Poetry Podcast Competition
The Poetry Podcast Competition will be open for audio and video submissions from 1 August 2024,...
Winter Reading Challenge 2024
Join us for our Winter Reading Challenge at MPDC Libraries starting July 1st and running until...
July School holidays at the Library
Come to the Libraries in July for OLYMPIC amounts of fun. Yes, you heard us right, our holiday...
Matariki Art Display at Matamata Library
A local artist has created nine renditions of the stars of Matariki, each a unique representation...
New Zealand Sign Language week 2024
Hands up if you’re ready to sign with us? Learn a daily ‘sign of the day’ with staff or watch our...
NZ Music Month - Waiata open rehearsal
To celebrate New Zealand Music Month 2024, our Matamata-Piako District Council waiata group will...
Pīpī Paopao
Let's read, sing and play with our tamariki in Māori. Check out the Aiare e Kare series of books...
Helping children learn to read
There is current debate about how our schools are teaching reading - even researchers from two...
Scrabble Club at Te Aroha Library
Scrabble Group Join our Social Group at Te Aroha Library Weekly on Wednesdays from 19 July 2023...
Wriggle & Rhyme
Wriggle & Rhyme is a free 30 minute relaxed group session with fun songs, stories, movement and...
Bricks for Kids
Each session has a different theme for kids to base their Lego creations on. Everyone aged 5 – 13...
Toddler Time
Matamata-Piako Libraries' Toddler Time offers a half hour session of fun aimed at 2 - 5 year olds....
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Poetry Podcast Competition
19 July 2024
The Poetry Podcast Competition will be open for audio and video submissions from 1 August 2024,...
-
Winter Reading Challenge 2024
02 July 2024
Join us for our Winter Reading Challenge at MPDC Libraries starting July 1st and running until...
-
July School holidays at the Library
02 July 2024
Come to the Libraries in July for OLYMPIC amounts of fun. Yes, you heard us right, our holiday...
-
Matariki Art Display at Matamata Library
05 June 2024
A local artist has created nine renditions of the stars of Matariki, each a unique representation...
![Winter Reading Challenge 2024](/images/blog/rug_up_web_tile.png)
Winter Reading Challenge 2024
Join us for our Winter Reading Challenge at MPDC Libraries starting July 1st and running until July 31st. Aimed at children, teens and adults, we will have both an online chall...
Read More![Matariki Art Display at Matamata Library](/images/blog/MM_Matariki_Art_Display.jpg)
Matariki Art Display at Matamata Library
A local artist has created nine renditions of the stars of Matariki, each a unique representation of the folklore behind it.
The work of local artist Wyvern Brightwell, his wife Ev...
Read More![New Zealand Sign Language week 2024](/images/NZSL_week_slide.png)
New Zealand Sign Language week 2024
Hands up if you’re ready to sign with us?
Learn a daily ‘sign of the day’ with staff or watch our in-library screens for some videos to learn New Zealand Sign Language.
Monday 6 May: My name is....
...
Read More![Important Update: Library Data Migration](/images/library_data_migration_1.png)
Important Update: Library Data Migration
OVERVIEW
We are making changes to the system that Matamata-Piako Libraries uses for our library catalogue, customer records and a variety of other library services. Currently your library mem...
Read More![tile describing christmas event at Matamata library](/images/Events/Matamata_christmas_extravaganza_blog_Tile.jpg)
Christmas at Matamata-Piako Libraries 2023
Our Christmas celebrations are coming up quickly - so mark them now on your calendars!
Te Aroha Library's Holiday craft upcycling event will be on Saturday 2 December from 10am-1pm.
Sa...
Read More![cover image for Movember quiz nights at the library](/images/Tile_Movember2.jpg)
Join us for Movember!
Help our libraries promote men’s health this Movember!
Our Movember activities include book displays on men’s health in-library, some simply smashing moustaches on display courtesy of our male librar...
Read More![Give it a go in October!](/images/blog/Tile_October.jpg)
Give it a go in October!
During October, we'd like to invite our community to come on down to the library and try something new. Libraries are places that help facilitate lifelong learning, and you're never too old to l...
Read More![Mindfulness taster sessions](/images/blog/mindfulness_tasters.jpg)
Mindfulness taster sessions
Feel like you are running on auto-pilot? Finding it hard to relax or focus? Or maybe you are simply curious about mindfulness and meditation?
Come along to our free Mindfulness Taster Session led by ...
Read More![Bluey Party at Te Aroha Library](/images/Bluey_party.jpg)
Bluey Party at Te Aroha Library
Join us at the Te Aroha Library for a family-friendly fun morning of games based on the hit children's show Bluey.
When: Saturday 9 September, 10am-12pm
Throughout the library will be stat...
Read More![Scams and fraud awareness presentation](/images/ANZ_scams_and_fraud_tile_600__300_px.jpg)
Scams and fraud awareness presentation
Concerned about scams and fraud? Join us at Morrinsville Library for a presentation by experts from ANZ bank Morrinsville.
They’ll discuss:
different types of scams
how to identify warning signs
...
Read More![Helping children learn to read](/images/Children_learning_to_read.jpg)
Helping children learn to read
There is current debate about how our schools are teaching reading - even researchers from two universities (University of Auckland and University of Canterbury) have different points of view. The med...
Read More![Graphic Novel Month at the Libraries](/images/Graphic_Novel_month.jpg)
Graphic Novel Month at the Libraries
Join us for Graphic Novels Month at Matamata-Piako Libraries. This month, we will be ushering our awesome collection of graphic novels into the spotlight, with costumes, character creation and more.
...
Read More![Scrabble Club at Te Aroha Library](/images/blog/Scrabble_club.jpg)
Scrabble Club at Te Aroha Library
Scrabble Group
Join our Social Group at Te Aroha Library
Weekly on Wednesdays from 19 July 2023
Meet every Wednesday from 10am to set up. Play will start promptly until approximately 12.30pm....
Read More![unleash the power of poetry banner](/images/Unleash_the_power_of_poetry_1.jpg)
Poetry tasting in Te Aroha
Poetry Tasting evening
Join other poets or poetry curious folk to celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day at Te Aroha Library. Sample a selection of poetry from around our beautiful c...
Read More![Updated opening hours](/images/blog/Opening_hours.jpg)
Updated opening hours
Libraries now open until 5.30pm
Our libraries are now back to our original opening hours of 9.30am-5.30pm weekdays, and 9am-1.30pm Saturdays.
For the last 3 years, we've been closing slightly earlie...
Read More![Evening book discussions at Matamata Library](/images/Book_Chat_evenings_Matamata_Library.png)
Evening book discussions at Matamata Library
Looking to discuss your latest 'Great Read' with others?
Matamata Library will be hosting a series of 3 book discussion evenings for the rest of 2023 for our community to get together and share what ...
Read More![Lego building day](/images/Curves.png)
Lego building event
An open session for friends and family to come along and build with our Lego bricks.
Join us on the first Saturday of the month starting from 1 July 2023 from 10am to 12pm.
Everyone aged over 5 welc...
Read More![Garden bird survey image](/images/Garden_bird_survey.jpg)
Garden Bird survey and scavenger hunt
Which birds can you find in the library?
Join the library's scavenger hunt
Come along on Monday 26 June from 3.30pm to see how many of our regular garden birds you can find in the library. Pic...
Read More![Try something new in June](/images/TrySomethingNew/TRY_SOMETHING_NEW_1.png)
Try something new in June
This June is an opportunity to try a new genre, app, hobby, craft or lifestyle, and share your experiences with others! If you want to take part in our "Try Something New Month" activity, drop by...
Read More![World Knitting Day logo](/images/TrySomethingNew/TRY_SOMETHING_NEW.png)
World Wide Knit in Public Day 2023
Calling all knitters, crocheters, or those who would love to try!
Join the Matamata-Piako Libraries to celebrate World Wide Knit in Public Day, by coming along to Matamata, Morrinsville or Te Aroha l...
Read More![Matamata Piako youth week poster](/images/blog/Matamata_Piako_Youth_Week.png)
Youth Week 2023 activities
Celebrate Youth Week this year by coming down to our libraries for free food and activities.
You'll find something on each afternoong from 3.00-4.30pm (except Wednesday 17 May, when libraries are clo...
Read More![Easter Egg Hunt and Storytime](/images/blog/Easter_Blog_600x300.png)
Easter Egg Hunt and Storytime
Join in the fun at our libraries for our Easter Egg hunt and Storytime.
Each library will host a special pre-holiday session for 5-13 year olds from 4.00pm on Wednesday 5 April 2023. Participan...
Read More![Author Talk: Terry Fergusson-Hughes](/images/blog/authortalk23bushmanblog.png)
Author Talk: Terry Fergusson-Hughes
Come along to Matamata Library to hear Terry Fergusson-Hughes' talk about his new book which covers his story of growing up in Tokoroa, connecting to his whakapapa, confronting colonisation, dealing w...
Read More![portraits on NZ women](/images/Events/wonderwoman.png)
Wāhine Month - March 2023 UPDATED
To celebrate March Women’s History Month the Matamata-Piako District Libraries are putting the spotlight on New Zealand’s wonderful wāhine.
We will have books celebrating amazing women on displa...
Read More![Census is coming be counted](/images/News/Census-FB-shared_1200x630_1.jpg)
Census 2023
Our libraries will be official places that people can go for assistance to complete their census. All libraries will have a dedicated computer in a private space for anyone needing to complete the Cen...
Read More![image of Pohutakawa flower](/images/blog/Summer_Holiday_2233.png)
Holiday closure 2022-2023
Libraries will be closing at 12pm on Friday 23 December.Reopening at 9:30 am on Wednesday 4 January.
Loan periods are all extended until we re-open and return slots are available to use.
Don't...
Read More![StoryWalk @ Matamata-Piako Libraries](/images/gallery/20231221_101530.jpg)
StoryWalk @ Matamata-Piako Libraries
StoryWalks inspire reading in a creative way – building youngsters’ literacy skills without them even knowing! The walk also encourages time with friends and whānau in a free outdoor space, where ever...
Read More![Design your Library Card - Voting closing 5 November 2022](/images/Events/Lib_card_design_blog_tile.jpg)
Design your Library Card - Voting closing 5 November 2022
Thanks to everyone who entered the competition – our judges had a hard time picking three finalists for each category.
Voting is now closed - thank you all for taking time to choose your favourite de...
Read More![Library Closure - Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day](/images/News/Queen_Elizabeth_II_Memorial_Day.png)
Library Closure - Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day
All Matamata-Piako libraries will be closed for Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day on Monday 26 September 2022.
Condolence books will be available at all libraries until this time.
While we ...
Read More![te wiki o te reo maori](/images/blog/te_wiki_o_te_reo.png)
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 12-18 Mahuru 2022
Te reo Māori has been an official language of New Zealand since 1987, and Te Wiki o te Reo Māori has been celebrated in New Zealand since 1975, in an effort to raise awareness of the language, and get...
Read More![Library Closure - Friday 2 September 2022](/images/News/Library_Closure_2.png)
Library Closure - Friday 2 September 2022
All Matamata-Piako Distrist Council facilities including the libraries will be closed for staff training on Friday 2 September 2022 until 11.30am
While we are closed you can still
- Return bo...
Read More![Images of local history collection](/images/Family_History_Month_-_Ancestry_1.png)
Family history month - Local History
Have you ever wondered what Town was like 80-100 years ago? As part of Family History Month we'd like to highlight our Local History Section as an extra tool to help you on your journey of discov...
Read More![Confirming a family story](/images/Ancestry_image.png)
Confirming a family story
An interview with Malcolm Banks
We asked one of our library customers to answer a few questions about using Ancestry Library Edition, and his exploration of his family history. Malcolm participated i...
Read More![Family history month - Ancestry](/images/Family_History_Month_-_Ancestry.png)
Family history month - Ancestry
Delve into your family history with Matamata-Piako Libaries this August!
Our online library resources include in-library access to Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online genealogy resource, and a c...
Read More![Family history month](/images/Family_History_Month.png)
Family history month
August is Family History month at our Libraries
Family History Month is observed annually during the month of August across New Zealand and Australia. It's a time to reflect on our roots and ...
Read More![Library Closures: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 July 2022](/images/News/Library_Closure_1.png)
Library Closures: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 July 2022
Unfortunately our library team is battling Covid-19 and winter bugs at the moment and will need to close
Te Aroha Library - Friday 8 July (we expect to be able to reopen on Saturday 9 July.)
Matam...
Read More![Rug up and Read this winter](/images/blog/rug_up_web_tile.png)
Rug up and Read this winter
Want to expand your reading horizons this winter?
Looking for an excuse to stay home and read?
Wondering how to fill in the long nights?
Why not join our Rug Up and Read challenge!
To go in the dr...
Read More![Library Closure - Tuesday 5 July 2022](/images/News/Library_Closure.png)
Library Closure - Tuesday 5 July 2022
All Matamata-Piako Libraries will be closed for staff training for the day on Tuesday 5 July 2022
While we are closed you can still
- Return books in the after hours slots
- Connect t...
Read More![flyer with details of Knit in Public day in library](/images/Worldwide_Knit_in_Public_Day_Matamata_Morrinsville_library_on_11_June_9am__1.30pm_Te_Aroha.png)
World Wide Knit in Public Day
Calling all knitters, crocheters, or those who would love to learn!
Join the Matamata-Piako Libraries to celebrate World Wide Knit in Public Day, by coming along to Matamata, Morrinsville or Te Aroha...
Read More![Artwork in the library - 3 May 2022 update](/images/blog/Te-toi-tuahu.png)
Artwork in the library - 3 May 2022 update
In 2021 the Matamata-Piako Libraries collaborated with Wallace Art Gallery on Te Toi Tūāhu - a local project to celebrate art and ceremony, focused on the knowledge of Matariki within public and open ...
Read More![Libraries at Orange](/images/blog/Libraries_at_Orange_600_x_300.png)
Our Libraries at Orange - 14 April 2022 Update
The libraries are currently operating under Orange COVID protection level
• Face coverings are mandatory if you are over 12 years of age
• Please maintain at least 1 metre distance between your grou...
Read More![Our Libraries at Red - 28 March 2022 update](/images/blog/LB__at_Red.jpg)
Our Libraries at Red - 28 March 2022 update
The libraries are currently operating under Red COVID protection level
• Face coverings are mandatory if you are over 12 years of age
• Please maintain at least 1 metre distance between your group a...
Read More![Our Libraries at Red - 14 March 2022 update](/images/blog/LB__at_Red.jpg)
Our Libraries at Red - 14 March 2022 update
The libraries are currently operating under Red COVID protection level
• Contact tracing remains in place using either a) the COVID Tracer app, b) your COVID Tracer Booklet or c) providing your conta...
Read More![Change to library opening hours - Monday 21 February 2022](/images/News/Monday21Feb.jpg)
Change to library opening hours - Monday 21 February 2022
Our staff are attending workshops on Monday 21 February. Library hours will be 2 pm - 4.30 pm.
While we are closed you can still
- Return books in the after hours slots
- ...
Read More![red circle and covid signage](/images/blog/Contactless_services.jpg)
Contactless Library Services
eBooks and eAudiobooks
You can read eBooks and listen to eAudiobooks through ePlatform and Borrowbox. Read or listen anywhere, any time and on most devices. You will need your library card ...
Read More![Christmas/New Year Library Hours](/images/News/xmashours.jpg)
Christmas and New Year Library Hours
Matamata-Piako Libraries wish you a happy and safe festive season.
Library opening hours over the festive season will be as follows:
Friday 24 : 9.00 -12 pm
Saturday 25 – Tuesday 28 :...
Read More![Libraries at Orange](/images/blog/Libraries_at_Orange_600_x_300.png)
Our Libraries at Orange
We understand that our customers will have been as eager as we have been to understand what the new Covid-19 Framework will mean for libraries. We are pleased to confirm that at Orange we will be open...
Read More![Longer Loan Periods - child reading a book](/images/Events/4weekloans.jpg)
Longer loan periods starting Monday 29 November 2021
Our loan periods have changed! Based on what the community has been telling us, we've lengthened the loan periods for almost all our items. Most books (excluding Hot Picks) can now be borrowed for fou...
Read More![My Vaccine Pass](/images/News/Blog_Vaccine_Pass.png)
Covid Vaccine Pass - We can help with that
Do you have your Vaccine Pass sorted yet?
Remember that our libraries have computers, Wi-Fi, printing, laminating and library staff who can provide support. If you need any of these things to help yo...
Read More![8 different book covers](/images/blog/Nov_11_2021_600_x_300_1.png)
2021 Remembrance Day
Take time to pause and reflect on this Remembrance Day.
On 11 November at 11am, the Commonwealth will observe a one-minute silence to mark the end of WW1 and commemorate all those who have died or su...
Read More![Fees Amnesty](/images/blog/Fees_amnesty.jpg)
Wipe your overdue fees until 4 December 2021
Fluctuating COVID-19 levels mean tough times for lots of families – but we’ve got a way you can help others, at the same time as helping clear your overdue fees. From 1 October to 4 December you ...
Read More![Skinny Jump](/images/blog/Blog_image_Skinny_Jump.png)
Skinny Jump: low-cost broadband
Skinny Jump is for those who don't have a broadband connection at home because cost is a barrier.Skinny believes every New Zealander deserves to have the opportunities to learn and thrive in the moder...
Read More![Rug up and read challenge - Read a book by a Māori author](/images/Events/Rug_and_read_digislide_2.jpg)
Rug up and read challenge - Read a book by a Māori author
Tihei mauri ora!
The challenge is to read a book by a Māori author. (This doesn’t have to be in te reo, but ka pai if you choose to do so!)
For adult readers, you’re probably already aware of such l...
Read More![Story Walks up around the district](/images/blog/Matarikistorywalk.png)
Story Walks up around the district
Story Walks around the district.
The Te Aroha Domain and Matamata Centennial Drive 'Kuwi the Kiwi' Story Walks are still up, but the 'There's a Weta on my Sweater' Story Walk in Morrinsville at Locke...
Read More![New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2021 finalists announced](/images/blog/NZCYA20202120finalists_Website20banner.jpg)
New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2021 finalists announced
From a field of 166 entries, the 28 finalists in the 2021 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults were announced on Thursday 10 June. Across six main categories, these books offer the na...
Read More![Libraries continue free introductory computer training classes](/images/Events/SteppingUp.jpg)
Libraries continue free introductory computer training classes
In response to an ongoing need in our community for foundational training in computer skills, the libraries are pleased to announce another round of Stepping Up classes, set to commence mid June.
Whe...
Read More![Matariki: Te Matatahi o Te Tau](/images/News/Matariki.png)
Matariki: Te Matatahi o Te Tau
We are excited to be offering something shiny and new for Matariki this year. Get onboard our “In Library Wānanga” and join a whole lot of shared learning, discussing and understanding of what Matarik...
Read More![Staff Training](/images/blog/Digislide_staff_training_2021.jpg)
Library late openings
The libraries will be opening late on Wednesday 13 May due to staff training.
...
Read More![Storywalk](/images/blog/storywalk2.jpeg)
Story Walks in our towns
Colourful Kiwi story-trail
Fancy something fun and free to do with the kids, out in the open air?
Matamata-Piako Libraries' Story Walks are three trails of colourful pages leading through the leafy...
Read More![Stepping Up - Blog Pic](/images/blog/LB_stepping_up_2020_webslide.jpg)
Stepping Up computer classes continue
Our Stepping Up classes are continuing throughout April into May. All three libraries will be hosting small classes in eBooks, computer basics, digital banking and more!
Find out about our upc...
Read More![Winter Reading Challenge 2024](/images/blog/rug_up_web_tile.png)
Winter Reading Challenge 2024
Join us for our Winter Reading Challenge at MPDC Libraries starting July 1st and running until July 31st. Aimed at children, teens and adults, we will have both an online chall...
Read More![Matariki Art Display at Matamata Library](/images/blog/MM_Matariki_Art_Display.jpg)
Matariki Art Display at Matamata Library
A local artist has created nine renditions of the stars of Matariki, each a unique representation of the folklore behind it.
The work of local artist Wyvern Brightwell, his wife Ev...
Read More![New Zealand Sign Language week 2024](/images/NZSL_week_slide.png)
New Zealand Sign Language week 2024
Hands up if you’re ready to sign with us?
Learn a daily ‘sign of the day’ with staff or watch our in-library screens for some videos to learn New Zealand Sign Language.
Monday 6 May: My name is....
...
Read More![Important Update: Library Data Migration](/images/library_data_migration_1.png)
Important Update: Library Data Migration
OVERVIEW
We are making changes to the system that Matamata-Piako Libraries uses for our library catalogue, customer records and a variety of other library services. Currently your library mem...
Read More![tile describing christmas event at Matamata library](/images/Events/Matamata_christmas_extravaganza_blog_Tile.jpg)
Christmas at Matamata-Piako Libraries 2023
Our Christmas celebrations are coming up quickly - so mark them now on your calendars!
Te Aroha Library's Holiday craft upcycling event will be on Saturday 2 December from 10am-1pm.
Sa...
Read More![cover image for Movember quiz nights at the library](/images/Tile_Movember2.jpg)
Join us for Movember!
Help our libraries promote men’s health this Movember!
Our Movember activities include book displays on men’s health in-library, some simply smashing moustaches on display courtesy of our male librar...
Read More![Give it a go in October!](/images/blog/Tile_October.jpg)
Give it a go in October!
During October, we'd like to invite our community to come on down to the library and try something new. Libraries are places that help facilitate lifelong learning, and you're never too old to l...
Read More![Mindfulness taster sessions](/images/blog/mindfulness_tasters.jpg)
Mindfulness taster sessions
Feel like you are running on auto-pilot? Finding it hard to relax or focus? Or maybe you are simply curious about mindfulness and meditation?
Come along to our free Mindfulness Taster Session led by ...
Read More![Bluey Party at Te Aroha Library](/images/Bluey_party.jpg)
Bluey Party at Te Aroha Library
Join us at the Te Aroha Library for a family-friendly fun morning of games based on the hit children's show Bluey.
When: Saturday 9 September, 10am-12pm
Throughout the library will be stat...
Read More