Libraries focus on kids
Help with homework Help is at hand for primary and intermediate
school children as they get settled into the
school year. This month Christchurch City
Libraries is creating Homework Zones within its
network. “We’d like parents and school children to think
‘Library first’ when they’re searching for help
with their homework,” says Bill Nagelkerke. “The Homework Zones will provide a space
where time and energy can be focused on
homework. Most will also have computers,
reference books and staff to help with those
really tricky questions,” he says. For those unable to come into a library to use
the zone, children can ring the Library on 379-
6914. Trained librarians are available to answer
reference questions or point people in the right
direction to find the answer themselves. This service is available from 8am to 9pm
during the week and 9am to 4pm at weekends. “We’re really busy with homework enquiries
from 3pm to 5pm weekdays so it would be great
if people could ring at less busy times. Evenings
and weekends are a good time to ring and
receive homework help,” says Bill. New features for
kids on website A new feature for older children on the
Christchurch City Libraries website is the
Fantasy Maze. The site is at www.library.christchurch.org.nz/childrens/fantasy/maze The maze is an exciting journey of discovery.
The reader selects the elements of fantasy theylike, and are guided through the maze. At the
end, they find out what fantastic personality they
have and are provided with a list of books they
may enjoy. Also available on the website is a Readerscope
(a reader maze for children aged from 8 to 13)
with interviews and original stories by New
Zealand children’s authors. Annette Williams, Centre for the Child
Reference Librarian, says these websites offer
fun ways that children can explore their reading
likes and dislikes. NZ Post Children’s
Book Festival Christchurch City Libraries is celebrating the
New Zealand Post Children’s Book Festival this
month with a storytelling session with Liz Weir
on the Christchurch Tram. The Story Tram runs on 19 March for two
sessions – 10.30-11am and 11-11.30am. Tickets
are free but spaces are limited. “Liz will be telling New Zealand stories that are
suitable for pre-schoolers and their parents and
caregivers.We have found previous Story Trams
to be very popular so people should get a ticket
to avoid disappointment,” says Bill Nagelkerke,
Children’s and Young Adult’s Services Coordinator
for Christchurch City Libraries. The children’s book festival runs from
18-27 March. Tickets can be collected from
the Centre for the Child in the Central
City Library in Gloucester Street or by
ringing 941 7923.The Libraries’ website is
www.library.christchurch.org.nz |