Wā Kōrero - Storytimes
Wā Kōrero programmes include stories, music, movement and rhymes for children aged 2 and over. Meet others in our community when you and your pre-schooler join us for a fun variety of stories, songs and rhymes which foster children’s literacy. All whānau and caregivers welcome. Free, no bookings required.
In person sessions only take place at Alert Level One.
Kōrero pukapuka, pūoru, korikori.
Wā Pēpi: Babytimes is for babies and under-2s.
Wā Kōrero: Online Storytimes
Listen in! Librarians and authors want to tell you a story.
Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant, written and read by Gavin Bishop
Hear Gavin Bishop read his legendary Christchurch book Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant in the Edmonds Factory Gardens.
Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant, written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop. Published by Oxford University Press, New Zealand 1981. Reprinted as a NZ Classic by Random House NZ Ltd 2007.
Books Alive: Kōwhai and the Giants by Kate Parker, read by Amy
Amy reads picture book Kōwhai and the Giants written and illustrated by Kate Parker, winner of the Picture Book Award and Best First Book Award at the New Zealand Children and Young Adult Book Awards 2021.
Everyone Counts by Kathryn Otoshi, read by Elisabeth
Elisabeth reads One by Kathryn Otoshi, a story with a focus on anti-bullying and being an Upstander, with an introduction by the author.
Faitauga Tusi - Samoan Storytimes in Samoan and English, with Tiresa
Learn the Samoan alphabet and sing a favourite song!
Hello World by Paul Beavis, read by Amy
Amy is reading Hello World, written and illustrated by Paul Beavis. Published by Gecko Press.
Mrs Mo's Monster by Paul Beavis, read by Emily
Emily is reading Mrs Mo’s Monster, written and illustrated by Paul Beavis. Published by Gecko Press.
Niue Language Week story and song with Malo
Super Felix by Phoebe Morris, read by Bronwen
Bronwen is reading Super Felix - written, illustrated and published by Phoebe Morris
Story Box Library
Story Box Library is the best place to watch celebrated stories read aloud by our favourite storytellers. A fantastic literary resource for pre-school through to upper primary-aged children, a range of actors, sportspeople, authors, illustrators and more share their unique voices in an ever-growing library. It's Storytime, anytime!
Story Box Library
eAudiobooks
Listen to stories read aloud with BorrowBox and Libby / Overdrive.
Crafts
Enjoy crafts with your tamariki.
Wā Kōrero: Storytimes are only on at COVID Alert Level 1
2021 times
Some sessions are only on during term-time, but others take place in the holidays. Check our events calendar for details.
- Fendalton Library Tuesday 10.30am and Bedtime Stories on the first Friday of the month
- Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre Thursday 11am
- Hornby Library Wednesday 10.15am
- Linwood Library Thursday 10am
- Lyttelton Library Tuesday 11am
- Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre Wednesday 10.30am (plus occasional Super Saturday Storytimes at 2pm)
- New Brighton Library Monday 2pm
- Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre Wednesday 10.30am
- Papanui Library Thursday 11am
- Redwood Library Friday 10.30am, plus Monthly Everyday Heroes Storytimes 10.30am to 11 am, Fridays at Redwood Library
- Shirley Library Tuesday 10.30am
- South Library Thursday 11am
- Spreydon Library Friday 10.30am
- Storytimes at Barrington Mall 2nd Monday of the month 10.30am to 11.30am
- Tūranga Wednesday 10.30am
- Regular Ngā Pakiwaitara: Bilingual Storytimes (in English and te reo Māori) take place at Tūranga every Tuesday, 10.30am.
- Faitauga Tusi: Samoan Storytimes are on the last Saturday of the month at Tūranga, 10.30am.
- Bilingual English and Mandarin storytimes are on at Tūranga on the third Saturday of the month at 11am.
- Tūranga librarians will do a Storytimes at the monthly Art Safari at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30am.
- Upper Riccarton Library Monday 10am
More for preschoolers
- Find more about our Preschoolers' events and programmes.
- Discover music sessions for preschoolers as listed on CINCH.
