20 March 1998

Margaret Mahy Collection launched at Canterbury Public Library

Internationally acclaimed children’s writer Margaret Mahy will officially open the Margaret Mahy Collection of New Zealand Children’s Books at the Central Children’s Library on Monday 30 March from 9.30 -10.00 am. The Collection is being launched to mark the beginning of the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Festival.

About 50 children from local schools are expected to attend the opening ceremony, which will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity to meet Margaret Mahy and have books signed.

The Margaret Mahy Collection of Children’s Books

• a reference collection of New Zealand Children’s Books containing a copy of most New Zealand children’s books published in the last two decades.
• the Collection also contains many older titles dating from the beginning of this century through to the 1960’s and 70’s
• it is used by a wide variety of people from children completing schools projects to adults studying for the National Diploma in Children’s literature
• two titles by Christchurch writer Esther Glen are included in the collection - Six Little New Zealanders ( published in 1917) and Uncles Three ( 1926).
• New Zealand’s most prestigious award for children’s literature is named after Esther Glen, so it is particularly fitting that the Collection honours one of this country’s leading writers, Margaret Mahy. A former Children’s Librarian at Canterbury Pubic Library, and an internationally acclaimed writer for children and young adults, Margaret has won the Esther Glen Award 5 times.

For further information contact
Glenda.Fulton@ccc.govt.nz 

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