Dunedin Public Libraries News & Reviews Blog

There were some great workshops held in Blueskin Bay as part of Turn Off TV Week last week.

Here are some highlights.

• What’s inside your computer?

Murray Soal demystified these useful machines, explaining computer technology in non technical terms.

• Cheese making

Linda Chartlon demonstrated how to make cheese at home. She made a hard cheese and cottage cheese.

This workshop was very popular and Linda hopes to run another.

Contact the Blueskin Bay Library if you are interested on 474 3690.

As part of Turn Off TV Week Blueskin Bay Library hosted a Pet Day on Thursday.

Many of our furry, feathery and fluffy friends attended, including cats and dogs, geese (one looked very much like Jemima Puddleduck!)and rabbits. Those without real live pets brought along the toy variety.

The sausage eating competition was a definite highlight.

Other prizes were also given out, including ones for the best trick and the naughtiest pet!

A great time was had by all.

Want to learn more about Hector’s Dolphins and find out what you can do to help them?

Then come along to Blueskin Bay Library to:

Find out why these marine mammals are so special
See some fantastic photos of the Hector’s Dolphins
Have fun learning about their habits and threats through some interactive games
Create a poster for the Hector’s Dolphin patchwork mural
Be in for a chance to win a Hector’s Dolphin T-shirt

• Wednesday 30th April at 3pm
• Blueskin Bay Library
• FREE EVENT

Recently Mosgiel and Blueskin Bay Libraries featured on National Radio with our talented staff interviewed about the ‘Turn Off TV Week’ promotion running until April 27th.

Have a listen to the interview on the Radio New Zealand website.

Note that the interview may only be available for 7 days past its broadcast date.

Check out what Mosgiel and Blueskin Bay libraries are up to during Turn Off TV Week.

Waitati’s own Mandy Mayhem read us all stories for Turn Off TV Week at the Blueskin Nursery Cafe. A great group of young and old turned up for hot chocolates, coffees and free fluffies for the kids.

Mandy read

‘The Princess and the White Bear King’ by Tanya Batts

and ‘Bad Jelly the Witch’ by Spike Milligan.

We then got to see and feel lots of different kinds of modern cloth nappies.

Michelle came along from the Nappy Network to show us these and answer any questions. She’ll be at the Mosgiel library on Thursday too!

Michelle highlighted the DCC $20 off nappy starter pack and all the reasons why these nappies are great to use!

All our branches and our Bookbus services will be closed on ANZAC Day - April25th.

Normal hours will resume on April 26th.

Every year since 2002 Blueskin Bay has provided a variety of activities during a particular week to encourage residents to turn aside from their television sets for a time, to embrace other activities and to encourage a greater sense of community.

This year the emphasis is “celebrating community” and the resources which individuals and groups can share with one another, providing fun and contributing to lifelong learning.

Many of the activities are outdoor ones but there are also opportunities to learn hobbies / crafts which can while away the winter. For the most part the 2008 programme draws on talent within the Blueskin Bay community and provides an opportunity for promoting it.

The week begins on Sunday 20 April with a fun run / walk from the Blueskin Library at Waitati to the Orokanui Eco-sanctuary and return. Following that there will be a community BBQ outside the Library.

On Monday 21 April there will be a Sustainable Practices seminar with Jenny Nielson about methods of organic waste disposal, recyclable materials and special waste services. (Waitati Hall 2 to 3 p.m.)

In the evening there will be a Hybrid Clothing workshop with guidance and practical assistance ion re-making old garments into new ones. (Waitati Hall 7 to 9.30 p.m.)

There will also be a Tae Kwon Do open night (Warrington Hall 6 to 7.30 p.m.)

Tuesday 22 April sees a Bike maintenance workshop coupled with safety and riding skills run by ‘Banger’ from R&R Sports. Banger runs such courses for the Taieri Community College, Otago Polytechnic and University of Otago. (Waitati Hall and then Bland Park 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Bring your own lunch.

Mandy Mayhem will read stories at the Blueskin café in the afternoon followed by a presentation on cloth nappies by Michelle Andrews. 3 p.m.

Chatterbooks - a chance to chat about books you have read recently and to hear about other books people have been reading is an initiative by the Library to start a book-group with not-too-serious purpose. (Library 7 p.m.)

What’s in the Box? is a workshop by Murray Soal explaining in non-technical terms the workings of computers. (Waitati Hall 7 to 9 p.m.)

Wednesday 23 April provides an opportunity for children to learn elements of Horse riding from 1 to 3 p.m. Linda Charlton will facilitate a Cheese-making workshop at 2 p.m while an introduction to Homeopathic First-aid will be provided in the evening by Jane Young between 7 and 9 p.m - all events are at Blueskin Bay Library.

Thursday 24 April sees a Pet Show held outside the Library at 2 p.m. There is a Gallery on Blueskin exhibition opening from 5.30 to 7.30 p.m. The theme is ‘Blue’ - pick up a blank canvas and submit your own entry.

For a touch of the Caribbean Alison Appleby provides a demonstration of Calypso and some tuition. (Waitati Hall 8 p.m.)

ANZAC DAY Friday 25 April the usual service will be held in the Waitati Hall at 10 a.m.

Saturday 26 April Walk through Volco Park with Nick Prosser. Meet near the horse-trough Old North Road.

Sunday 27 April Closing Street Party at Warrington after walking from St Barnabas Church to the Warrington Domain. More details soon.

The whole week is devoted to celebration and sharing in order to enhance an even greater sense of community in the whole of the Blueskin Bay area.

Please note that while some events are free and open to all, registrations will be essential for the workshops. Costs vary from $2 per person to $15 per person.

Most workshops are $5 or under. Numbers will be limited for most workshops so that individual attention can be assured.

Blueskin Library hosted a storytime for Blueskin Playcentre.

We read the following books;

Shoe Baby by Joyce Dunbar

Little Apple byBrigette Weninger

Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert

The children also made either a butterfly mask or a small butterfly to be worn around the wrist. They also had fun in the playground and choosing a book for the playcentre to borrow.

The latest Blueskin Bay Library news has just been published.

Read the .PDF version now by clicking on the newsletter image on the left.

We also offer a good selection of other newsletters and library publications to read, available now on our website.

Final arrangements are underway and venues are getting booked for Turn Off TV Week 2008 which will be run in conjunction with a similar event
in Mosgiel to pool ideas and resources.

This year, Waitati’s famous anti-couch potato Week will be coordinated by staff of the Blueskin Bay Library with community groups running events and activities.

Many local individuals, clubs, schools and businesses are keen to be involved, and further expressions of interest are welcome at the Library