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Kia ora and welcome back!
We hope you’ve had a fantastic start to 2025 and enjoyed the summer sunshine. As we step into February, we’re excited to bring you fresh reads, a new line-up of events, workshops, and activities to inspire, connect, and entertain. Whether you’re looking to try something new, find your next great read, or connect with your community, there’s plenty in store.
 

 

1,000 Books At School Launch
Queenstown Lakes Libraries are thrilled to launch 1,000 Books At School! Whether you’ve completed 1,000 Books Before School or are joining us for the first time, haere mai — let the adventure begin!
 
Open to tamariki aged 5-18, this challenge inspires a lifelong love of reading as you aim to complete 1,000 books at your own pace. Every book counts — including eBooks and eAudiobooks.
 
Sign up below and visit your local library to grab your reading log.
 
Sign Up Now
 

 

Waitangi Day Library Closure
Our libraries will be closed on Thursday, 6 February to observe the Waitangi Day public holiday. 
 
You can still catch our Pop-Up Library at the 2025 Waitangi Day commemorations  at Queenstown Recreational Reserve, hosted by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka e Whitu. Learn more about the event here.
 

 

Children at the Library
We welcome all children to our libraries. However, please note that children under the age of 14 must always be accompanied by an adult or caregiver while using the library. For safety reasons, our staff are unable to supervise children or assume responsibility for their well-being.
 
We encourage you to review our Unaccompanied Children Guidelines and reach out to your local library if you have any questions.
 

 

New Fiction
 

New Non Fiction

Children's New Books

 

Spotlight on a

Children's Book We Love
Escape from
Mr. Lemoncello's library
 
Twelve-year-old Kyle gets to stay overnight in the new town library, designed by his hero (the famous gamemaker Luigi Lemoncello), with other students but finds that come morning he must work with friends to solve puzzles in order to escape.
Place hold

 

Te ao Māori Collections 
Explore our Te Ao Māori Collection at QLDC Libraries. Discover books on Māori history, tikanga, and stories of people and places. These collections are on display or available in a designated area at your local library. Come in for a browse or ask our staff for help finding mātauranga Māori resources.
 

Digital Spotlight:

Online Learning for Adults
This month we’re highlighting our fantastic eResources designed to support adult learning! Whether you’re interested in fixing your car, learning a new craft, or developing a business plan, our library has tools to help you achieve your goals.
 
Check just a few of them below:
Start learning here
 
Mango has over 70 World language courses and English language learning courses for language learners of all ages. Mango provides a wide variety of adaptable exercises and learning activities to help you pick up on new vocabulary, intuit unfamiliar grammatical structures, train pronunciation, and boost your cultural knowledge about a new language.
 
 
Start practicing here
Road to IELTS is an online preparation and practice resource for IELTS. It has interactive activities, expert advice videos, and practice tests tailored to help you tackle common challenges.
 
Find a manual here
Haynes Manuals put a world-famous library of online repair guides at your fingertips. Access a vast library of repair manuals covering millions of popular cars and motorcycles. Manuals for marine equipment, tractors, and tech books are also available. Many of the most popular models also have access to the Haynes OnDemand video tutorials.
 
Get creative here
 
 
Creativebug offers online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques. Learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screen print, and more.
 
Start learning here
Niche Academy provides an easy-to-use learning platform & professional training to help mission-driven organizations solve big problems together.
 
Check out other online resources here

What's on at the library
 
Celebrate the Year of the Snake
Explore the art of Chinese calligraphy in this free, hands-on workshop led by Eric Lim. Perfect for beginners or anyone curious to try something new! All materials are provided, but spots are limited. Contact Frankton Library to book your place.
 
Special Workshop Series
Multiple dates and times 
Discover simple, practical tips to stay secure online and explore the potential of AI with guidance from Queenstown Resort College and Queenstown IT experts. Each session covers a different topic.
Upcoming sessions:
  • Saturday, 15 Feb @ 11.00am
  • Thursday, 20 Feb @ 5.30pm
  • Thursday, 27 Feb @ 5.30pm
  • Saturday, 03 Mar @ 11.00am
Multiple dates, all sessions run from 11.00 am to 12.00 pm
Think that less words means easier? Micro-fiction takes precision, plus strategic word selection to convey emotions, drama, and imagery. Join the fascinating world of Micro-Fiction with Stephanie Fieldsend. Upcoming sessions and topics:
  • Workshop #1 "Itty" - Saturday, 15 February
  • Workshop #2 “Bitty” - Saturday, 22 February
  • Workshop #3 “Titchy” - Saturday, 1 March 
Thursday, 20 February, at 5.30 pm
Take charge of your financial future! Join Shyla Hona–Jolley from ASB for the first in a four-part workshop series. The opening session focuses on Everyday Money Tips—practical advice to improve your financial wellbeing. Upcoming sessions and topics:
  • Getting Savvy with Savings - Thursday, 27 March
  • Borrow Smart and Pay Off Debt - Thursday, 1 May 
  • First Home Buyers - Thursday, 29 May
Digital Classes

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, mobile phone or our free library e-resources? We can help with anything from learning to text for the first time right up to formatting your word document on your laptop. No questions are too small or big. Contact your local library for information about appointment times and drop-in sessions.
 
Children & Youth Programmes
All of our regular term time programmes are back!
Head to our What's On page and filter on Kids to check them out.
 
 
Adult Programmes
Frankton
Queenstown
Wānaka 
Hāwea
 

To keep up to date with all of our events, check our What's On page, follow us on social media, and keep an eye out for event posters and flyers when you're next in the library.

 

Poll: Do you read more than one book at the same time? 
Take the Poll Here

The results will be shared in the March newsletter.
 

 

Community Billboard
 
Summerdaze community BBQ at Hanley’s Farm Playground 
Tuesday, 11 February from 3pm to 5pm
Enjoy some community fun with the Summerdaze BBQs. We’ll supply a games trailer, a pop-up library, face painting, and a free sausage sizzle to keep everyone entertained. Come for the fun and stay for the conversation with your community representatives.
 
Community Info Day at Kingston Domain
Tuesday, 28 February from 11am to 12pm
Join us for a free pop-up event connecting you with local health, financial, and social services. Enjoy a free sausage sizzle while you chat with local providers. All welcome!
 

Kupu o te Marama |
Proverb of the Month
 
 

NZ Sign Language 

tīmata (verb)

start, begin, beginning

Kā mihi,
- Your Libraries Team.

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