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Kia ora!
Welcome to our August 2025 newsletter.

Library Noticeboard
Managing your 'Holds'
Have you ever wondered what happens when you click 'Place Hold' in our library catalogue or app? Here's what goes on behind the scenes:
  • Librarians in each library branch go through the list of holds placed on a daily basis (depending on library opening times) and gather all the items they can find off the shelves.
  • Often, items are sent on by courier to other libraries across the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago Districts so they arrive at the library that is most convenient for you to collect from.
  • We print out hold slips and place items on the library hold shelves.
  • At the end of each day, we send out emails for all the new holds that have become available.
  • We also 'clean' the holds shelf on a daily basis, so items that haven't been collected can be reserved or checked out by other members.
Did you know? You have 10 days to pick up a hold item from your chosen library branch!
Tip: If you're going away for a time, check your holds on your library account and click 'suspend hold' so your hold stays in place, but someone else can check the item out while you're away! This also helps to keep our hold shelves tidy and minimises unnecessary couriering of items.
Wānaka Library Speed Bumps
You might have noticed some new speed bumps outside the Wānaka Library. These have been put in place to improve the safety of our patrons, especially our tamariki and seniors. We have logged several near misses of children being hit by a vehicle passing the library at speed despite the old smaller speed bump. The new speed bumps are already proving to be an effective way to reduce speed, helping to keep the library entrance safer for everyone.

New Makarora StoryWalk® 
New community StoryWalk
On a cold, rainy day in June, our two awesome Community Engagement Librarians installed our latest StoryWalk® in Makarora. 
We now have StoryWalks® at Makarora, Luggate, and Hanley’s Farm (with more to come in other Queenstown Lakes communities)!
StoryWalks® display an illustrated children’s book page by page in a public outdoor area. They’re a great family activity, encouraging literacy and time spent outdoors. We change the stories every couple of months to keep things interesting.
We'd love for you to check out our StoryWalks® next time you're out and about with your family!

On the go and got time for a story?
On the go and got time for a story?
Do you find yourself wanting a story on the go?
Our Libby and BorrowBox subscriptions might be just what you need!
You can access both Libby and BorrowBox for free with your Queentown Lakes Library membership.
Both apps offer a wide range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines for you to choose from to suit your circumstances and reading preferences. Our subscriptions are regularly and frequently updated with the latest bestsellers or magazine editions. Browse BorrowBox or Libby today!

New Fiction
Click on the book cover to place a hold on these new title in our library catalogue. 
If you're having problems placing a hold on any new books, ask your local library team to help you!
King of ashes by S. A. Crosby
Endling by Maria Reva
Every man dies alone by Hans Fallada
Carved in blood by Michael Bennett
The emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
The limestone road by Nicole Alexander
Everything I'll say to you tomorrow by Elisabet Benavent
The strength of old shale by Kirsty Powell
Fangs for nothing by Steffanie Holmes
 

New Non Fiction
Click on the book cover to place a hold on these new title in our library catalogue. 
If you're having problems placing a hold on any new books, ask your local library team to help you!
Notes to John by Joan Didion
John & Paul : a love story in songs by Ian Leslie
Free ride by Noraly Shoenmaker
We can do hard things : answers to life's 20 questions by Glennon Doyle
Japandi living Laila Rietbergen
High heels and gumboots by Rebecca Hayter
Fix iron first : the one thing that changes everything by Libby Weaver
Ecquicize : progressive, mounted exercises that improve cardiovascular and muscular fitness for everyday riders of all levels by Sally Batton
Knit blankets : 25 colorful & cozy throws by Noro Magazine

Young Adult Staff Picks
Each month, our passionate librarians handpick captivating and inspiring reads just for young adults.
Head to our blog for more!
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Our infinite fates by Laura Steven
The lovely and the lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Children's Staff Picks
Each month our passionate children's librarians handpick the most delightful, heartwarming, and engaging books for young readers. Below is just a selection of this month's recommendations. Happy reading, little bookworms!
Head to our blog for more!
Ant Party by Ross Montgomery
Don't trust fish by Neil Sharpson
Where did she go by Cariad Lloyd

What's on at the library

To keep up to date with all of our events, check our What's On webpage, follow us on social media, and keep an eye out for event posters and flyers when you're next in the library.
Event highlights
Poetry Day 2025
QLDC libraries are celebrating National Poetry Day (22 August) with free events celebrating the power of spoken word across the district. Register now!
Adult Events
Author talks, book clubs and shared reading
Arts and creativity
Health, wellbeing and support groups
Personal finance
Language learning
For parents
  • Mums 4 Mums at Frankton Library | Tuesday 5 and 19 August, 10.30-12pm
For older adults
Children and Young Adult Events
Pyjama Party at the library
Cozy up in your favourite pyjamas and bring along your cuddly and a cushion for an evening of stories and fun!
  • Join us at Hāwea (12 August), Wānaka, Queenstown, and Frankton libraries (21 August).
  • Bring your own mug for hot cocoa!
  • Bookings are essential - book with your local library branch
Beamkids+ portal
The Beamakids+ portal on Beamafilm is a free, child-friendly library of films, cartoons, and documentaries.
You can stream epic fantasy, animal stories, heroic quests, timeless classics, wildlife adventures and family favourites - all for free with your library membership! Take a look now.

Community Noticeboard
Operation Wrapped in Remembrance
Knit, weave or crochet a scarf for a veteran - we're accepting your donations for Operation Wrapped in Remembrance at library branches across the Queenstown Lakes district. Find out more about this initiative on their Facebook page.
Operation Wrapped in Remembrance
Hear from two University of Otago psychology PhD students about to finish their doctoral research on these two topics. Be the first outside their University colleagues to hear some of what they have discovered. Hosted by the Catalyst Trust.
Date: Monday 4 August
Time: 6-7.30pm
Location: The Rees Hotel, Queenstown

Whakataukī o te Marama |
Word of the Month
Hurihia to aroaro ki te ra tukuna to atarangi kia taka ki muri a koe | Turn your face to the sun and the shadows will fall behind you
 
 

NZ Sign Language 

Whakarewa | Melting
NZ Sign Language drawing of the motion for 'melting'

Kā mihi,
- Your Libraries Team.

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