Media release

11 June 2013

Children’s books take the cake at Auckland Libraries

From kiwis to cakes, the diverse range of finalists in this year’s New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards will be celebrated with free events at Auckland Libraries during June.

Storytime takes to the big screen on Saturday 22 June, at the Academy Cinema, with finalists Melu, Mister Whistler, A Great Cake and other favourite stories shown on screen, followed by a scavenger hunt upstairs at Central City Library.

Other events are also planned for libraries around Auckland in the week before the winners are announced on 24 June, including author and illustrator appearances and cupcake tea parties.

“We are thrilled to be hosting some of New Zealand’s most talented children’s authors and illustrators to mark this year’s children’s book awards,” says Allison Dobbie, Manager Libraries and Information.

“It’s also a great opportunity to remind everyone, and especially children, that at Auckland Libraries books and fun go hand in hand.”

Free Auckland Libraries events

· Monday 17 June: Marnie Anstis, author of Taketakerau, The Millennium Tree, a non-fiction category finalist, speaks at Pakuranga Library at 9.15am, Mangere Bridge Library at 11.30am and Otahuhu Library at 1.45pm.

· Tuesday 18 June: Author Annemarie Florian and illustrator Heather Hunt speak about their book Kiwi: The Real Story, a non-fiction category finalist, at Warkworth Library at 9.30am and Whangaparoa Library at 12.30pm.

· Tuesday 18 June: Lindy Fisher, illustrator of Remember That November / Maumahara ki tērā Nōema, a picture books category finalist speaks at Glen Eden Library at 9.30am and Onehunga Library at 12.00pm.

· Saturday 22 June: Storytime on the Big Screen, at the Academy Cinema at 10.30am followed by a scavenger hunt upstairs at the Central City Library at 11.30am. Bookings are essential for Storytime on the Big Screen, as seats are limited. Email laura.caygill@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call 09 307 7751.

· Saturday 22 June: Waitakere Central Library hosts a Magical Cupcake Tea Party from 2.00pm to 3.00pm, to celebrate A Great Cake, by Tina Matthews, a finalist in the picture books category.

· Selected libraries around Auckland will also be hosting Cupcake Magic and Great Fantastical Tea Party events between 17 and 22 June.

All events are free, but bookings are essential for Storytime on the Big Screen, as seats are limited. Email laura.caygill@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call 09 307 7751 to book.

To find out more about any other events, visit www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz or ask at your local library.

ENDS

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