Biggest storytime to be held during Library Week!

September 17, 2006.

New Zealand's biggest storytime to be held during Library Week 2006

Library Week 2006 begins tomorrow - a week dedicated to celebrating what fantastic places libraries are and the incredible world libraries can connect you to.

The message this year is for people to "Get Connected" to the exciting world of information and books at your local library.

During the week, which runs from September 18-24, libraries around the country are celebrating with a host of events and competitions.

A signature event in the week of activities will be New Zealand's biggest storytime - a book reading of Margaret Mahy's popular children's book, Down the Back of the Chair. On Wednesday, September 20, up to 2,900 libraries throughout the country will take part.

In the same week, Ms Mahy, herself a former librarian, will also receive the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen author award at the 30th International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Congress in Macau.

The book reading will kick off in all 11 Wellington branches at 11am and at Wellington Central, Dame Kate Harcourt will read Ms Mahy's classic. Wellington will also run give-aways, colouring competitions and special displays during the week.

Auckland Central will hold its storytime event at 10.30am. In Grey Lynn, National Library Minister Judith Tizard will be the guest reader, while Pt Chevalier Community Library has enlisted Bobby and Bryan's Constable Bryan Ward to do the reading. In Christchurch, the reading begins at 11am. Other events during the week include the launch of the e-list - a range of free, regular email newsletters devoted to specific interests, advising subscribers of latest new releases and offering librarians' tips on the hottest books, music and DVDs.

And in Dunedin, storytime will be held at 10.30am. Other events include free film screenings and a talk by an award winning science fiction writer.

Library Week 2006 is organised by LIANZA, the Library and Information Association New Zealand Aotearoa, and is proudly supported by PSIS.

National Library Minister Judith Tizard urged all New Zealanders to get connected with their library - especially this week.

"Libraries offer huge opportunities to all New Zealanders - whether it's storytime, research for your studies or business, armchair travel or a great New Zealand book.

"Libraries and librarians help connect us to our communities, to our country and to the huge ocean of knowledge available from around the world.

"Go and get connected this week!"

ENDS

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