Westland District Library

08/09/2026

Join Wriggle & Rhyme this Thursday from 10:30 to 11:00am.

This week, we will read about "unlikely friendships" between an otter and a heron, a tiny Pekingese and a big doggo with a big heart, and a crocodile with... wait, what? Nobody wants to be friends with Solomon Crocodile? Let's go find a friend for him too!

And of course, lots of nursery songs, dancing and giggles 🪇🎼

No registration needed; everyone's welcome

06/09/2026

Child Safeguarding Week | How Safe Are the Places Your Children Go?

Libraries are places for everyone — places to learn, explore, connect and feel welcome. And we want them to be places where children and whānau feel safe, too.

This Child Safeguarding Week, we’re joining the conversation about what it means to create safe spaces for tamariki, wherever they spend their time.

Safeguarding Children New Zealand's website has practical resources for parents and caregivers, including guidance on what good safeguarding can look like, questions you can ask about the places your child visits, and ways to talk with children about their safety. You’ll also find online safety resources, including a free Keeping Kids Safe Online course.

👉 Find resources and learn more:https://childsafeguardingweek.org.nz/forparents/

05/09/2026

Looking for something to watch this Father’s Day? 🎬

From wise dads to chaotic dads, unlikely father figures to everything in between, Kanopy’s Father’s Day collection explores the many faces of fatherhood.

Grab the popcorn and stream for free with your library card: kanopy.com/category/36061

04/09/2026

Come on, just a few more weeks to push through, then... the school holidays are here 🥳

Are you ready to come on a "Great Holiday Fantasy Quest" with us? Along the way, we'll craft Magic Nature Wands and a Fairy Garden in a jar, write riddles and magical quests where we might become the hero, and much more!

We look forward to create, read & play with you all again.

03/09/2026

Chivalry
Authors: Neil Gaiman & Colleen Doran
⭐️5 Stars
Reader Jill says: 'My first foray into graphic novels! A delightful story about Mrs. Whitaker, an elderly widow who buys a goblet from an op-shop, which turns out to be the Holy Grail. She is then visited by a Knight, who brings her gifts in hope of getting the Holy Grail. Delightful, funny and beautifully illustrated.

01/09/2026

✨ Libraries are magical places.
They can transport you to distant worlds, introduce you to unforgettable characters, and let you experience adventures from the comfort of home.

And you don’t even need to visit in person to find a little magic. 🪄

Explore the wizarding world with the complete Harry Potter series (and so much more) on Hoopla Digital — free with your library card!

01/09/2026

Soil Mates Gardening Group
Next meeting: Wednesday, 16th of September at 4pm
In the Pop-up Library at 41 Weld Street.

Calling all garden enthusiasts!   Join fellow green thumbs and garden-curious locals for a relaxed get-together to share experiences, swap tips,

01/09/2026

To celebrate the release of the new animated feature "Forgotten Island" at Hokitika's Regent Theatre, we have a new colouring competition!

🌴What would you take with you if you were to stay on a desert island?🌴

Draw your vision, then hand your drawing in at the main library desk to be displayed in the children's area.

All colouring sheets handed in by September 18th will be in the draw to win tickets to the movie at Hokitika's Regent Theatre.

Good luck everyone!

31/08/2026

From Kumara School to Whataroa School, we have had a fabulous time travelling the district over the last two weeks to celebrate the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Midway through our outreach sessions, we were delighted to learn that the book we selected to read this year actually won the Russell Clark Award for illustration 🥳

Congratulations to author and illustrator .tait for his brilliant publication "Kupe and the Great Octopus of Muturangi". Our tamariki loved the story, especially the part where the Octopus lose his eyeballs 👀

Our Octopus paper-chain craft was also a hit: it was so lovely to see you unleash your creativity. You all came up with such unique ideas, ka pai for the great work!

We look forward to visiting your schools again.

Meanwhile, keep well, keep reading.

Hokitika Primary School Kumara School South Westland Area School Kaniere School, St Mary's Hokitika, Whataroa School

30/08/2026

Join Wriggle & Rhyme this Thursday from 10:30 to 11:00am, to celebrate dads and pops with us!

We will find out what it feels like to walk in daddy's footsteps, follow the Grumpy Monkey on his "Father's Day Fuss" adventure, and, of course, kanikani, learn and sing together.

No registration needed, everyone's welcome.