Fun for all the family over the Festive Season with Auckland Libraries

The Great Summer Read 

When: 1 December 2016 - 30 January 2017
Where: All Auckland Libraries
Who can take part: All Auckland Libraries members aged 14 and over
Cost: Free

Heat up your reading by taking part in The Great Summer Read!

We’ve set 15 fun reading challenges for you, listed below. Complete one or more and be in to win books, vouchers, Kobo Aura 2 eReaders and tickets to Auckland’s hottest shows and attractions.

The more challenges you complete, the more chances you have to win a prize, but even if you’ve just got time to read one book this summer, you could be a winner! 

Every time you complete a challenge, record it using our online reporting form in the sidebar to the right.

You’ll be entered into the weekly prize draw automatically. If you complete five different challenges, or all 15, we’ll enter you into our bonus draws! Challenges may be completed in any order.

If you are going on holiday and won’t be near one of our 55 libraries, download some of our free eBooks onto your eReader or mobile device.

 

Challenges

Can be completed in any order and with print books, audiobooks or eBooks.

1.     Read a book

2.     Read a story to someone

3.     Check out a book bundle at one of our libraries

4.     Reread a childhood favourite

5.     Read a memoir or a biography

6.     Read an eMagazine from Zinio (RbDigital)

7.     Read the book that's been on your TBR (To Be Read) list forever

8.     Watch a movie or a TV programme based on a book

9.     Read a classic (at least 50 years old)

10.   Share your read by leaving comments on our Books in the City blog or by posting it on your favourite social media using the #ALGreatSummerRead hashtag. Tag us in! We're on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

11.   Contribute a short review to the Auckland Libraries online catalogue:

12.   Read a book from the decade you were born in (if you're stuck for ideas try this list of years in literature) 

13.   Read a banned or challenged book (try this frequently challenged book list for inspiration)

14.   Read a book recommended by a friend

15.   Read a book from the Auckland Libraries Top 100.

With a long, hot summer stretching out before you, there is no better time to find a shady spot and get reading!

 

Check out the great prizes

Each week from 5 December through to 30 January, we will give away vouchers for free rentals of new-release books or DVDs from the Auckland Libraries Top Picks collection to five lucky participants drawn at random.

You can also be in to win these brilliant prizes from our sponsors. You will automatically go into the draw as you report your completed challenges.

http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/EN/Events/Events/pages/greatsummerread.aspx

 Or join Dare to Explore – our reading challenge for the younger family members

If you have children or grandchildren they may be interested in joining our Dare to Explore challenge:

http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/EN/kids/dare/Pages/dare-to-explore.aspx

The end of the golden weather 

When: Sunday 25 December, 10.30 - 11am
Where: Takapuna Beach Reserve
Cost: Koha donation to Oxfam

This will be the 11th year of this performance of a scene from Bruce Mason's beloved play, performed by actor Stephen Lovatt.

The scene, entitled "Christmas at Te Parenga", tells the story of a 12 year-old boy's experience of Christmas rituals in a land where "no snow will ever fall at Christmas", in a family who live at "Te Parenga", reflecting Bruce Mason's own childhood living on Takapuna Beach in the 1930s.

The performance takes about 30 minutes. Bring a rug or a low chair, or just sit on the grass.

Please note the venue has changed from previous years. The performance will take place to the left of the new children's playground, adjacent to the Takapuna Boat Club. However, if it is raining on the day, the event will be held at the nearby Takapuna War Memorial Hall.

http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/EN/Events/Events/Pages/endofgoldenweather.aspx