Events at the Libraries
We hold a number of regular events at our libraries, as well as Kidsfest events during the July school holidays and a Summer Reading Programme during the summer school holiday break. Note: The library may take photographs during events and programmes which may be used in our promotional material.
Drop-in Lunchtimes
Are you new to the District? Not sure where to go for information or advice? Come to the Rangiora Library reference room, 141 Percival Street, Thursdays from 12 noon - 1.30 pm.
Author Visits
We sometimes have authors visit our libraries to sign and talk about their latest book. The last author visit we had was by Peter Graham, author of So brilliantly clever: Parker, Hulme and the murder that shocked the world. He came to the Rangiora Library on Monday 1 October 2012.
Chamber Gallery Art Exhibitions and Music Programme
The Chamber Gallery at the Rangiora Library is the venue for art exhibitions and music performances, including free Sunday afternoon concerts. These are put on by the Waimakariri Community Arts Council.
Family Nights
Family Nights are held at Rangiora Library on the last Friday of each month, 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm. Join us for a free all-ages session including stories and craft.
If you would like to attend, please register at the Rangiora Library as numbers are limited. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Craft Circle
Bring your craft project and work in the company of others at the Rangiora Library - knitting, needlework, crochet, quilting, scrapbooking ... and more. Craft Circle is on every Sunday afternoon from 2 pm - 4 pm. There will be a demonstration on the last Sunday of each month.
Storytimes and Babytimes
Storytimes for preschoolers are held at Oxford Library on Mondays at 10 am and Rangiora Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am.
Babytimes are held at Rangiora Library on Mondays at 10.30 am and Kaiapoi Library on Fridays at 10.30 am.
Book Groups
Book discussion groups meet fortnightly at Rangiora and Kaiapoi Libraries - Rangiora every second Wednesday at 10.30 am, Kaiapoi every second Tuesday at 10.30 am. New members are always welcome. Ask us about joining.
Summer Reading Programme
A summer reading programme for children aged five to twelve runs during the summer school holiday break. The programme is designed to encourage children to continue reading through the holiday break. It also provides opportunities for children who have difficulties with reading to be encouraged into it, in preparation for the following school year.
The programme begins with children registering at Rangiora, Kaiapoi or Oxford Libraries. Each child needs to come with a parent or caregiver to the library and sign a simple contract to say they are committed to the programme. The child is given a folder in which to record the books they read. They are required to visit the library four times over the summer to chat with a Librarian about what they have been reading. At each visit they are given an incentive to encourage them to continue. At the end of the programme they will be awarded with a certificate and a medal at the finale party.
Kidsfest
Kidsfest is New Zealand's largest and longest-running children's festival, held annually in the July school holidays. Kidsfest booklets are distributed to schools and libraries throughout the area a few weeks before the festival.