Learning at Christchurch City Libraries
Get to know the library
Navigating the Library*
Location: All libraries
Duration: 30 minutes
Group size: Maximum 30 ākonga
An introduction to the library and what it offers. This is the session for those new to the library as it includes what a library is, what they can do there and finishes with a scavenger hunt to help familiarise ākonga with the library.
*For visits to Tūranga, this session will focus on the children’s collections on Hapori | Community, Level 1
Stories Aloud
Recommended up to Year 6
Location: All libraries
Duration: 30 minutes
Group size: Maximum 30 ākonga
A fun read-aloud session. Ākonga will enjoy a variety of engaging stories to build a positive connection with the library, books and the stories found within.
Book Discovery
Recommended for Year 3 and above
Location: All libraries
Duration: 30 minutes
Group size: Maximum 30 ākonga
Discover your next great read - with no spoilers! Utilising the expertise of librarians, this session will share a range of books to spark curiosity to inspire a vibrant reading culture.
Library Skills - Explore
Recommended up to Year 5
Location: All libraries
Duration: 30 minutes
Group size: Maximum 30 ākonga
Explore what makes books special. Ākonga will discover how to care for books and the difference between fiction and non-fiction.
Library Skills - Discover
Recommended for Year 3 and above
Location: All libraries
Duration: 45 minutes
Group size: Maximum 30 ākonga
Ever wondered how librarians know exactly where the books are? Ākonga will be introduced to our library catalogue, the Dewey Decimal System and digital resources to learn how to use and access our collections.
Library Skills - Research
Recommended for Year 6 and above
Location: All libraries
Duration: 45 minutes
Group size: Maximum 30 ākonga
Discover the potential of library resources. Ākonga will be guided on how to research and find information using our library resources.
FAQ
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At the time of booking, we ask kaiako to mention if they need a space for a break before the visit as we may be able to accommodate the requests. The kaiako and supervising adults will be responsible for the ākonga during this time.
Please note that food and drink are not permitted in Level 2 Tuakiri at Tūranga, any computer areas, or the Ngā Pounamu Māori collection and Pasifika collection in all libraries. Ngā Pounamu Māori collection and Pasifika collections are spaces where cultural knowledge, history and relationships are maintained and developed through the items in the collection and the physical collection area.
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Our sessions are designed with specific year levels in mind, and mixed‑age groups can be accommodated. To help ensure the best possible experience for everyone, we ask to identify the year levels at the time of the inquiry. This allows library kaimahi to offer suggestions to better support the class visit.
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We welcome all ākonga into our libraries, and we encourage kaiako to let us know about any additional needs when completing the booking form.
This information helps our library kaimahi to prepare as needed. For example, an ākonga who uses a wheelchair may need space arranged for easy movement and a clear path to the activity area.
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Everyone is welcome. For classes new to the library, we recommend starting with ‘Navigating the Library’ session to build confidence and familiarity with the space.
Library cards are not essential to participate in these sessions. We encourage kaiako to invite their ākonga to bring their library card if they plan to issue books before or after their booked session.
