Some people may be back at work, but the holidays roll on for the kids. Want some ideas of things to do? Have a look at our list of holiday programmes, including Minecraft, Lego animation, Claymation, and more.
You can also find our holiday programmes are being advertised via www.bethere.co.nz.
Looking forward to seeing you here!
For me holidays are always an opportunity to consume, not merely Christmas dinner leftovers and far too many Ferrero Rochers, but also culture. The books, movies and TV shows I haven’t had time for during the year get their chance over the festive break. It’s always a struggle, of course. There’s simply too much to get through.
So how did I do this year? Not too badly actually. Here’s what I managed to cram into a week and a half of public holidays and annual leave.
I made a real effort this year to grab a bunch of movies I was curious about but never got around to watching. Results were patchy.
The White Queen – On a whim, for a bit of escapism I started watching this series based on Philipa Gregory’s historical novels The White Queen, The Red Queen and The Kingmaker’s Daughter and ended binge-watching the whole thing. It covers the turbulent period during which the houses of York and Lancaster were battling for the throne of England, the War of the Roses. It begins with King Edward IV falling for a fetching Lancastrian widow and portrays the power grabs, manipulations and betrayals of his reign and beyond. It was this period of history that inspired George R. R. Martin’s Song of ice and fire novels and this series is similar, in bloodiness, intrigue, and, er, nudity. Not a bad substitute until the next season of Game of Thrones turns up (if you’re into that kind of thing).
Truths, half truths & little white lies: A memoir by Nick Frost – Often memoirs of famous people give you the impression that from a young age they were destined for stardom and great things. Nick Frost’s book has you marvelling that he managed to leave the house, let alone have a successful career, what with all the drugs and not being very confident and having a traumatic upbringing. It’s the story of an ordinary man who has struggles and demons just like everybody else and not in a “oh, I’ll just book into The Priory for a bit of rehab, dahling”, showing off kind of way, but the unglamorous “everything’s gone a bit terrible” way. This made me want to read Simon Pegg’s Nerd do well again and compare flatting anecdotes.So how did you do over the break? Get a few titles ticked off your To Read (or To Watch) list?
Every year Grattan Institute releases a summer reading list for the Prime Minister. It recommends books and articles that the Prime Minister, or any Australian interested in public debate, will find both stimulating and cracking good reads.
I read this and thought the library could help other well-known people choose good holiday reading.
The Complete Guide to Practically Perfect Grandparenting. With the arrival of Charlotte she is certainly going to have her hands full, ideas for crafts and fun activities.
I know I am Rude But its Fun: The Royals and the Rest of Us as Seen by Prince Philip Just so she can really see what that husband of hers is up to.
Natural Beauty Solution. Well it’s worth a try?
Celebrity: How Entertainers took over the world and why we need an exit strategy. An attack on stars who abuse their fame – take note.
Pozner exposes the commercial and political agendas behind the genre, revealing how the shows negatively impact women, people of color, and future generations.
Politics in Minutes: 200 key concepts explained in an instant. Simple, concise easy to read. Maybe it will help…
Learning to be kind and Understand Differences. Empathy skills for kids with ADHD. Geared for children, but still…?
When you build your empathy skills you will get along better with other people – and feel good about yourself, too!
Captive Paradise: A History of Hawaii. Just some light reading for the holiday
Hair Romance: How to create 82 Fabulous Hairstyles. The pictures are nice.
How to Retire Happy Wild and Free. Retirement is not all about financial freedom, here are some ideas for creative pursuits and physical and mental wellbeing. Good luck!
And for those who want to know what libraries do for their communities …
Public Libraries and Resilient Cities Just to reinforce what you already know!
Public libraries are keystone public institutions for any thriving community, and as such can be leaders in making cities better places to work, play, and live. Here, Dudley shows how public libraries can contribute to ‘placemaking’, or the creation and nurturing of vital and unique communities for their residents.
Christchurch City Libraries Blog 