Bring the whānau and celebrate Auckland’s readers, writers and the stories that bring us together with Ka Pānui Tātau i Tāmaki Makaurau | We Read Auckland in August.
Hosted by Auckland Council Libraries from 15 - 28 August, Aucklanders will experience a variety of free events involving storytelling, author talks, panel discussions, workshops and webinars, whānau fun, exhibitions, fun events for adults, local history and heritage events, and a range of online events, both livestreamed and pre-recorded.
“Our libraries have endless opportunities for learning, entertainment and exploration, and we’re excited to share our passion for reading and storytelling with the communities of Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Catherine Leonard, Head of Library and Learning Services at Auckland Council.
“We’re inviting all Aucklanders to join us for this year’s fantastic programme of events and discover the lifelong benefits of reading for pleasure and wellbeing.”
We Read Auckland will deliver a mix of online and in-library regional events, regional Māori and Pasifika events, local community events, and research centre and heritage events. There will also be an online reading challenge for all ages with prize draws.
It is a programme designed to promote reading, and in particular reading for pleasure, wellbeing and connection. There is a focus on reading material with a connection to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. You can escape, relax and be entertained with friends and whānau. Your experience can be as serious or as frivolous as you like.
Last year was the inaugural year of We Read Auckland when Auckland Council Libraries first brought the initiative to the region. With many events booked out in 2021, it was deemed a success and is back by popular demand.
We Read Auckland events are taking place at Auckland’s local libraries, community places and online.
Check out what’s on at your library here: aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/WeReadAKL
Main programme of events: 15-28 August.
Some regional highlights:
NORTH
Encourage your teens along to a teen workshop for young writers. Learn how to plan out your novel with New York Times best-selling author Graci Kim at East Coast Bays Library or spend the evening building a reading fort at Nothcote Library.
SOUTH
Join Whiriwhiri Kōrero | Woven Stories – Panel discussion at Manurewa Library, hear author Rachel Petero (Take your Space: successful women share their secrets) at Papakura Library and enjoy an audio-visual exhibition that showcases the stories and people of the Moana at Fale o Samoa.
EAST
Bring the whole whānau for a reading fun day / party at Highland Park Library and Pakuranga Library or join our Reading Revolution group at Botany Library.
WEST
Take an after dark walk in the Waitākere Ranges with author Annette Lees and learn how to record your own stories at Wāitakere Central Library.
CENTRAL
See our Special Collections up close on a tour at Central City Library or assemble your quiz team and head along to Mt Albert Library’s Book Quiz.
ONLINE
Meet New York Times best selling author Chloe Gong online in a livestreamed Q&A and join a webinar to learn how talking, reading and singing with your tamariki leads to successful lifelong outcomes for the whole whānau.
