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