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.

2023 shows coming up:

6 October; 3 November; 1 December

 

Episode 21 - October 2023

This episode will be broadcast on Friday 6 October 9am, and will air again on Sunday 8 October 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

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Here is what you will hear in this episode:

  • Community Librarian Wendy Blair and Digital Curation Librarian Sarah Snelling discuss the Christchurch Photo Hunt 2023
  • Library Assistant Jamie Stevenson, Team Leader Rosemary Nicholls, and Library Assistant Christine Wehrmeier celebrate Tūranga Central Library’s 5th birthday (Tūranga turns 5 on 12 October 2023)
  • Social Scientist and Women in Polar Science Senior Project Coordinator Andrea Herbert promotes the Awesome Antarctica Polar Women exhibition
  • Kaitakawaenga Maatakiwi Wakefield and the Māori and Multicultural Services team commemorate Te Pūtake o te Riri | The New Zealand Wars
  • We share a Seven Sharp segment on the Christchurch City Libraries Everyday Heroes Storytimes programme

Episode 21

Awesome Antarctica Days of Ice: Mon 2 October-Sun 8 October

Join us for Days of Ice at Tūranga to celebrate the opening of the Antarctic science season with activities, speakers, films and events.

Everyday Heroes Storytime at Tūranga

Oct 25th | 10:30am - 11:00am
Meet this month’s real everyday hero joining us for a fun variety of hero themed stories, song, and rhymes

Photo Hunt 2023: Share your photos at Shirley Library

Oct 11th | 9:00am - 5:00pm
Help tell the story of life in Christchurch at this drop-in digitisation event. Be in to win Riverside Market vouchers.

Awesome Antarctica Polar Women, part of a series

An exhibition that draws from a growing network of female polar researchers inspiring the careers of other women.

Photo Hunt 2023: Digitise your photos at Te Hāpua: Halswell

Oct 18th | 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Use the Photo Scanner to digitise photos. Learn how to use the scanner & create digital copies. Library staff will be on hand to help.

Christchurch Photo Hunt 2023

Share your photos and stories in our annual Christchurch Photo Hunt. Entries open 1 October.

Photo Hunt 2023: Share your photos - Upper Riccarton Lib

Oct 26th | 10:00am - 2:00pm
Help tell the story of life in Christchurch at this drop-in digitisation event. Be in to win Riverside Market vouchers.

Photo Hunt 2023: Share your photos - Papanui Library

Oct 20th | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Help tell the story of life in Christchurch at this drop-in digitisation event. Be in to win Riverside Market vouchers.

Episode 20 - September 2023

This episode will be broadcast on Friday 1 September 9am, and will air again on Sunday 3 September 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on Plains FM.

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Here is what you will hear in our "Feeling Fresh for Spring" episode:

Kaitakawaenga Maatakiwi Wakefield and Justice-Manawanui Arahanga-Pryor chat Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week)


Interview with Maatakiwi and Justice, 9MB, 9 minutes 25 seconds


Pasifika Community Liaison Nora Taylor introduces Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga (Tongan Language Week)


Interview with Nora, 1MB, 1 minute 21 seconds


Multicultural Liaison Coordinator Amber Li and Library Assistant Pangwei look forward to New Zealand Chinese Language Week


Interview with Amber and Pangwei 3.5MB, 3 minutes 45 seconds


Phrases, 754KB, 48 seconds


Community Librarian Wendy Blair sits down with Ako Aotearoa Sector Services Manager Jennifer Leahy to discuss The Festival of Adult Learning | Ahurei Ākonga


Interview with Wendy and Jennifer, 3MB, 3 minutes 18 seconds


Library Assistant Jamie Stevenson and Trees for Canterbury Manager Steve Bush mark the return of The Great Library Seed and Plant Swap


Interview with Jamie and Steve, 4MB, 4 minutes 54 seconds


Step Ahead Trust Project Connect Manager Bryan Gilchrist talks about his members’ experiences at Christchurch City Libraries ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week


Interview with Bryan, 4MB, 3 minutes 35 seconds


Poppia talks about sustainability events happening in September.


Interview with Poppia, 2MB, 2 minutes 45 seconds

Steve Bush

Episode 20

Sustainable living

Find out about sustainable living events, activities and resources.

New Zealand Chinese Language Week

Nĭ hăo! New Zealand Chinese Language Week 2023 is on from 17 September to 23 September. Find out what's on.

Celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

Explore resources to help you strengthen your reo during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week.

Mental Health

Explore mental health resources available from your library & community. Find out What's on for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Tonga Language Week

Mālō e lelei. Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga - Tonga Language Week is on from Sunday 3 to Saturday 9 September 2023.

Tonga Language Week craft: Kiekie

Mālō e Lelei. Enjoy this Tonga Language Week Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga craft from Tiresa.

Tongan general resources

A selection of Tongan resources that cover language, culture and protocols. The list is for the whole family to enjoy.

Sustainable September

Terrific Toy Swap - Shirley Library

Oct 12th | 11:30am - 12:30pm
Bring your unwanted preloved teddies, Lego, playsets and so on. Take away another toy in return for more playtime fun!

Clothing Rescue

Oct 20th | 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Keep wearing your favourite clothes for longer by learning basic and beautiful mending stitches. Free, drop in event.

Repair Your Stuff @ Tūranga, part of a series

Ōtautahi Repair Revolution brings skilled repair volunteers together to help fix your clothes, shoes, electronics, & perform general repairs

Sustainable Gift Wrapping

Nov 27th | 10:30am - 11:30am
Get ready for a sustainable Christmas using material, scraps, textiles, decorative papers, maps, scores, tea towels, sweaters, ribbons etc.

Episode 19 - August 2023

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

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Here is what you will hear:

WORD Christchurch Programme Lead Kiran Dass chats about the WORD Christchurch Festival 2023, which runs from Wednesday 23 August to Sunday 27 August.

Interview with Kiran Dass, 6MB, 7 minutes 8 seconds

Christchurch City Libraries Reading Advisor Mike Moroney (aka the Unlikely Librarian) and Youth Librarians Bridie Anderson and Alice McLay talk WORD collaborations, including AI Versus Librarians, the Book Witch, and more.

Interview with Mike, 2MB, 2 minutes 27 seconds

Interview with Bridie and Alice, 5MB, 5 minutes 23 seconds

Community Librarian Alicia Harbison-Price sits down with Sarah Lund of Ōtautahi Zinefest, which takes place at the Christchurch Art Gallery | Te Puna o Waiwhetū on Sunday 27 August. More about zines and Ōtautahi Zinefest.

Interview with Alicia and Sarah, 5MB, 5 minutes 20 seconds

The New Zealand International Film Festival is back this August, and Community Librarian Wendy Blair has all the details plus more on Kanopy and Beamafilm for Christchurch City Libraries members.

Interview with Wendy, 2MB, 2 minutes 11 seconds

Pou Kohikohinga Māori Ngapiu Tainui-Maclure and Julia Keogh-Cope round out the episode with information about the new afterschool programme Huinga Ako and the monthly reading club Te Kāhui Ohua.

Interview with Ngapiu and Julia, 1MB, 1 minute 22 seconds

Episode 19

Interview: Alicia and Sarah on Ōtautahi Zinefest

Librarian Alicia talks to Sarah Lund of Ōtautahi Zinefest. From So Many Stories, August 2023 show. Time: 5 minutes 20 seconds

Interview: Mike on WORD Christchurch 2023 events at Tūranga

An interview with Mike about the WORD Christchurch 2023 Tūranga events. From So Many Stories, August 2023 show. Time: 2 minutes 27 seconds

Interview: Bridie & Alice on Tūranga WORD Chch 2023 events

An interview with librarians Bridie & Alice about WORD Christchurch 2023. From So Many Stories, August 2023 show. Time: 5 minutes 23 seconds

Interview: Kiran Dass Programme Lead on WORD Chch 2023

An interview with Kiran Dass about the WORD Christchurch Festival 2023. From So Many Stories, August 2023 show. Time: 7 minutes 8 seconds

WORD Christchurch Festival 2023

Find out about WORD Christchurch, the writers and books featured in the festival, and read our coverage of WORD events and sessions.

No risk, no reward: Top ten picks of WORD Christchurch 2023

Moata attends the launch of WORD Christchurch 2023 and chooses her top ten picks of the festival (plus some more because 10 isn't very many)

Zines

There are small pop up collections of zines at Shirley and Upper Riccarton libraries, as well as the main collection at Tūranga.

Te Kāhui Ohua, part of a series

Te Kāhui Ohua is a casual, monthly reading group at Tūranga that celebrates the Ngā Pounamu Māori collection. All welcome!

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival

Screens a range of films over a two week period. In 2023 the Christchurch leg of the festival will run from 10 to 27 August.

Episode 18 - July 2023

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

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 18:

Queenie and Georgia and Megan

Episode 18

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.

Join us for school holiday fun and learning

We have bookable programmes & free activities on in libraries. The holidays run from 25 September to 8 October.

Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati - Kiribati Language Week

Kam na bane ni mauri. Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati - Kiribati Language Week is on from Sunday 9 to Saturday 15 July 2023.

Creativebug

Unlimited access to thousands of online art and craft video classes.

Cook Islands Language Week

Kia orana! 'Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani - Cook Islands Language week is on from Sunday 30 July to Saturday 5 August 2023.

Episode 17 - June 2023

This episode will be broadcast on Friday 2 June 9am, and aired again on Sunday 4 June 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on PlainsFM.

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 17 - it's a Matariki episode:
Maatakiwi Wakefield, Julia Keogh-Cope, Ngapiu Tainui-Maclure, Justice-Manawanui Arahanga-Pryor, and Nora Taylor of the Christchurch City Libraries Māori and Multicultural Services team talk all things Matariki. Also featuring Multicultural Liaison Coordinator Amber Li and Library Liaison – Youth Lara Moses.

Matariki kai with the Māori and Multicultural Services team
Dr Rangi Matamua

Matariki

Matariki: Māori New Year

Stars of the Matariki cluster set on 13 Haratua / May, and rise 10 to 13 Takuru / July. Celebrate Matariki with Christchurch City Libraries.

Matariki lighting at Avebury House: Picturing Canterbury

Avebury House and grounds lit up as part of Matariki in the Zone celebrations, 23 June 2019. An image from Canterbury Stories.

Discover Canterbury: Matariki and Tīrama Mai

Matariki marks the beginning of the Māori New Year according to the lunar calendar.

Episode 16 - May 2023

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

Read the transcript of this month's show [81KB PDF]

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Kiri and Lou at the Library exhibition
Jai Bartlett
DJ Danny-ill

Here's what you will hear in Episode 16:

  • Library Learning Specialist Hayley Young talks about her work supporting exhibitions and specifically the upcoming Kiri and Lou exhibition.
  • Julie Fraser (Director) from Sign Equity tells us about the sign language courses she runs at libraries.
  • Library Assistant Wendy Blair speaks with Brooke Agnew (Trust Manager) and Alice Moore (Community Worker) from Kāwai Rangatahi about their work in the community and with Linwood Library.
  • Jai Bartlett – Artist name Bhai Jartlett, shares how he discovered the media studio and AV specialists who helped him learn how to mix, record sounds and turn his initial ideas into an album expressing identity and fusing cultures through music.
  • Daniel Mataki Jnr, Youth Worker at Youth Cultural Development and DJ Danny-ill, shares his experience of accessing library resources and collaboration on running hip hop events and workshops in libraries, including the upcoming DJ Showcase and Workshop during Youth Week.

Youth Week events

Youth Week: 15 to 21 May
Teen Clothes Swap at South Library: Saturday 13 May 12noon to 3pm
Youth Week: VR Graffiti T-Shirt at New Brighton Library: Wednesday 17 May 3.30pm to 5pm

NZ Music Month events

DJ Showcase and Workshop at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre: Friday 19 May 4pm to 6pm
NZ Music Month @ Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre

Get creative and utilise our music equipment

Thursday Takeover at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre and Tūranga
Auahatanga - Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre Creative Time
Open Studio - Youth focused at Tūranga

So Many Stories 16

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.

NZ Music Month

It's NZ Music Month. Find out more about this month-long celebration, and explore our music resources.

Open Studio - YA (ages 13 to 17), part of a series

This is an open drop-in session where rangatahi can come to learn more about audio & video production in our studio.

New Zealand Sign Language

Find out more about New Zealand sign language and browse NZSL resources. NZ Sign Language Week is from 8 to 14 May 2023.

Thursday takeover

Thursdays, 3.30 to 4.30pm
Make the Youth Space your space on Thursday afternoons. Drop-in, for ages 12-18.

Episode 15 - April 2023

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

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 15:

  • Family History Librarian Katherine Moody talks Anzac themed events across the network, including Voices of Gallipoli and Find Your New Zealand Ancestor’s Military Record.
  • Library Archivist Amy Ryan talks about the importance of preserving the personal accounts of people who have lived in Christchurch and Canterbury for the future. How personal records allow us to know more about a person’s life beyond a name or an image. Find out how you can also find and view our collection through ArchivesSpace, the Research Room and our website contact page. For example, see the diaries of Lucy Jane Augusta Hogg (pictured below - the 1903 diary contains an Australian shipboard menu).
  • We feature a an excerpt from our full interview with Janneth Gil about the Raising Sakinah Exhibition, the stories of grief, resilience and hope the art work embodies, and the invitation for everyone to come and experience this opportunity for unity.
  • Redwood Associate Team Leader Andrea Lord chats with Public Health Nurse Kirsten Lambie about the Everyday Heroes Storytimes pilot, a programme that is now to roll out across the network.
  • Public Programmes Coordinator Bronwyn Shanks is back with events to watch out for this school holiday season.

Competition

Library Archivist Amy Ryan mentioned a Christmas Dinner Menu from 1914. Where was this dinner held? Email your answer and any feedback or ideas for the show to library@ccc.govt.nz. Be in to win a one-on-one session with us to design your own t-shirt at South Auahatanga - Creative Space!

 

Redwood Associate Team Leader Andrea Lord chats with Public Health Nurse Kirsten Lambie.
Library Archivists Amy Ryan and Rosemary O’Neil pictured in Wāhi Rangahau, the Research Room in front of the Aotearoa New Zealand Reference Collection.
The diaries of Lucy Jane Augusta Hogg, The Pictured 1903 diary contains an Australian shipboard menu https://archives.canterburystories.nz/repositories/3/resources/59

So Many Stories 15

Join us for school holiday fun and learning

We have bookable programmes & free activities on in libraries. The holidays run from 25 September to 8 October.

Anzac Day - Tuesday 25 April 2023

Find out what's on this Anzac Day, and explore our Anzac resources.

Searching for soldiers: Anzac events

Whether it's searching for the military records of a soldier in your family, or remembering the cost of war - learn about our Anzac events.

Episode 14 - March 2023

This episode was broadcast on Friday 3 March 9am, and aired again on Sunday 5 March 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on PlainsFM.

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 14. This month’s episode is all about the diverse people of Ōtautahi | Christchurch and the Christchurch City Libraries network.

International Women's Day: Wednesday 8 March

We talk to Digital Curation Librarian Sarah Snelling ahead of International Women’s Day.
Trustee Sarah Mankelow chats about the Humans of Christchurch | Ōtautahi exhibition, and ‘human’ Sophie Estob Gradwell shares her story.

Christchurch Pride: Friday 10 March to Sunday 19 March

Lara Moses, Library Liaison – Youth and Youth Librarian Alice McLay share how Christchurch City Libraries will be celebrating diversity and providing a safe space for tamariki, rangatahi and LGBTQIA+ allies during Christchurch Pride and beyond. Everything from magnificent Queens telling stories, to book lists and information on local organisations you can access at your local library.

Ukrainian Association of New Zealand – South: Saturday 11 March

Michael Lidski shares a little about the local Ukrainian community and invites us to join this fundraising event at Tūranga on Saturday 11 March.

Nowruz: Sunday 12 March to Sunday 26 March

Hero Modares of the Kia Ora Academy introduces us to Nowruz or Persian New Year. Celebrate Nowruz with us on Saturday 25 March 2pm to 4pm at Tūranga. There is also an Iranian exhibition on from Sunday 12 March to Sunday 26 March.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Monday 13 March to Sunday 19 March

Dr Annick Janson spoke to us from her home in Raglan about her personal and professional experience of the challenges and beautiful opportunities that neurodiversity can bring for whānau. Yaniv Janson’s discovery of art, his exhibition and development of his fully booked Colour me happy workshop based on the PERMA theory of wellbeing. Finally Annick invites you to join her for the Positive Parenting workshop bring together her personal experience and professional knowledge on parenting with neurodiverse whānau.

Visit our page on Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

Lara and Alice

So Many Stories 14

Neurodiversity

Find information about library events for Neurodiversity Celebration Week and resources on ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and more.

Ukraine - One year on from invasion

Today - 24 February 2023 - marks one year since the Russia invaded Ukraine. We recommend some reading about the invasion.

International Women's Day 8 March

This global day connects women around the world and aims to inspire them to achieve their full potential.

LGBTQIA+ reading guide

Read the rainbow with fiction, biographies, and graphic novels.

Christchurch Pride 10 March to 19 March 2023

Christchurch Pride is on now! Enjoy events including book clubs, and making zines and badges.

Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi Exhibition (until 12 March)

A collection of stories & photos celebrating everyday heroes will be on display at Tūranga’s Te Pito Huarewa Southbase Gallery this summer.

LGBTQIA+ stories and resources at the library

We help you find LGBTQIA+ books and resources in our collection.

New Year

The tradition of celebrating the New Year as a new beginning goes back to the earliest societies. For many of us, 1 January is New Year.

Episode 13 - February 2023

This episode was broadcast on Friday 3 February 9am, and aired again on Sunday 5 February 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on PlainsFM.

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 13:

  • Listen to a short segment about Waitangi Day by Maatakiwi.
  • Ngapiu talks about Māori Services and the Pou Kohikohinga Māori role.
  • We hear from Andrew who is part of the Otago Museum team bringing the interactive Tūhura Tuarangi - Aotearoa in Space exhibition to Tūranga.
  • The start of February marks the end our Summertime Reading Challenge competition so Bronwyn explains what happens now and when our lucky winners will be contacted.
  • Margot and her Fendalton Library colleague Ray have a long relationship with the annual Culture Galore event at Ray Blank Park. We hear about how library is involved on the day, children’s books collection in Italian, Danish and Portuguese alongside Korean and Chinese items held at Fendalton Library that are part of the library network World Languages collection.
  • A highlight of summer has been our partnership with Orana Park bringing our library van into the zoo and presenting special Storytime sessions at various animal exhibits including the gorillas and Spider Monkeys! We hear from park representative Khloe Peck about working at a zoo and some of the important conversation work they are involved in.
  • To mark the restart of Wā Pepi Babytimes and Wā Kōrero Storytimes around the network we hear from experienced Fendalton Library presenter Margot White about what these regular programmes include and why your whānau are welcome to join. If you would like to bring the whole whānau down to relax and enjoy stories and craft, Margot has her special Bedtime Stories in the evening on the first Friday of the month, with the 3rd of February being a special Lunar New Year session.
  • Robyn tells why her whānau are big fans of their local Storytimes sessions at Hornby Library.

Margot at FendaltonKy at Orana Park Khloe at Orana ParkRobyn reads

So Many Stories 13

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.

Waitangi Day in Christchurch & Canterbury - Mon 6 Feb 2023

Find out about Waitangi Day celebrations to enjoy in Ōtautahi and further afield. All libraries are closed Monday 6 February 2023.

Wā Pēpi: Babytimes

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

Summertime Reading Challenge

Kids and Teens - ages 0 to 18 - tell us about your summer reads in three words and be in to win!

Wā Kōrero: Storytimes

Enjoy Wā Kōrero: Storytimes at your library!

World Languages Collection

Including Afrikaans, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Polish, Rarotongan and more...

Episode 12 - January 2023

This episode was broadcast on Friday 6 January 9am, and aired again on Sunday 8 January 3.30pm.

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 12:

  • Children and Young Adults Service Specialist Ky McWilliam speaks to Jessica Urlichs, a poet and author from Aotearoa. They talk about Jess's picture book The Rainbow in My Heart, her writing process and how the book can be used to help children learn about their emotions.
  • Electronic Resource Librarian Simone Entwisle tells us about how you can enjoy eBooks and eAudiobooks anywhere you are over the summer including the very popular and guiltiest of pleasures; the romance novel.

So Many Stories 12

Read a hot romance eBook this summer

If you have never read a romance novel, try one if you read an ebook no one will ever know.

Best eBooks for Adults 2022

A selection of award winners, bestsellers and well reviewed books from 2022.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas: eBooks

Christmas stories & romantic reads with a dash of snowy Christmas mysteries, a sprinkling of craft and gift making, plus some recipes.

Historical fiction - eBooks and eAudiobooks

A collection of historical novels available through Libby and OverDrive.

Romance - eBooks & eAudiobooks

Would you like to be distracted with thoughts of romance? Here are a few romantic e-reads that might tickle your fancy.

Romance fiction reading guide

Like your Romance fiction modern or historical, rural or fantastical, restrained or raunchy? Our guide can help you find 'The One'.

Episode 11 - December 2022

This episode was broadcast on Friday 2 December 9am, and aired again on Sunday 4 December at 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on PlainsFM.

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 11:

  • Sarah Cameron (Public Programmes Coordinator) and Susan Osteen (Children’s Librarian) tell us how our Summertime Reading Challenge helps tamariki avoid the slump in reading and literacy levels over summer by encouraging reading for pleasure in a fun and rewarding way.
  • We needed to hear from tamariki about what they are reading so we hear from library regular Zahra Toumi on her latest reads and Library Assistant Jon Truesdale chats with budding broadcasters Jimmy Cribb, Theo Garing, and Macklin Keatley.
  • Co-chair of the local English teachers collective Waitaha English Laura Borrowdale  attended at a recent zine making workshop held in Tūranga Central Library and for secondary school English teachers in Waitaha, Canterbury.
  • Professional Learning and Development Advisor Alice Cameron gives a glimpse of how Christchurch City Libraries staff are supported in professional development to provide quality services and access to resources for all library users.

So Many Stories 11

What's on: September, October, and November 2023

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

Best Books of 2022 for Kids & Teens

Our selectors pick the best reads of the year for tamariki and rangatahi.

Summertime Reading Challenge

Kids and Teens - ages 0 to 18 - tell us about your summer reads in three words and be in to win!

Zines!

Resources to help you learn more about zines and zinemaking, and ways you can get started on making your own.

Episode 10 - November 2022

This episode was broadcast on Friday 4 November 9am, and aired again on Sunday 6 November at 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on PlainsFM.

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 10:

Katie Brazil, Team Leader for Outreach and Learning provides an overview of how we provide services to a wide range of community groups and individuals as well as programming such as Shared Reading.

Library Assistant Toni Campion-Cusack talks to Marionette and Monique from Kilmarnock Enterprises about the Library van service and how the library supports their team.

Tokona te kaika, Homelink customer Joan Rendall shares her love of reading and how the Outreach library van and our new Tokona te kaika services allows her to continue to read despite limited mobility.

Teacher Nicki and two tamariki, Marley (4) and Nate (3) from Sydenham Community Preschool talk about their experience of our Pre-School Outreach Delivery Specialist Susan Dodd.

Jono from Housing First along with Dave and Michelle talk about the safe community gathering place The Commons has become each Wednesday where kai, music and art is shared. World Homeless Day Photovoice Exhibition.

Lis Rate-Smith from Drug Arm Art East tells us about the Recovery Garden exhibition coming to Tūranga on the 18th of November. The therapeutic potential of art and how libraries have provided opportunities to discover new mediums and technology that inspire further creativity.

Listen to Lis:

Ngapiu Tainui-Maclure (Pou Kohikohinga Māori) shares how she and her team provide iwi research guidance in groups and one to one.

Mataakiwi Wakefield (Kaitakawaenga) shares the significance of November 5th and Parihaka.

So Many Stories 10

Parihaka

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

How we can help you: Use the library from home

If you have a condition that affects your ability to visit the library, we can help: Concession Membership, Agreed Support & Tokona te Kaika

Episode 9 - October 2022

This episode was broadcast on Friday 7 October 9am, and aired again on Sunday 9 October at 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on PlainsFM.

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 9. We focus on topics related to heritage and history and celebrate International Day of Older Persons (October 1):

  • Lyn Gifford (Librarian – Family History) chats with Poppia Marriott (Library Assistant) about Christchurch Heritage Festival
  • Sarah Tester (Community Stories Liaison) and Maeve Platts (Resource Description and Access Librarian) talk Photo Hunt and Canterbury Stories
  • Toni Campion-Cusack (Library Assistant) describes her work with rest homes and care centres
  • Darral Campbell (CEO Dementia Canterbury) reflects on an almost decade-long partnership between Christchurch City Libraries and Dementia Canterbury
  • and we feature Louisa Vowles’ (Exhibitions Project Manager) address to guests at the opening of the In Search of Ngaio exhibition.

Episode 9

Christchurch Heritage Festival 6 - 23 October 2023

Explore the interesting and fun local history events, exhibitions, and activities on at the Christchurch Heritage Festival.

Join us for school holiday fun and learning

We have bookable programmes & free activities on in libraries. The holidays run from 25 September to 8 October.

Christchurch Photo Hunt 2023

Share your photos and stories in our annual Christchurch Photo Hunt. Entries open 1 October.

Photo Hunt 2022: Celebrations and Commemorations

Photo Hunt 2022 is back! Share your photographs and highlight the key moments in out city's history.

Photo Hunt 2022: Local tragedies

Photo Hunt 2022 is back! Share your photographs and highlight the key moments in our city's history.

Photo Hunt 2022: Happy Holidays!

Photo Hunt 2022 is back! Share your photographs and highlight the key moments in out city's history.

Christchurch Hip Hop Summit: Sunday 9 to Saturday 15 October

This year the summit will extend across 7 days and locations across the CBD - including Tūranga!

Photo Hunt 2022: Perplexing public proceedings

Photo Hunt 2022 is back! Share your photographs and highlight the key moments in out city's history.

QUIZ: Milestones and Moments - Christchurch Photo Hunt

Test your knowledge about some important milestones that have shaped Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Photos Assemble! Christchurch Photo Hunt 2022

Our annual Photo Hunt kicks off on Saturday 1 October. Now's the time to start flicking through your photos and share them.

Chat with a Living Book: Tūranga

Thursday 20 Oct - Have a 15-minute lounge chat with a unique person from our community. Their interests include music, advocacy, & more.

In search of Ngaio exhibition: Saturday 27 Aug-Sunday 27 Nov

In search of Ngaio is an exhibition that aims to uncover Dame Ngaio Marsh’s work and life.

Canterbury Stories

Canterbury Stories is our place for collecting and presenting online collections from our digitised archives, photographs and community.

Services for older adults

Find out about library services and resources for older adults.

Episode 8 - September 2022

This episode was broadcast on Friday 2 September 9am, and again on Sunday 4 September at 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on PlainsFM.

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Here's what you will hear in Episode 8:

  • Justice shares ways you can adopt te reo into your everyday conversations with some handy kupu.
  • Hear about the exciting virtual reality underwater experience being shared with students in an effort to spread the word about conversation and ways to keep our waterways healthy.
  • Cathy from the Richmond Community Garden and our very own library courier driver Steve share their community garden experiences and ways you can participate.
  • Amber will teach us greetings and share information on events happening during New Zealand Chinese Language Week including traditional calligraphy.
  • We will also hear about the wide range of newspapers, magazines and books available in our libraries and electronically via Libby / Overdrive.

Episode 8

New Zealand Chinese Language Week

Nĭ hăo! New Zealand Chinese Language Week 2023 is on from 17 September to 23 September. Find out what's on.

Sustainable living

Find out about sustainable living events, activities and resources.

Celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

Explore resources to help you strengthen your reo during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week.

Mental Health

Explore mental health resources available from your library & community. Find out What's on for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Richmond Community Gardens - So Many Stories

So Many Stories team took a tour of the Richmond Community Gardens and spoke with their coordinator, Cathy.

Chinese language eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines

Visit Libby and OverDrive to find eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines in Chinese.

The Great Library Seed and Plant Swap

Every year in September we host the Great Library Seed and Plant Swap. Come along and bring any seeds or seedlings you'd like to swap.

NZ-VR

NZ-VR is a school outreach programme that uses virtual reality to connect young New Zealanders with the marine environment.

Episode 7 - August 2022

This episode was broadcast on Friday 5 August 9am, and again on Sunday 7 August at 3.30pm. Listen to So Many Stories on PlainsFM.

Listen and subscribe on:

Here's what you'll hear in Episode 7:

WORD Christchurch Festival and a welcome back to LIVE events!

Nic Low

"What are you really excited about in this year's Festival?"

Moata interviews Nic Low, Programme Director for WORD Christchurch, looking ahead to WORD from 31 August - 4 September.

The Unlikely Librarian

"Aren't we all books bound in human skin?"

Poppia chats with Mike Moroney (aka the Unlikely Librarian), Library Assistant Auahatanga | Creativity tells us about his involvement in some of this year’s WORD events.

Mike's event is Indelible: Tattoo Tales Saturday 3 September 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Ray Shipley

"There's nothing quite like a live performance."

Poppia talks with Ray Shipley, poet, comedian, and former Youth Librarian looking forward to their Late Night Poetry Hour at WORD and National Poetry Day (Friday 26th August). They'll let you in on some picks from recent NZ poetry and fiction. Check out our Poetry page for more.

Ray is appearing in:
Ray Shipley's Late Night Poetry Hour Friday 2 September 9pm to 11pm
The Stardust Cabaret Saturday 3 September 7.30pm to 9pm
Out here: An anthology of Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ writers from Aotearoa Friday 2 September 4pm to 5pm
and recommends Mohamed Hassan: How to be (a bad) Muslim Friday 2 September 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Chloe Gong

You'll also hear an excerpt from an interview with Chloe Gong talking about her latest YA novel Foul Lady Fortune with Alice and Alicia f