Events

Library events

Storytimes, cultural celebrations, tech classes, book groups, exhibitions, author talks, hobbies, crafts, and more - discover programmes and events at libraries around the city.

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WORD Christchurch Festival 2026: 1 to 6 September

WORD Christchurch Festival is on next week — from 1 to 6 September 2026. Read all about events, writers, and get librarian picks!

WORD Christchurch Festival 2026: 1 to 6 September

WORD Christchurch Festival is on next week — from 1 to 6 September 2026. Read all about events, writers, and get librarian picks!

What's on

For kids

Aotearoa New Zealand Children's Book Week

NZ Children's Book Week is on from 15 to 21 August. The theme is Reading Around Aotearoa. Find out what's on, and explore reading resources.

Wā Pēpi-Babytimes

Wā Pēpi-Babytimes - enjoy stories and rhymes for babies and under 2s at home.

Wā Kōrero-Storytimes

Enjoy Wā Kōrero-Storytimes at your library!

Afterschool Activity Zones and Bookable Programmes

Join us for after school fun and learning. Join one of our Bookable Programmes or drop in to a free activity zone.

Behind the Curtain exhibition, part of a series

A stunning exhibition of the costumes, props and set from the Court Theatre’s recent production of The Importance of Being Earnest.

WHAIAO exhibition, part of a series

Ki te Whaiao, Ki Te Ao Marama - a celebration of Mātauranga Māori and the Library's Ngā Pounamu Māori Collections.

Did they really do that? Cantabrians' world record quests, part of a series

Cantabrians have always embraced a challenge. The 1970s & 1980s were peak decades for attempting to break a world record, any world record!

Crafty Sundays, part of a series

Bring your latest craft project and meet other crafty teens.

JP Clinics

Justices of the Peace are available at set times at a number of our libraries around Christchurch. JPs can witness signatures, verify copies of documents, hear oaths, declarations and more. There is no charge for JP services.

Justice of the Peace clinics at libraries

Books and Authors

Love to talk books? Join one of the many book clubs or groups around the city. We also host occasional author talks and literary events.

Computers and Technology

Tech drop-in sessions, iPad training, 3D printing and more!

Learning centre programmes

Library Learning Centre classes enable our communities to connect, learn and create. We provide individuals, groups and schools with access to and support of digital technologies - promoting lifelong learning with a focus on fun and creativity.

Find out more about Learning centre programmes for adults, teens and kids.

Displays and exhibitions

Artworks, informative displays, and exhibitions including those held at Te Pito Huawera Gallery,Tūranga.

Hobbies, crafts and games

Come along to knit 'n' yarn sessions, card and board games, video-gaming or crafts sessions.

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Local and family history

Classes and sessions dedicated to local or family history.

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Te Ao Māori

WHAIAO exhibition, part of a series

Ki te Whaiao, Ki Te Ao Marama - a celebration of Mātauranga Māori and the Library's Ngā Pounamu Māori Collections.

Ngā Pakiwaitara - Bilingual Storytimes, part of a series

Nau mai hoki mai rā, join us every Tuesday between 10:30-11am for our Ngā Pakiwaitara, bilingual story times.

Rangahau-ā-Iwi: Ngā Rauru

Sep 1st | 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Come along to our Iwi Research event where the focus this month will be Ngā Rauru.

Māori

Speakers and talks

Find out about speakers and author talks at libraries.

Library Events Calendar

Check our online calendar to find out what's on at your local library - storytimes, book clubs, after school activities and more!

Celebrate!

Cultural celebrations, themed weeks, and notable events. Annual festivals, holidays, anniversaries, and special days of the year in Christchurch.

Upcoming celebrations