Bookcase

What's happening in public libraries during the school holidays? Heaps. Children's librarians in both rural and urban libraries have developed free literature-based programmes to captivate the children in their local communities.

They include:
Napier and Taradale's Winter Warmers - a six-week reading programme encouraging children to keep up their reading mileage; Te Kuiti's Musical Madness; H.B. Williams Library, Gisborne has Young Unity Theatre performing a selection of stories; Rodney Libraries have a Spot the Dog-based programme; Taumarunui Library has Music, Music, Music as well as a bake-off to celebrate the launch of their local Nestle Write Around New Zealand programme.

Marton's programme is themed around storybook and fairy tale characters; South Waikato District Libraries' Olympic Odyssey offer crafts and stories based around Greek myths; Sir Edmund Hillary Library, Papakura, has Teddy Time; Tasman District Libraries haveReaching For the Stars; Rotorua District Libraries are taking children Around the World; Nelson Libraries features a range of stories and games; Hutt City Libraries have Magical Mayhem; Tauranga City Libraries programme aims to Feed the Mind, Move Your Body & Free Your Soul; North Shore Libraries features activities; and Auckland City Libraries have launched their teenage Odyssey Programme.