Mānuka Stories
Our well-loved Summertime Reading Challenge has blossomed into a new era
It’s the same fabulous reading challenge that our tamariki love, but with a whole new meaning.
The summer-flowering mānuka is a symbol of challenge and often plays a key role in pōwhiri (welcome ceremony) where it is laid out for visitors to accept. For Māori, the mānuka also signifies connection to whenua (the land), with a strong link to the physical environment being the ultimate source of stories.
Embrace the challenge this summer, keep an eye on the website for more details, and remember...
When the mānuka blooms, it’s time to read.
Find exciting reads, eBooks, audiobooks and magazines at our libraries - Join the library!
What's on
Events
Library tote bags $9
Our "Stories come to life at the library" black and white tote bag goes with everything! Pick yours up at a library near you for $9.
What your kid's teacher wishes you knew - holiday reading
What is the "summer slide" and how can you keep it from impacting on your child's literacy?
Reading for kids
Booklists for Kids
Find and read a book written or illustrated by Gavin Bishop
Complete a challenge for the 24/25 Summertime Reading Challenge with any of these books!
Gavin Bishop in Te Reo Māori
Complete two challenges for the 24/25 Summertime Reading Challenge. Read a book by Gavin Bishop and reading a book in Te Reo Māori!
Ngā Pounamu Māori - Whiringa-ā-rangi 2025
Recent additions to our Ngā Pounamu Māori Collections for Adults and Tamariki.
Dinosaur Activities
This list contains titles on dinosaur arts, crafts and technology activities for children.
Find and read a book written or illustrated by Gavin Bishop
Complete a challenge for the 24/25 Summertime Reading Challenge with any of these books!
Gavin Bishop in Te Reo Māori
Complete two challenges for the 24/25 Summertime Reading Challenge. Read a book by Gavin Bishop and reading a book in Te Reo Māori!
Ngā Pounamu Māori - Whiringa-ā-rangi 2025
Recent additions to our Ngā Pounamu Māori Collections for Adults and Tamariki.
Dinosaur Activities
This list contains titles on dinosaur arts, crafts and technology activities for children.
Recommended for Kids
Most Popular in 2024: Tamariki - Kids
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No brainer by Jeff Kinney takes out first place. See the top 20 most popular pukapuka for tamariki in 2024!
Reading Recommendations for Tamariki
Librarians recommend the best books for tamariki on a variety of topics - fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, & more for kids of all ages.
Best of 2024 for Kids
Our selectors have picked the best books of 2024 for tamariki. Have a browse and find a great read!
Reading for teens
Booklists for Teens
Best of 2024: Young Adult
Our selectors pick the best books for teens.
Once upon a crime - Papanui YA display
Books with mysteries, murder and/or mayhem for teen/YA readers.
Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa - The New Zealand Wars
28 October marks the national commemoration of Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa (The New Zealand Wars). Simone recommends resources on this topic.
Banksy
Read and watch more by - & about - street artist Banksy. The Art of Banksy exhibition is on at Te Pae 17 December 2025 to 27 January 2026.
Best of 2024: Young Adult
Our selectors pick the best books for teens.
Once upon a crime - Papanui YA display
Books with mysteries, murder and/or mayhem for teen/YA readers.
Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa - The New Zealand Wars
28 October marks the national commemoration of Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa (The New Zealand Wars). Simone recommends resources on this topic.
Banksy
Read and watch more by - & about - street artist Banksy. The Art of Banksy exhibition is on at Te Pae 17 December 2025 to 27 January 2026.
Return to Reading
A selection of books or ages 18 plus - perfect for rediscovering your love of reading.
Return to Reading: Adventure
For those returning to reading, this list features fast-paced tales of daring quests, unforgettable characters, and high-stakes challenges.
Return to Reading: Horror
Dive into a chilling collection of horror fiction crafted for rediscovering the thrill of reading.
Return to Reading: Mystery
Accessible yet captivating, these books offer a thrilling escape - perfect for those rediscovering the excitement of mystery novels.
Return to Reading: Historical fiction
Explore forgotten worlds and experience pivotal moments in time, all while losing yourself in the drama of days gone by.
Return to Reading: Adventure
For those returning to reading, this list features fast-paced tales of daring quests, unforgettable characters, and high-stakes challenges.
Return to Reading: Horror
Dive into a chilling collection of horror fiction crafted for rediscovering the thrill of reading.
Return to Reading: Mystery
Accessible yet captivating, these books offer a thrilling escape - perfect for those rediscovering the excitement of mystery novels.
Return to Reading: Historical fiction
Explore forgotten worlds and experience pivotal moments in time, all while losing yourself in the drama of days gone by.
Recommended for Teens
Reading Recommendations - Teens
Explore fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, rainbow reads and more - all made for rangatahi. Find your next favourite read at the library.
Most Popular in 2024: Rangatahi - Teens
Sarah J. Maas, Suzanne Collins, and Holly Jackson dominate this year! See what books were popular with teens.
Teen literary prizes and awards
Find winners and nominees for a range of prizes and awards for older children's, teens' and young adult books.
Author interviews for Kids and Teens
Read interviews with authors - how do they create characters and make awesome stories.
Summertime Reading nooks
Libraries are making reading nooks - cosy or cool places to do some Summertime Reading! This one is at New Brighton Library.
Featured
Join us for school holiday fun and learning
Come to the library in the school holidays for bookable programmes and free drop-in activities.
Bilingual Story Cards
Ignite imagination and improve literacy with our bilingual story cards for tamariki - at libraries for $19 for a pack of 60 cards.
Christmas
Links and information about the Christmas holidays - events, food, crafts, music, reading and more!
Previous Challenges
Join the library. It's free!
It is free to join the library. You can join the library online or at a library.