What's On at Your Library

For more details about any of our events contact us.

Motueka Library

Date & Time

Regular Events

Description

10.30am-12.00pm, third Monday of the month Book Cafe Come along to our conversational group to discuss, and debate thought provoking topics. Discover a fine selection of books, enjoy themes, interesting snippets and laughs along the way. Refreshments provided. Free.
2.00pm-4.00pm, third Monday of the month Classic Board Games for Adults Drop in for friendly, sociable and fun classic board games such as Scrabble, Chinese Checkers, Chess, Risk, Catan, Yahtzee and more. Free.

3.30pm-5.00pm, last Monday of every month 

Building Bricks Club Make amazing brick creations with Adrian Barbour. Suitable for ages 7+. Building Bricks kindly supplied by the Christchurch User group. Free.
11.00am-12.00pm, every Tuesday  Digi Drop-In Get help with your smartphone, tablet, laptop, e-Reader, or whatever digital device you have. If you're struggling to understand how to use your device or want to find out more about the wide variety of e-Resources that can be accessed through the library, we can help. Free.
1.30pm-4.00pm, every Wednesday Scrabble Come along for a hearty game of Scrabble. Bring a friend or play with someone new. You'll learn new wordy tips and tricks, meet other people who love Scrabble too, and enjoy a relaxing time playing a classic game. Free.
10.00am-11.30am, third Wednesday of every month  Wellby Talking Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed cuppa and start your journey to connect with others who enjoy the same things. You can pop in for a quick chat or stay for a longer conversation with friendly people. There is no need to register, just turn up on the day. The Talking Café hosts will warmly welcome you when you arrive. Free.

12.00pm-2,00pm, third Wednesday of the month  WHAM! Write Here at Motueka

Let us help stimulate, motivate and promote your writing, so that you can produce, perform and publish. Come along to our monthly writing group for adults.

10.30am-12.00pm, fourth Wednesday of the month  Paper Artsy

Use decorative and themed papers to create cards, bookmarks and postcards, for your own pleasure or to give to family and friends. Free.

10.00am-10.30am, every Thursday during term time  Storytime

Join us for fun and exciting stories and songs at our weekly storytime sessions for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers. Free.

1.00pm-2.00pm, first Thursday of the month Babbling Books Come along to meet new people, talk about the books you've been reading, and discover some great recommendations. Free.
10.30am-12.00pm, last Thursday of the month Poetry Circle

Write poetry, read poetry, bring your favourite poem and discover new poets with other poetry lovers. Free. All welcome.

10.00am-10.30am, every Friday during term time  Wriggle & Rhyme

Come and explore music and songs, movement and rhythm, instruments, and stories while making new friends and spending quality time with your child age 2 years and under. Free.

4.00pm-6.00pm, usually the second Friday of the month  Dungeon Dwellers

Come and roll the dice and play Dungeons and Dragons - a fantasy role playing tabletop game. For teens and adults. Free. Exact dates here.

Date & Time

One-off Events

Description

1 - 31 March Loving the Library Wall

Collect your "brick", write on it why you love your new library, then add it to our community wall. Fun for all ages.

1 - 31 March Take & Make: Booklover's Notebooks

Collect your free kit from the library and decorate your own notebook. In it, list the books you read and wish to read. A perfect little journal for those on the go. Free. For all ages.

7 March - 3 April Community Butterfly Art

Pick up a butterfly shape from the library and decorate it for our Community Butterfly Exhibition on our Art Wall. Free.

20 - 31 March Anniversary Bookmarks To celebrate the success of the new library and our first anniversary, we are giving away special gold and silver Tibetan style bookmarks to our library community. Collect yours from the desk while stocks last.
20 - 31 March Celebrating Libraries, Celebrating Youth To celebrate our first anniversary, we will have a special nook in the Youth area displaying mindful activities and great books. For ages 13+
27 - 31 March Take & Make: Greedy Cat Our first anniversary is a great time to acknowledge our Greedy Cat artwork by Robyn Belton in the Children's area of the library. Pick up your cardboard Greedy Cat to take home and assemble. Free. Suitable for young children.
27 March - 8 April Take & Make: Postcards Collect your kit to create and assemble an inspiring postcard for yourself or to give a friend or family member. Free.
Wednesday 29 March
6.00pm-7.30pm 
Meet the Artists & Tour Come and meet the artists and hear the stories behind the artworks throughout our library. Free.
Tuesday 6 April
During opening hours
Make your slide digital

As part of TUKU23 we are bringing you Make your slide digitalA fantastic opportunity to get lost down memory lane. 

Don’t let your old slides and negatives fade or turn to mouldConvert your old family or holiday slide and negatives into digital files you can easily view, share or printFree 45-minute session at Motueka Library with a staff member to help.   

Please contact Motueka Library 03 528 1047 for more information and to book a time with a staff member.  Spaces are limited. 

Tuesday 11 April,
2- 2:45pm
 Mockingbirds ANZAC Concert

Come and listen to The Mockingbirds concert and enjoy music from yesteryear. 

With an ANZAC flavour these ukulele tunes will be nostalgic. 

Most suitable for adults 

Tuesday 11 April - Saturday 22 April, during opening hours

Autumn Book Sale

Come and grab a bargain book at our Autumn Book Sale.

Lots of different pre-loved books to choose from. Childrens, adults, non-fiction, magazines and more. 

Books as priced.

Wednesday 12 April
Thursday 13 April

11am - 12noon

History & Heritage Themed Craft

Join us for a range of history & heritage-themed craft.

Come and enjoy some family time while learning and creating crafts - fun for the whole family.  

Crafts suitable for school age children, pre-schoolers will need adult help.

Friday 14 April
2 - 4pm

Teen Time

Drop in for some creative time with your mates.

Come and join us for some music and creative activities.  The theme is history and heritage, but the outcomes are up to you!

A space and activities for teens – all you need to bring is some patience and a small amount of creative juices.

Friday 14 April, 
4 - 6pm
 Book Talk: Valetta Sówka 

Valetta will be speaking about her new book 'Family of Forest and Fungi - He Tukutuku Toiora'.

He tukutuku toiora translates as 'a network of life' and refers to the role of fungi as an interconnector of Papatūānuku, Mother Nature! 

The book has been illustrated by award-winning children's book illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, and includes te reo translations by local reo kaiako, Hana Park.  

This book is suitable for 8 - 12 year olds, whose whānau have an especial interest in including more te reo Māori in their lives. 

Books will be available for purchase. 

Free to attend.

Monday 17 April 
10.30 - 11.30am

Author Talk Katherine Ballantyne 

Come along to the library and hear and see all about how olive oil gets from the tree to the table with local author Katherine Ballantyne.

Katherine Ballantyne is a local author, who will be sharing her knowledge and book on olive oil pressing, and her olive oil press.

Books available for cash on the day.

Children and families welcome. Free.

Tuesday 18 April 10.30 - 12noon Explore Ngā Toi

Explore toi Māori through raranga harakeke (flax weaving) and the art of whiri (plaiting). 

Join Prashanti from the Tasman District Council Community Partnerships team to learn about our wonderful and most versatile native fibre plant, harakeke, and the role it played in our local history.

This is an all-ages session and together we will learn some raranga tikanga and the art of whiri/plaiting to make rope. 

Free.

Wednesday 19 April, 11am - 12noon Games of Yesteryear 

Drop in for a spot of good old-fashioned fun and games. 

Ditch the screens and drop in for a selection of games from times gone by.

We will have a range of games from different times and cultures such as marbles, knucklebones, te rakau, whai, elastics, pick up sticks, card games and more. Fun for the whole family.

Bring along an adult in your life who might be an expert in one of these games! 

Free.

Thursday 20 April 
11am - 12noon
History & Heritage Themed Craft

Join us for a range of history & heritage-themed craft.

Come and enjoy some family time while learning and creating crafts - fun for the whole family.  

Crafts suitable for school age children, pre-schoolers will need adult help.

Thursday 20 April, 11 - 12.00noon (children)

Friday 21 April,
4 - 6.00pm
(adults)

ANZAC Wreath Workshop

Take part in creating an Anzac Wreath that will be gifted at the Motueka ANZAC Memorial Commemoration.

Friends, families, kids and adults – come along to the Motueka Library to help create an Anzac wreath out of handmade paper poppies.

Thursday 20th April from 11.00 - 12.00pm is for children and their families. Children, please bring an adult to lend a hand as the paper poppies require scissors and patience to put together.

We will share the special ANZAC story by New Zealand author Philippa Werry: ‘This is where I stand.’, before the wreath making. This story shares a glimpse into the life of a soldier.

Friday 21st April 4.00 - 6.00 is for adults to have some quite time to make a poppy to add to our wreath.

All materials will be provided. Free.

A paper poppy take-and-make kit will also be available from the 11th – 22nd April. Drop your completed poppies into the library to be added into the wreath.

The completed wreaths will be gifted at the ANZAC Memorial Commerations.

Friday 21 April,
2 - 4pm
 Teen Time

Drop in for some creative time with your mates.

Come and join us for some music and creative activities.  The theme is history and heritage, but the outcomes are up to you!

A space and activities for teens – all you need to bring is some patience and a small amount of creative juices.

11 - 23 April
During opening hours

Scavenger Hunt 

What makes Tasman special?  

For this scavenger hunt you will discover and learn about our local heritage. Learn about our people, places, events, buildings, and animals.  

This fun scavenger hunt will have you sharing interesting facts about our region with your friends and family.

Search for 10 posters that celebrate Tasman Heritage and what makes Tasman special. Fill in the entry form to enter our prize draw.

Thursday 27 April
10am - 12noon 
Introduction to Ancestry

As part of TUKU23 we are bringing you an Introduction to Ancestry workshop.   

This introductory course will include search tips for using Ancestry.com, looking at various record collections for New Zealand and the UK, viewing Public Member trees and sending records home from the library. Basic computer skills are essential. Contact Motueka Library to book. 

Free. Please contact Motueka Library to book 03 528 1047, spaces are limited.

Thursday 27 April
4.30 - 6pm
Book Talk -
Kate Souness

Kate Souness will be speaking about her books: Ko waka he waka ko au and Kāpehu Whetū. 

Ko au he waka, he waka ko au celebrates the events and history of the waka renaissance movement throughout the Pacific. 

Kāpehu Whetū is a bilingual resource to support learnings about star navigation and Matariki. 

Murchison Library

Date & Time

Regular Events

Description

11.00am-12.00pm, First Friday of the month  Digi Drop-In Get help with your smartphone, tablet, laptop, e-Reader, or whatever digital device you have. If you're struggling to understand how to use your device or want to find out more about the wide variety of e-Resources that can be accessed through the library, we can help. Free.

Date & Time

One-off Events

Description

11 - 23 April
During opening hours
Scavenger Hunt 

What makes Tasman special?  

For this scavenger hunt you will discover and learn about our local heritage. Learn about our people, places, events, buildings, and animals.  

This fun scavenger hunt will have you sharing interesting facts about our region with your friends and family.  

 

Search for 10 posters that celebrate Tasman Heritage and what makes Tasman special. Fill in the entry form to enter our prize draw.

Richmond Library

Date & Time

Regular Events

Description

Tuesdays, 10.30-11.30am
Dementia Friendly Library Group If you are living with Dementia, this group is for you. Come along to this supportive, friendly group facilitated by Debbie and Karyn at your familiar local library. Free.
Tuesdays, during term time,
10.00-10.30am 
Wriggle & Rhyme Come and explore music and songs, movement and rhythm, instruments, and stories while making new friends and spending quality time with your child age 2 years and under. Free.
Second Tuesday of the month, 1.30pm-3.00pm Wellby Talking Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed cuppa and start your journey to connect with others who enjoy the same things. You can pop in for a quick chat or stay for a longer conversation with friendly people. There is no need to register, just turn up on the day. The Talking Café hosts will warmly welcome you when you arrive.

We will be in the Constance Barnicoat Room which is just on the right as you enter the library via Queen Street.

Free.

Third Tuesday of the month, 2.00 -3.00pm  Richmond Writing Group

Come along to meet new people who also like writing, learn writing tips and tricks, try a creative writing exercise and enjoy the company of others.

Free.

Wednesdays, during term time,
10-10.30am 
Storytime Join us for fun and exciting stories and songs at our weekly storytime sessions for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers. Free.
Wednesdays, 11.30 -12.30pm JP In The Library Do you need a Justice of the Peace (JP) to witness your important documents? We can help. Come to Richmond Library's Community Matters space to talk with a registered JP. Free.
Wednesdays, 12.30 -2.00pm Good Crafternoon

Start, finish or work on your almost-started, half-finished, barely-begun craft project in the company of other crafters. All you need to bring is your craft project. Feel free to bring your lunch as well. Free.

Third Wednesday of the month,
3.00 -4.00pm 
Book Group Our book group for adults is an opportunity to discover new books and authors, meet new people and share what you have been reading. Free. All welcome
Thursdays, 11am-12 noon English Conversation Group
Is your first language a language other than English? Would you like to improve your English with a qualified, experienced ESOL teacher? Join our friendly English conversation group for ESOL speakers. It’s free and all ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) are welcome. Simply stop by the Constance Barnicoat room for a warm welcome. Free.
First Thursday of the month (during term time),
3.30-4.30pm
ATLAS Tween Book Club 

Love talking about books with friends?

Join us at ATLAS (At The Library After School) tween book club where years 7 & 8 can share what they are reading, get first pick of new library books and challenge ourselves by choosing a different theme to read about each month.  

Bring along a friend if you like and enjoy some snacks while talking about amazing books! 

You can register here 

Second Thursday of the month (during term time),
3.30-4.30pm
Between the Lines
Young adults Years 9-13 are invited to join us for books, banter and snacks in the library. We'll chat about what we are reading, life and everything in between. Free.
Fridays, during term time,
3:30 - 5pm
(restarting Term Two)
Tabletop Gaming Group

Come join us around the table for weekly gaming greatness! 

Come and make some new friends and play some great games! Board and card games from the library collection or bring your own along. 

For children aged 9-13. 

Free 

Register with staff in the library or by phoning us. 

Date & Time

One-off Events

Description

Weekdays - 20 March - 6 April Make your slides digital

As part of TUKU23 we are bringing you Make your slides digitalA fantastic opportunity to get lost down memory lane.

Don’t let your old slides and negatives fade or turn to mouldConvert your old family or holiday slides and negatives into digital files you can easily view, share or printFree 45-minute session at Richmond Library with a staff member to help.   

Please contact Richmond Library 03 543 8500 for more information and to book a time with a staff member. 

Friday 31 March
10.30 - 12noon

Family History Friday

As part of TUKU23 we are bringing you Family History FridayAn opportunity to get some tips and tricks to finding your ancestors. 

Are you having trouble finding your ancestors? Would you like to know more about using Ancestry.com or what other family history or local history resources are available? Drop by the Richmond Library Research Room and specialist library staff will be available to help you on your research journey. 

Free - drop-in session.

11 - 23 April
During opening hours
Scavenger Hunt 

What makes Tasman special?  

For this scavenger hunt you will discover and learn about our local heritage. Learn about our people, places, events, buildings, and animals.  

This fun scavenger hunt will have you sharing interesting facts about our region with your friends and family.  

Search for 10 posters that celebrate Tasman Heritage and what makes Tasman special. Fill in the entry form to enter our prize draw.  

Wednesday 12 April,
10 - 11:30am
Games of Yesteryear 

Drop in for a spot of good old-fashioned fun and games. 

Ditch the screens and drop in for a selection of games from times gone by.

We will have a range of games from different times and cultures such as marbles, knucklebones, te rakau, whai, elastics, pick up sticks, card games and more. Fun for the whole family.

Bring along an adult in your life who might be an expert in one of these games! 

Free.

Thursday 13 April
1:30 - 2:30pm 

Craftastic 

craft sessions  

Bring along a friend and your imagination and get creative at the library.

Learn how to create your very own journal, decorate it and fill it with some of your own stories and drawings. 

Activities are suited for children 5+ with some adult help needed.

Free

Friday 14 April,
10:30 - 12noon

Explore N Toi 

Explore toi Māori through raranga harakeke (flax weaving) and the art of whiri (plaiting). 

Join Prashanti from the Tasman District Council Community Partnerships team to learn about our wonderful and most versatile native fibre plant, harakeke, and the role it played in our local history.

This is an all-ages session and together we will learn some raranga tikanga and the art of whiri/plaiting to make rope.

Free.

Wednesday 19 April
10:30-11:30am

Craftastic 

craft sessions  

Bring along a friend and your imagination and get creative at the library.

We will be adding a splash of colour to some old images using different techniques.  

Activities are suited for children 5+ with some adult help needed.

Free

Thursday 20 April 10.30 - 11.30am This is where I stand 

Spend a morning at the library for a special ANZAC story and craft activity.  

We will be sharing New Zealand author Philippa Werry’s book ‘This is where I stand.’ This story shares a glimpse into the life of a soldier. The soldier’s statue on the war memorial tells the story of what he has seen over the years. This is a very special book, the perfect ANZAC read.  

After the story children will then participate in an ANZAC themed craft which is suitable for children 5yrs + with some adult help needed.  

Free.

Friday 28 April
10.30 - 12noon
Family History Friday

As part of TUKU23 we are bringing you Family History FridayAn opportunity to get some tips and tricks to finding your ancestors. 

Are you having trouble finding your ancestors? Would you like to know more about using Ancestry.com or what other family history or local history resources are available? Drop by the Richmond Library Research Room and specialist library staff will be available to help you on your research journey. 

Free - drop-in session.

Tākaka Library

Date & Time

Regular Events

Description

Every Tuesday during term time, 10.00am-10.30am. The first session of 2023 will be on 14 February. Wriggle & Rhyme Come and explore music and songs, movement and rhythm, instruments and stories while making new friends and spending quality time with your 0-2 year old. Free.
Every Friday, 11.00am-12.00pm Digi Drop-In Get help with your smartphone, tablet, laptop, e-Reader, or whatever digital device you have. If you're struggling to understand how to use your device, or want to find out more about the wide variety of e-Resources that can be accessed through the library, we can help. Free.
Last Tuesday of the month, 1.00pm-2.00pm  Silverfish Book Group

Do you enjoy reading and talking about books? We pick a theme, a genre or an author for the month, and upon reading return the next month to have an enthusiastic and informal discussion about the books we’ve read. Free.

Once a month, 3.15pm-4.30pm  Popcorn Turtles Book Club

Come along to a fun free book club for children in years 6-9. Find out what others have been reading, get a look at the latest new books, eat some popcorn and do some fun activities. Free. Exact dates here.

Date & Time

One-off Events

Description

Tuesday 4 April,
3:30 - 4:30pm
Easter Crafts

Two fun Easter crafts to make. 

Come along and make an Easter bunny digging in a pot, and a stained-glass Easter egg. Either would make a lovely gift or keep for yourself! 

Adults & children welcome, these are ideal activities to do together.

Free.

11 - 23 April
During opening hours
Scavenger Hunt

What makes Tasman special?  

For this scavenger hunt you will discover and learn about our local heritage. Learn about our people, places, events, buildings, and animals.  

This fun scavenger hunt will have you sharing interesting facts about our region with your friends and family.  

Search for 10 posters that celebrate Tasman Heritage and what makes Tasman special. Fill in the entry form to enter our prize draw.  
Tuesday 11 April, 10:30am - 12noon Creative Craft Morning

Bring along a friend, your imagination and get creative at the library! 

Spend the morning at the library cutting, gluing, painting and creating a masterpiece to take home. 

All ages welcome. 

No bookings necessary.  

Wednesday 12 April, 10:30 - 12noon Crocheting ANZAC Poppies

Come along and crochet Poppies for ANZAC Day.  

Please bring a crochet hook, and balls of red and green wool if available. 

We are making our lives easy by following a simple pattern, so we can go home with one or two finished poppies.  

Crocheting experience is needed. 

Thursday 13 April,
2 - 4pm
Games of Yesteryear 

Drop in for a spot of good old-fashioned fun and games. 

Ditch the screens and drop in for a selection of games from times gone by.

We will have a range of games from different times and cultures such as marbles, knucklebones, te rakau, whai, elastics, pick up sticks, card games and more. Fun for the whole family.

Bring along an adult in your life who might be an expert in one of these games! 

Free.

Friday 14 April,
2 - 4pm
Hack that painting

Start with a pre-painted canvas and add whatever you like to the image! 

What can you think of to add to a picture? 

A dinosaur stomping down the mountain? A monkey climbing in the tree? Or a Kraken-Demogorgon hybrid erupting out of the water and eating a shark? 

Let your imagination go wild and have some fun with friends at this free event.

Suitable for ages 10+ 

No bookings necessary  

Tuesday 18 April
10.30 - 11.30am
This is where I stand

Spend a morning at the library for a special ANZAC story and craft activity.  

We will be sharing New Zealand author Philippa Werry’s book ‘This is where I stand.’ This story shares a glimpse into the life of a soldier. The soldier’s statue on the war memorial tells the story of what he has seen over the years. This is a very special book, the perfect ANZAC read.  

After the story children will then participate in an ANZAC themed craft which is suitable for children 5yrs + with some adult help needed.  

Free.

Thursday 20 April, 10:30am & 2:30pm ANZAC Wreath Workshop

Take part in creating an Anzac Wreath that will be gifted at the ANZAC Memorial Commemorations.

Friends, families, kids and adults – come along to help create an Anzac wreath out of handmade paper poppies. 

Children, please bring an adult to lend a hand as the paper poppies require scissors and patience to put together. 

A paper poppy take-and-make kit will also be available from the 11th – 20th April. Drop your completed poppies into the library to be added into the wreath. 

The completed wreaths will be gifted at the ANZAC Memorial Commemorations 

All materials will be provided.

Free.