14 September 1999

Special events will be held to celebrate 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons, Canterbury Public Library has organised a programme of events.

From Friday October 1, the International Day of Older Persons, the library will offer a range of activities, including storytelling for grandparents and their grandchildren, and opportunities to learn about the library's computers.

Throughout October libraries around Christchurch will hold storytelling sessions to highlight the importance of older people in children's lives.

"We are delighted to have many older storytellers from the community", said Sasha Bowers, the library's Promotions & Publications Co-ordinator. "We also have entertaining tales which span the generations and celebrate the relationship between young and old."

A highlight of the programme is children's author Elsie Locke who will share her favourite stories with children and their grandparents at the Central Library on Friday October 15 & 29 at 11am.

For those who wish to learn more about computers, the library is running a training programme throughout October. Aimed at older people with little of no experience of computers, the Central Library, in association with SeniorNet Canterbury, will run a series of workshops. SeniorNet is a not for profit society dedicated to providing computer competence for older people. Many community libraries around Christchurch will also offer personalised computer training during the month.

Details of all events will be available in libraries from Friday 17 September. All events and activities are free although bookings are essential for computer training.

For more information, please contact:

Sasha.Bowers@ccc.govt.nz, Promotions & Publications Co-ordinator, 941 7923.

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