Auckland Libraries celebrates Year of the Dragon

17 January 2012

Auckland Libraries celebrates Year of the Dragon

What do story books, tai chi and dragons have in common? They all feature in this year’s lunar New Year celebrations at libraries across the Auckland region.

This year is the Year of the Dragon and Auckland Libraries has a programme of free activities, displays, stories and presentations in local libraries from 18 January to 11 February.

The lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in the East says Abigael Vogt, Team Leader of the Multicultural Service Development team.

“This year we have a huge range of activities and displays that celebrate the Year of the Dragon and the diversity of our library communities.

“The celebrations offer an opportunity to experience Auckland Libraries’ wealth of resources ranging from Asian-language books and magazines, to online services like Chinese Digital Community, Dragonsource and Press Display.

“Kids will love ‘Storytime for Little Dragons’ or making their own crafty dragon. There are activities for teenagers and opportunities for adults to broaden their horizons with research opportunities, computer classes in Mandarin and calligraphy workshops,” she says.

Also part of the programme are bi-lingual storytimes, tai chi demonstrations, lantern making workshops, a Chinese painting exhibition, concerts, ‘Ask me in Mandarin’ sessions and more.

Visit www.aucklandlibraries.co.nz to find out what activities are on in your local area or pop into an Auckland Library near you and celebrate the Year of the Dragon with us.

• Dragonsource (Chinese magazines online) http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/DigitalLibrary/resourcepages/dragonsource.aspx?RD=~/DigitalLibrary
• Chinese Digital Community www.chinesecommunity.org.nz
• Press Display http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/DigitalLibrary/resourcepages/pressdisplay.aspx

There is a wealth of material at Auckland Libraries. In the Community Languages Collection you will find books in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other Asian Languages. Go online and you can find over 500 newspapers in 37 languages from press in New Zealand and around the world. There are books, DVDs and magazines in over 40 different languages or learn to speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean or Japanese using Audio books or eBooks. Plus you’ll find up-to-date travel guides and maps at Auckland Libraries.

Auckland Libraries received recognition for its commitment to diversity in the Human Rights Commission 2011 New Zealand Diversity Awards. Auckland Libraries deliver library and information services which are accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the residents, diverse ethnic and community groups, and organisations that make up the Auckland region.

ENDS

© Scoop Media