Far North library week

An inter-active book blog, children's competitions and book readings are among activities arranged to mark Library Week in the Far North.

Library Week, which runs nationwide from 18 to 24 August, is an annual celebration of libraries and librarianship in New Zealand. Now in its 35th year, it is an opportunity to learn more about the many services libraries offer and to acknowledge the important role they play in a community.

The theme for this year is “What’s your Story: Nou te Korero”.

Library Week’s popular read-aloud event this year will feature New Zealand author Diana Neild's book "Piggity-Wiggity Jiggity Jig." The wonderful rhyme and rhythm of the publication, coupled with the use of a sophisticated and fun vocabulary and charming illustrations, make "Piggity-Wiggity" an ideal selection for the readings scheduled for Wednesday 20th August at 10.30a.m.

A competition entitled "How do you read yours" opened this week and will run until 18 August. Send your local library a picture which best reflects how you like to read and be in to win a prize for the most creative entry. Three prize categories are available - for children under 13 years, young adults (13 to 17 years) and adults (18 years and over). Entries will be judged by Hokianga artist Marg Morrow and entry forms are available at all public library across the district.

A Library Week ‘What’s Your Story?’ interactive book blog will be launched on 18 August and will run through until 26 August. The interactive book is a little like the game in which you write a hidden sentence and then pass it to a friend to add something until you finish with a crazy but sometimes amazing story.

The difference is that participants can see what other students have written and can add a new paragraph each day to keep the story alive and moving forward.

The theme and the first day’s story will be devised by a surprise guest author. Now is the opportunity to get your friends together and your imaginations primed. There will be excellent book prizes to be won each day and a grand prize for the best participant at the end of Library Week.

The first page of the inter-active book will be live on http://www.libraryweek.org.nz/Library_Week/Information/Interactive_Book_Intro.htmthis on Monday 18 August. From Tuesday 19 August until Friday 22 August the winning story from the day before will be published each morning on this page. Follow the instructions for submitting your story line and enjoy seeing your new page for the book being published during the day.

Because librarians are often stereotyped, this year as part of Library Week it is also intended to promote the profession of librarianship and the wide range of skills required by those in the profession.