Napier Libraries

08/09/2026

📰 50 years ago in The Daily Telegraph

On 3 September 1976, the idea for the Fantasyland Pirate Ship was given the go-ahead, marking the beginning of what would become an iconic structure and a much-loved part of so many people’s childhood memories.

Sadly, this familiar and fondly remembered landmark was destroyed by fire on 5 April 2015.

07/09/2026

🎉📚 Our School Holiday Programme is now live and open for bookings! 📚🎉

Get ready for two weeks packed with creativity, adventure, technology and fun! Whether your child loves building, crafting, gaming, reading, puzzling or exploring, we've got something for everyone these school holidays.

From exploring Park Island on a family scavenger hunt to battling bots and gaming challenges, there'll be plenty to keep curious minds busy. Creative kids can design their own collectable character cards, create mindful zines, make colourful Rainbow in a Jar creations, craft beautiful bracelets and beadwork, or even personalise their own sublimated mug. LEGO® fans won't want to miss our All Blocks LEGO® session, where builders can also go into the draw to win a fantastic LEGO® prize from Toyworld. We'll also be hosting Storytime sessions and a movie afternoon for those looking for a more relaxed holiday activity.

For tweens and teens, things get even more exciting with a Dragon Academy-themed escape room race and a hands-on rubber carving workshop.

📅 The programme runs from Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October.
⚡ Some events have limited spaces, so be sure to book early to avoid missing out!

Find the full programme and register here: https://www.napierlibrary.co.nz/whats-on/holiday-programme-sep2026/

04/09/2026

🪄 Calling all witches, wizards & Harry Potter fans! 🧙‍♀️📚

This September, your Napier Libraries card can unlock a little extra magic! ✨

Enjoy Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as an audiobook with NO BORROWING LIMITS throughout September! 🎧⚡

Whether you’re revisiting the magic of Hogwarts or discovering Harry’s story for the first time, it’s the perfect time to press play.

Grab your library card, settle in and let the adventure begin! 🦉✨

📚 Available through Napier Libraries this September: https://www.napierlibrary.co.nz/digital-library/ebooks-and-eaudiobooks

03/09/2026

🌸 Eat, Sleep, Library, Repeat 🌸

The school holidays are nearly here, and we've got an exciting programme packed with fun, creativity and adventure for children and young people of all ages! From exploring Park Island on a family scavenger hunt to battling bots and gaming challenges, there'll be plenty to keep curious minds busy

📅 Programme information and registrations for events will go live at 12 noon on Monday 7 September.

Keep an eye on our website and social media for the full programme details, and get ready for a holiday filled with imagination, discovery, and fun! 🎉

👉 https://www.napierlibrary.co.nz/whats-on/holiday-programme-sep2026

01/09/2026

Spring reads? Yes please! Read books for free with your library card 💳

Click here to download Libby App Australia/New Zealand: https://www.napierlibrary.co.nz/digital-library/ebooks-and-eaudiobooks/

New season, new reading list! Which book are you reading this spring?

01/09/2026

Check out all the amazing kids books on BorrowBox!

Click here to download: https://www.napierlibrary.co.nz/digital-library/ebooks-and-eaudiobooks/

Crack the case with Billie B Brown and her Secret Mystery Club in Spooky House, an exciting new graphic novel for fans of The Baby-Sitters Club and Paws. Can they solve their first mystery? Read on BorrowBox now!

Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing

Download BorrowBox for free and start listening/reading today!
iOS: https://shorturl.at/PP7Vh
Android: https://shorturl.at/THD75

30/08/2026

👨‍💻👩‍💻 Digi Drop-ins! 📱

Our super popular Digi Drop-ins have been expanded!

Taradale, you now have an extra hour for all your tech questions. Come in and learn some tips and tricks on Thursdays 10am-12pm.

Napier, you can now learn some techy tricks on Wednesdays at 1-2pm!

These sessions will teach you to use your tech, show you some new tricks, or just get you started with the basics. These sessions are not for fixing broken devices.

28/08/2026

📚A Big Surprise Has Arrived on Our StoryWalk®! 🐴

Following on from the much-loved Wonky Donkey series, our next StoryWalk® adventure is "Wonky Donkey's Big Surprise!" 🎉
But what could the surprise be? 🤔 Take a stroll around Taradale Park and follow the story to find out!

📖 Words by Craig Smith
🎨 Illustrations by Katz Cowley
📚 Published by Scholastic

🎧 Don't forget to scan the QR code on the first board! You can listen along to the story while you walk, making it an even more fun and interactive reading experience for the whole whānau.

A huge thank you to for their ongoing support of our StoryWalk®, helping bring wonderful stories to our community. ❤️

🎉Our Matariki StoryWalk® Prize Draw has also been completed!
Congratulations to Renee and Makeena, who have each won their very own set of Matariki books! 🌟📚

And well done to our spot book prize winners:
✨ Khian
✨ Leyton
✨ Faye
✨ Kobus

Did you know? Our StoryWalk® pages are made from tear-resistant, waterproof material, so they're ready for whatever the weather brings while you enjoy the story outdoors. ☀️🌧️

Come along, stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air, and discover Wonky Donkey's Big Surprise at Taradale Park! 🌳

27/08/2026

🌙✨ Late Night Drop-In sessions tonight! ✨🌙

Join us for our Late Night Drop-In Sessions at the Creation Station Maker Space on the last Friday of every month (except for public holidays), from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Whether you're working on a project, trying something new, or simply want a creative evening with like-minded people, our maker space has everything you need.

🛠️ Equipment available:
✂️ Sewing machines
🧵 Overlockers
✨ Brother ScanNCut machines
🎨 Cricut Maker & Cricut Explore machines
☕ Cricut Mug Press
👕 Cricut Heat Press
🌈 Sublimation printer

🛍️ Materials available to purchase:
• Adhesive and heat transfer vinyl
• Sticker-making supplies
• Sublimation paper
• Blank print-and-press sheets

Bring your own project or start something new using our fantastic range of equipment and supplies. Staff will be there to answer questions or help if you need it.

*Please note: We have some materials for sale, but only for cash at this time*

📍 Taradale Library
📅 August 28, Last Friday of every month (except for public holidays)
🕔 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
🔞 For adults aged 18+

Come along, get creative, and enjoy a relaxed evening making alongside other creative minds. No booking required, just drop in and create!

25/08/2026

Come and see us at the Wātea Youth Space Napier, we'll bring the VR!

ATTENTION HB TEENS!!!! Our collaboration event SIDE QUEST FEST we held last school holidays was such a hit that we decided to make it a regular thang! Find the library team here on the last Thursday of every month to join in! From Virtual Reality, Nintendo switch to digital illustration workshops and arts & crafts... we have it all! Just bring yourself (and a friend) 🎉