how constellations are formed before creating your own three-dimensional constellation model.
If weather conditions permit, you will also have the exciting opportunity to observe the Sun through a professional telescope.
Take-Home Activities
Colouring Competition
Our colouring competition is open to people of all ages.
Collect a space colouring in sheet from Shirley Library or Parklands Library, or download (see links below).
- Space Week Colouring Competition Sheet and entry form 1[235 KB PDF]
- Space Week Colouring Competition Sheet and entry form 2 [120 KB PDF]
- Space Week Colouring Competition Sheet and entry form 3 [122KB PDF]
- Space Week Colouring Competition Sheet and entry form 4 [162 KB PDF]
Colour the picture and write your contact details on the sheet. Return your completed work to Shirley Library or Parklands Library for a chance to win a prize.
Competition runs from Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October.
One entry per person. Entries must be returned to Shirley Library by 4pm, Sunday 11 October or to Parklands Library by 4pm, Saturday 10 October.
Winners will be notified by Friday 30 October 2026.
Family Reading Competition at Shirley Library
This family reading competition is suitable for children 13 years and under. It aims to encourage siblings and children in the same family to read together and submit a family entry form.
Collect a Space Week storybag from Shirley Library. The books are selected according to the ages of children in each family. Return your family entry form for a chance to win a prize.
Families of all sizes are welcome and there is one entry per family.
Story bags available from 21 September - 10 October. The entry deadline is 18 October.
We look forward to seeing you at the library and receiving your competition entries!
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