So Many Stories

So Many Stories

Conversations with Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

Join Christchurch City Libraries on the first Friday of each month at 9am on Plains FM and discover what our libraries are all about – connecting people, inspiring discovery, and enriching communities. Each show features stories from people who work in libraries, and the members of our community we engage with every day.

  • Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM first Friday of the month at 9am. The show plays again the next Sunday at 3.30pm. 
  • The next show is on Friday 6 December 2024.

 

Episode 36 - November 2024

Summertime Reading Challenge and other celebrations

This episode was broadcast on Sunday 3 November 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

In this episode, you'll hear:

Kahurangi Carter (Green Party List MP) talks at the Tiny Fest launch

6MB, 8 minutes 3 seconds

Chris Hay, manager of Tūranga talks at the Tiny Fest launch

3MB, 4 minutes 10 seconds

Episode 36

Parihaka

There was a peaceful resistance to a militia invasion of Taranaki settlement Parihaka 5 November 1881. Discover the Christchurch connection.

Summertime Reading Challenge

FROM 1 DECEMBER: Keep reading this summer & win. It's easy. Pick up a postcard, complete at least three challenges, & drop the postcard in.

Dia de Muertos / Day of the Dead

Día de Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico on 2 November (All Souls' Day).

Episode 35 - October 2024

Local stories and chilly celebration before summer

This episode was broadcast on Friday 4 October 9am, and Sunday 6 October 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

In this episode, you'll hear:

Libraries Learning Specialist Amy Chiles talks to Local History Librarian Alison Rodgers, CCC Archivist Annabel Armstrong-Clarke, and Assistant Archivist Sarah Tester about the Christchurch Central City Living History Walk.

4MB, 5 minutes 10 seconds

Amy talks to Digital Curation Librarian, Sarah Snelling about Christchurch Photo Hunt 2024 (1-31 October)

3MB, 3 minutes 6 seconds

Karlia Larsen, Library Assistant, explains what's happening for Ōtautahi Author Fest this month

Kaitakawaenga Maatakiwi Wakefield and the Māori and Multicultural Services team with their regular segment, this time featuring Kīngitanga and Koroneihana, introduce new Librarian - Pasifika, Lorna Blackler, and discuss the role of Pasifika Librarian.

47.87MB

Library Assistant, Wendy Blair talks about Days of Ice

Episode 35

Jobs - Current vacancies

Want to work with us? Find information about our vacancies and how to apply.
Early Cashel Street looking east

Ōtautahi Christchurch Central City Living History Walk

Christchurch City Council Archives & Christchurch City Libraries have launched the Ōtautahi Christchurch Central City Living History Walk.

Write on!: Ōtautahi Author Fest

Calling all authors, from the published and prolific through to intrepid beginners! This October we'll have a range of events for writers.

Christchurch Photo Hunt: 1 to 31 October 2024

The annual Christchurch Photo Hunt is on until 31 October. Share your photos old and new - and win Riverside Market vouchers!

Koroneihana and Kīngitanga

This page has information and links to books and articles on the history of Kīngitanga and the selection process for Māori kings and queens.

Days of Ice: 8 to 13 October 2024

Come celebrate Ōtautahi Christchurch's connection to Antarctica with activities, speakers, films, and more!

Pasifika

Resources focusing on Pacific knowledge, heritage & identity, and supporting the learning and retention of Pacific languages and culture.

Episode 34 - September 2024

Programme Design and Delivery, and Language Weeks

This episode was broadcast on Friday 6 September 9am, and Sunday 8 September 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

In this episode, you'll hear:

  • Libraries Learning Specialist Rachel Dodds for her introduction to life in the Programme Design and Delivery team;
  • Libraries Learning Specialists Elaine Drumm and Uai Liu for their Aquabots chat;
  • Tom Smith, Dan Shepherd, and Hanya Gallagher of Blind and Low Vision New Zealand for their discussion around accessible resources; and
  • Kaitakawaenga Maatakiwi Wakefield and the Māori and Multicultural Services team for their regular segment, this time featuring NZ Chinese Language Week and te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

Episode 34

Celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 14 -21 o Hepetema 2024

Explore resources and events to help you strengthen your reo during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week, 14 to 21 September 2024.

What's on

Find out what's happening in libraries. Brochures are in libraries, or check online.

Auahatanga - Creative Spaces

There is amazing technology at Christchurch City Libraries. Find out about each piece of gear, where you can find it, & how you can use it.

New Zealand Chinese Language Week: 22 to 28 September 2024

Nĭ hăo! New Zealand Chinese Language Week 2024 is on from 22 September to 28 September. Find out what's on.

Episode 33 - August 2024

Readers, writers, and stories of heritage

This episode was broadcast on Friday 2 August 9am, and Sunday 4 August 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

In this episode, you'll hear:

  • Specialist Librarians Eamonn Redmond, Alice McLay, and Helen Mepham talk the WORD Christchurch Festival 2024
  • Libraries Learning Specialist Amy Chiles and Specialist Librarian Fee Jay interview the author and bookseller Ruth Shaw
  • Specialist Librarians Wendy Blair and Alison Rodgers and Exhibitions Curator Poppy Wallace-Bell introduce the Women of the Wheel: Past and Present exhibition
  • Member of the Ōtautahi | Christchurch Somali community Ahmed Tani looks forward to Somali Heritage Month. There will be a popup exhibition at Tūranga for Somali Heritage Month from Saturday 17 August to Friday 13 September.
  • Specialist Librarian Katherine Moody and Annette Williams trawl the archives for Family History Month

 

Episode 33

WORD Christchurch Festival 2024

Revisit WORD Christchurch 2024 - read our event reports, and find works by WORD writers in our collection.

Family history eResources

Explore online resources for researching family history and genealogy.

Zinefest workshops at the library

Join us for zinemaking sessions ahead of Ōtautahi Zinefest on Saturday 31 August.

Local Lives Lived! - a Family History Month exhibition

Katherine gives us a sneak peek at some of the local characters featured in August's Local Lives Lived exhibition.

Women of the Wheel: Past and Present Exhibition, part of a series

Discover the history of women's cycling in Ōtautahi Christchurch from 1890 to now at this exhibition running 24 August to 24 November 2024.

Zine Club, part of a series

Learn about different zine-making techniques, meet other creators, and enjoy some arts and crafts.

Episode 32 - July 2024

Outreach team

This episode is all about our Outreach team who deliver services and programmes out in the community to enable access to the library for all the residents of Ōtautahi. It was broadcast on Friday 5 July 9am, and Sunday 7 July 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

In this episode, you'll hear:

Episode host Stacey, Associate Team Leader at South Library

Ky, Team Leader of the Outreach and Learning team will give an overview of services the team provides

6MB, 3 minutes 47 seconds

Susan our Librarian Community who delivers Better Digital Futures sessions in rest homes will explain why we provide this programme and what it entails

5MB, 3 minutes 12 seconds

Betty, one of our library assistants talks with Nicole, the diversional therapist from Ultimate Care Rose Court about the impact library book deliveries have on their residents

5MB, 3 minutes 35 seconds

Librarian Community Gemma brings the library out to the people with the Outreach van, at various stops around the city. She has a kōrero with Joscelyne a long-time user of this service.

5MB, 4 minutes 5 seconds

Ebony is our Librarian Community who delivers programmes to adults throughout the city. One place she visits is Maurice Carter Courts where she enables social housing residents to access all kinds of library resources. She talks with Kathryn, Amanda and Marie

4MB, 3 minutes 17 seconds

Library Assistant Toni has been taking the Library Outreach van to Odyssey House for 6 years now. Toni talks with Men’s Residential Team Leader Rachel and resident Chris talking about how the library supports recovery

8MB, 5 minutes 11 seconds

Wendy is our Librarian Community who visits primary schools promoting the love of reading to our Ōtautahi tamariki. She speaks with Te Kōmanawa Rowley School deputy principal Niki Penny about the impact of this service at their kura.

5MB, 2 minutes

For our tiny tamariki, Librarian Community Lynette delivers sessions to new parents and their pēpi, tailored to engage them with building their children’s literacy and encouraging them to interact with their babies and other whānau. Lynette is speaking with Rukmini (Rook-Minnie) from Playcentre who facilitates the Babies Can Play programme.

8MB, 5 minutes 1 second

We appreciate the time our interviewees have given to us to bring you this episode, this is just a small glimpse into what the Outreach and Learning team provide to our communities. Keep your eye out for our library outreach van around the city at events or parked at one of our many stops, and if you see us come say hi!

Episode 31 - June 2024

Mānawatia a Matariki me Puaka
Celebrating Matariki and Puaka

This episode was broadcast on Friday 7 June 9am, and Sunday 9 June 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

This special episode has been put together by the Māori and Multicultural Services team. Find out about Matariki in Aotearoa and around the world.

 

Members of the Māori and Multicultural Services team

Episode 30 - May 2024

This episode was broadcast on Friday 3 May 9am, and Sunday 5 May 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

Here is what you will hear in this episode:

  • Libraries Learning Specialist Amy Chiles chats Music Trails with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Principal Bassoonist and Head of In the Community Programme Development Selena Prior
  • In a first for So Many Stories, Aquatic Supervisor Marcus Kowalczyk introduces the new Matatiki Hornby Centre
  • South New Brighton School students George and Alex reflect on their 2023 Top of the Pods win ahead of this year’s competition launch
  • Kaitakawaenga Maatakiwi Wakefield is back with updates from the Māori and Multicultural Services team, featuring World Languages Librarian Hayley Concepcion and Pasifika Librarians Malakai Waqasokolala and Mal Veu
  • Community Librarian Wendy Blair has all you need to know about Speaking 4 the Planet
  • Libraries Learning Specialist for Special Projects Danny McNeil talks Techweek 24 with Education Consultant and Facilitator Wilj Dekkers and PB Tech Service Technician and Event Coordinator Riley Paterson

Techweek 2024

Libraries Learning Specialist for Special Projects Danny McNeil welcomes some special guests to talk Techweek at Christchurch City Libraries (think eSports, robots, prizes, and more!). Techweek runs from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 May.

17.2MB, 18 minutes 1 second

Danny talks with Education Consultant and Facilitator Wilj Dekkers and PB Tech Service Technician and Event Coordinator Riley Paterson.

6.75MB, 7 minutes 2 seconds

Danny talks with Hornby High School teacher Ben Carter, and Christchurch Boys’ High School Teacher Andrew Thawley.

10.44 MB, 10 minutes 59 seconds

Marcus, Aquatic Supervisor at Matatiki Hornby Centre
Students George and Alex from the Top of the Pods competition

Episode 30

Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week

Ḁlalum 'ḁus 'e gasav ne fäeag rotuḁm te'is. Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week is on from Sunday 12 to Saturday 18 May 2024.

NZ Music Month

May is NZ Music Month. Find out more about this month-long celebration, and explore our music resources.

Matatiki Hornby Centre

Come along to the new Matatiki Hornby Centre.

CSO music trails through the library

Free, 45 minute music and story performances for kids by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa - Samoa Language Week

Tālofa lava. Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa - Samoa Language Week is on from Sunday 26 May to Saturday 1 June 2024.

Pasifika

Resources focusing on Pacific knowledge, heritage & identity, and supporting the learning and retention of Pacific languages and culture.

Episode 29 - April 2024

This episode was broadcast on Friday 5 April 9am, and aired again on Sunday 7 April 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

Here is what you will hear in this episode:

  • Community Librarians Miles Henderson and Kim Anderson talk library holidays programmes: Creative Cartography and Paper Making
  • Libraries Learning Specialist Amy Chiles and Children’s Librarian Katie Lumsden dig into dyslexia friendly resources
  • Children’s Librarians Debora Fernandes and Susan Osteen introduce Sensory Time
  • Kaitakawaenga Maatakiwi Wakefield reflects on Anzac Day

Kaitakawaenga Maatakiwi Wakefield shares updates from across the Māori and Multicultural Services team

9MB, 10 minutes 7 seconds

Interview: Katie talks about dyslexia

Librarian Katie talks to Amy about dyslexia for an upcoming episode of So Many Stories.


[MP3, 17 minutes]

Confessions of a dyslexic librarian

Find out how Katie has rediscovered the joy of reading through accessible formats, namely eBooks and eAudiobooks.
Andrew and Sionainn in the studio at Plains FM

Episode 29

What's on

Find out what's happening in libraries. Brochures are in libraries, or check online.

Sensory Hour at Redwood Library, part of a series

During our sensory hour, we will be turning off the artificial lighting and minimizing the activities happening in the library.

Dyslexia

Learn about dyslexia, explore useful resources for dyslexic people, and find dyslexia-friendly books to read.

Picture Books about Neurodiversity, Autism & Sensory Issues

Positive picture books featuring neurodiverse characters that help readers better understand or relate to children with sensory issues.

Sensory Storytimes

Storytimes for ages 3-9 on the autism spectrum or who have multisensory needs. Saturday 2pm - 14 March, 11 April, 24 May, 6 June, 21 June.

Anzac Day and Gallipoli

Learn more about the origins of Anzac Day and find library resources about the Anzacs and Gallipoli.

Episode 28 - March 2024: 50th anniversary of the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games: Part Two

This episode was broadcast on Wednesday 6 March 5pm to 6pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

This special episode includes memories from athletes, organisers and staff who brought us this wonderful event.

75.67MB, 55 minutes 5 seconds

Wayne Hawker

Wendy talks to Wayne Hawker from the New Brighton Memorial Museum about their Games exhibition. The New Brighton Memorial Museum celebrated the Games anniversary in style, decking out their whole space with memorabilia.

6MB, 6 minutes 44 seconds


Les Rackley

Linda interviews Les Rackley, bronze medal winner in the boxing middleweight division:

3MB, 3 minutes 33 seconds


Brian Duffy

Brian Duffy, bronze medal winner in the weightlifting featherweight division:

7MB, 7 minutes 31 seconds


Garry Bell

Rachel talks to Garry Bell, cyclist in the 114-mile road race:

2MB, 2 minutes 38 seconds


Jaynie Hudgell (née Parkhouse)

Linda talks to Jaynie Hudgell (née Parkhouse) our 17 year old Gold and Bronze medal winner, in the 800m and 400m freestyle:

4MB, 4 minutes 34 seconds


Lorraine Moller

Linda speaks with Lorraine Moller who ran her lifetime best in the 800m (which is STILL the fastest ever time set by an under 20 NZ woman) and went on to be a 4-time Olympian:

8MB, 9 minutes 30 seconds


Dick Tayler

Gold medal winner in the 10000m Dick Tayler:

15MB, 17 minutes 7 seconds

 

Xth British Commonwealth Games 1974

The 1974 Commonwealth Games were known as the Friendly Games. They took place in Christchurch from 24 January to 2 February 1974.

Episode 27 - March 2024: 50th anniversary of the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games: Part One

This episode was broadcast on Tuesday 5 March 5pm to 6pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

This special episode includes memories from athletes, organisers and staff who brought us this wonderful event.
In this first part we will hear from the folks who made it happen, from security guards to drivers, committee members and media.

69.6MB, 50 minutes 40 seconds

Bruce Ullrich

Wendy speaks with Bruce Ullrich, Vice Chair of the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games Organising committee, who travelled far and wide to help bring the games to us in Ōtautahi.

41.8MB, 48 minutes 34 seconds

Check out his autobiography My Arena available at the library.

 


Garth Dale

Linda speaks with Garth Dale, secretary of the combined sports committee:

2MB, 2 minutes 25 seconds

 


Roger Tweedy

Linda interviews Roger Tweedy who was part of the Reception and Recreation committee:

4MB, 4 minutes 10 seconds


Sean Regan

Rachel talks with Games security guard Sean Regan:

3MB, 2 minutes 55 seconds


Joy Ryan-Bloore

Our next interviewee wanted to attend the Games as a spectator but ended up being offered a position as a technical official instead! Here’s Linda with Joy Ryan-Bloore:

4MB, 4 minutes 4 seconds

 


Jill Price

Rachel speaks with Jill Price who was a driver for some Games VIPs:

2MB, 2 minutes 46 seconds


Lynne Andrews

Rachel speaks with Lynne Andrews who was a news media hostess for the games, responsible for bringing us all the up-to-date excitement!

4MB, 4 minutes 26 seconds

Episode 26 - March 2024

This episode was broadcast on Friday 1 March 9am, and Sunday 3 March 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

Here is what you will hear in this episode:

  • Children’s and Young Adults Service Specialist Ky McWilliam talks Te Rā o Ngā Tamariki | Children’s Day
  • Content Manager Elaine Sides has everything you need to know about the annual Christchurch City Libraries Book Sale
  • Community Librarian Angela Romein looks forward to Pride
  • Kaitakawaenga Maatakiwi Wakefield shares updates from across the Māori and Multicultural Services team (Japan Day, Polyfest, programmes, and more!)

Episode 26

Japan Fiesta: Saturday 12 October 2024

Japan Fiesta in Christchurch will be held at Riccarton Park on Saturday 12 October 10am to 6pm.

Big Bargain Book Sale - Friday 15 & Saturday 16 March 2024

Bag bargains at our annual book sale at the Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre! Friday 15 March 9am to 7pm; Saturday 16 March 9am to 4pm

Children's Day

Children’s Day is the first Sunday in March. It is a special day to spend time as a family.

Me Kōrero Tātou, part of a series

Share your learning and learn from others - everyone is welcome, at any stage of your te reo Māori journey.

Māori Land Court Drop In Advisory Clinic @ Tūranga, part of a series

Staff from the Māori Land Court answer questions and provide advice on a range of enquiry types to do with Māori land.

Pride Book Club

Here’s what we chatted about at Pride Book Club.

Christchurch Pride: 15 to 31 March 2024

Christchurch Pride events for rangatahi - teens include book clubs, and making zines and badges.

Japan

Explore resources about Japan, books in Japanese, and celebrate cultural events.

Pasifika

Resources focusing on Pacific knowledge, heritage & identity, and supporting the learning and retention of Pacific languages and culture.

Ngā Moutere o te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa / Pasifika

Pasifika collection brings together titles focusing on Pacific knowledge, heritage and identity, and Pacific languages and culture.

Episode 25 - February 2024

This episode was broadcast on Friday 2 February 9am and Sunday 4 February 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

Here is what you will hear in this episode:

Community Librarian Wendy Blair talks with Exhibitions Curator Poppy Wallace-Bell about the Aotearoa Bike Challenge - how you can get involved, the benefits of cycling and just how far your bike can take you!

6MB, 7 minutes 11 seconds


Ocean lovers of all ages are invited to come along to New Brighton Library for Dune Day, a chance to celebrate and learn more about our unique coastal landscape. Community Librarian Jamie Stevenson spoke to Coastal Ranger Jason Roberts about his work protecting the dunes and what he’ll be offering on Dune Day.

2MB, 2 minutes 32 seconds


Community Librarian Wendy has all the details for fun in our libraries in February. There’s lots of Lunar New Year excitement and our regular programming is back for 2024. There are some great family days out and beautiful exhibitions to enjoy! Check out our website for details on these events and keep your ear out for our special Commonwealth Games episode later in the month.

6MB, 6 minutes 23 seconds


Our Māori and Multicultural Services team share an update on their kaupapa for February.

7MB, 7 minutes 37 seconds

Episode 25

Cycling

Check out our page focused on cycling books, local cycling images, and resources.

What's on

Find out what's happening in libraries. Brochures are in libraries, or check online.

Justices of the Peace (JPs)

Visit a Justice of the Peace at some of our libraries, now including a Wednesday session 5pm to 7pm at Tūranga. Find out where and when.

Sanctuary exhibition: Ōtautahi Creative Spaces

Amplifying the Voices of Ōtautahi Creative Spaces’ Rangatahi Artists, Sanctuary explores the power of creativity for wellbeing.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi - The Treaty of Waitangi

An agreement made between Māori and the British Crown in 1840, it is New Zealand’s founding document. Read our backgrounder to the Treaty.

Lunar New Year 2024 - Year of the Dragon

Celebrate Lunar New Year! Events at libraries take place from 10 to 24 February 2024.

Episode 24 - January 2024

This episode was broadcast on Friday 5 January 9am, and Sunday 7 January 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

Here is what you will hear in this episode:

Since 2015 Ōtautahi Creative Spaces (or OCS) has worked to build a creative community of people with experience of mental distress. Now, a group of rangatahi artists from OCS have staged what the organising team calls a “takeover” of Tūranga. At the heart of the Sanctuary project is the main exhibition in Te Pito Huarewa / Southbase Gallery, but the works of the over 30 artists represented spill out to every floor in Tūranga and may even turn up in your book! To find out more, Learning Specialist Amy Chiles and Community Librarian Jamie Stevenson spoke to organiser Audrey and artists Cahaya, Rebecca, and Samantha.
Find out more about the Sanctuary exhibiton.

5MB, 5 minutes 26 seconds


Kaitakawaenga Maatakiwi Wakefield with some friends from our Māori and Multicultural Services team:

  • Multicultural Liaison Amber and Multicultural Library Ambassador Pang Wei tell us all about Lunar New Year celebrations
  • Poukohikohinga Ngapiu and Julia let us know about three fabulous events in January
  • Pasifika Liaison Nora invites you to a special Storytime at Aranui Library
  • Maatakiwi gives us some valuable insight about Waitangi Day

8MB, 9 minutes 27 seconds


There’s so much to see and do in Ōtautahi this summer and here’s Community Outreach Librarian Wendy Blair with all the info on pool parties, parks, puppies, picnics and more! There’s also a Story Walk at the Arts Centre on Wednesday 17 January and lots of drop in arts and crafts activities at our libraries around the city, see our website for the full calendar of Summertime Reading fun!

5MB, 4 minutes 44 seconds

Episode 24

Summertime Reading Challenge

FROM 1 DECEMBER: Keep reading this summer & win. It's easy. Pick up a postcard, complete at least three challenges, & drop the postcard in.

What's on

Find out what's happening in libraries. Brochures are in libraries, or check online.

International LEGO Day 2024 and Brick your Book competition

International LEGO Day is on 28 January 2024. You have the chance to win a prize in our Brick your book competition.

I Love My Pet - Shirley Library

If you want to do something for your pet during the holiday season, explore the "I Love My Pet" programmes at Shirley Library.

Sanctuary: Creative Occupation - OCS eCatalogue

Get to know the rangatahi artists involved. Read about the exhibition and the many activations that have been unleashed around Tūranga [PDF]

Sanctuary exhibition: Ōtautahi Creative Spaces

Amplifying the Voices of Ōtautahi Creative Spaces’ Rangatahi Artists, Sanctuary explores the power of creativity for wellbeing.

Lunar New Year 2024 - Year of the Dragon

Celebrate Lunar New Year! Events at libraries take place from 10 to 24 February 2024.

Listen to episodes of So Many Stories

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