Auckland Libraries

Join BFFs Ineka and Alison in the Literary Lounge and hear all about Larry & Viv, Sam & Lisa, Jaime and Regina, Nora & Daniel, Ezra & Yonatan and Lyss & The Rarkyn. Books mentioned in this programme can be requested for Click and Collect by Auckland Libraries members, and are often available in multiple formats: Larry & Viv / Graeme Lay / 2022 https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3991853 The Rarkyn’s familiar / Nicky Lee / 2022 https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4058023 Idol / Louise O’Neill / 2022 https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3994858 The girl in his shadow by Audrey Blake (The Big Library Read) https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3897062 Abomination / Ashley Goldberg / 2022 https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4045712

Alison is joined in the studio by the distinguished and award-winning writer and literary critic Stephanie Johnson. Join us for a lively conversation about Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and a chat about Stephanie's recent works. Books mentioned in this programme can be requested for Click and Collect by Auckland Libraries members, and are available in multiple formats: The writers' festival (2015) https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2998842 Everything changes (2021) https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3820594 Nine lives: New Zealand writers on notable New Zealanders (2021) https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb394613

Join Alison and Ineka for a preview of We Read Auckland, which will be running from 15-28 August 2022. This is an exciting free programme of live and online events that celebrate Auckland’s readers and writers and the stories that bring us together. Libraries across Tāmaki Makaurau will feature a diverse line-up of Auckland’s fiction and non-fiction authors, celebrate the spoken word, provide fun opportunities for whānau to discover the joy of reading together, and more. To see what’s on in your area, visit aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/WeReadAKL Books mentioned in this programme can be requested for Click and Collect by Auckland Libraries members, and are often available in multiple formats: Kurungaituku / Whiti Hereaka / 2021 / Adult Fiction NZ: bit.ly/3tzLBQ9 Everything changes / Stephanie Johnson / 2021 / Adult Fiction NZ: bit.ly/2ZXidXU The library of unfinished business / Patricia Bell / 2022 / Adult Fiction NZ: bit.ly/3zQCNXZ Addressed to Greta / Fiona Sussman / 2022 / Adult Fiction NZ: bit.ly/3JR

The Francis-Lee Duo bring us European Journeys, an exciting programme inspired by the special exhibition of the same name at the Auckland Art Gallery in 2019, celebrating works by New Zealand artist, Frances Hodgkins. The Duo start the journey at Manheim with the first movement of Mozart’s violin sonata k. 301, a perfect example of Mozart’s more mature style. This is followed by the second ofTwo Romances by the pioneer Swedish woman composer Elfrida Andree, lyrical pieces inspired by Nordic music literature. Keeping on the Nordic theme are the Folk Dances Op. 62 by Danish composer Niels Gade. The journey concludes at Transylvania with the iconic Romanian Folk Dances by Bartok, brilliantly transcribed for violin and piano by Zoltán Székely. This is a programme that will transport you to foreign lands.

Dual Motion presents An Unlikely Pair - An exploration of the repertoire for flute and clarinet. Original compositions for this instrumentation are comparatively rare, and clarinettist Billie Hart and flautist Leon Reynolds take listeners on a journey of the history of their instruments and perform works written for this duo, as well as arrangements and adaptations of other works. They begin with an arrangement of Mozart’s twelve horn duos, which work surprisingly well for this pair of woodwind instruments. Chopping and changing music to suit instruments was a common occurrence in Mozart's time - the composer himself even did it frequently! This is followed by a Kummer’s duets for flute and clarinet, showcasing his great knowledge of both instruments. Finally, they finish with arrangements of some ragtime favourites. Billy and Leon are part of the Auckland Philharmonia’s ‘Aspiring Musicians” programme.

Sarah Spence and Dr Joe Harrop are Tāmaki Makaurau-based string duo, Kulios. In this unique and exciting programme, violinist and violist David Rawsthorne joins them in performing two works for string trio. They present NZ award winning composer Karl Steven’s ‘Black Hands Suite’ featuring some of the highlights from his score to last year's limited series 'Black Hands', which portrayed Dunedin's Bain family in the years leading up to their tragic deaths in 1994. The soundtrack was notable for its extensive use of string trio, and featured members of Kulios among its performers. To follow, Dohnányi’s Serenade in C major draws a rich sound from the three instruments, and appears to negotiate a creative path between the classical influence of Brahms and the new sounds emanating from his contemporary countrymen, Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály.

Jazz musicians Alicia Kidd (guitar and vocals) and Hank Trenton (double bass) start off our Thursday Heritage Concert Autumn series programme in honour of ANZAC day - to acknowledge those lost, and the sacrifices made. Taking a New Zealand perspective, Acrylic will perform love songs written during the war, such as “Pōkarekare Ana;” uncovering the stories often forgotten with such well-known tunes. Alongside this they will also perform typical songs from the time, such as “Pack Up Your Troubles,” arranged in their unique jazz style. They will explore the introduction of jazz into European society by the African-American armed forces drawing parallels with the experiences of the Maori Battalion on the battlefields. Through this remembrance concert Acrylic aspire to bring hope, as well as reflect the real grief associated with war and continued themes relevant to our society today, while bringing an enjoyable experience to listeners through their sensitivity and skill. Acrylic are part of the Auckland Philha

Pianist Gemma Lee concludes our Autumn series with a programme for solo piano inspired by the desire to bring beautiful music not commonly heard onto the concert platform. Focussing on music by Bach, Debussy and Beethoven we get the chance to experience a different aspect of their work than their really famous ones that we may all know and love. Beginning with J.S Bach’s Prelude in C major ,from the Well Tempered Clavier book II, Debussy’s delightful Clair de lune from Suite Bergamasque follows and the programme concludes with Beethoven’s Piano Sonata no.10 in G Major Movements I and III. When the last note resounds, you’ll be reminded of what Debussy wrote once —that the primary aim of music “is to give pleasure.”

Episode Three: 'Twas brillig when librarians James and Rani met to talk about Alice and all the lessons left un-learned as she makes her way through Wonderland. In these passages we meet unusual characters and face strange situations, so open your ears and hop right in! If you enjoyed these excerpts, ask one of our friendly librarians to help you find the stories of Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking glass by Lewis Carrol.

This month the Kura Tūturu | Real Gold case in the Special Collections reading room, Level 2 of Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero | Central City Library, holds a rare copy of No New Things by poet Ronald Allison Kells Mason, 1905 – 1971 [R.A.K. Mason] In this podcast we hear from rare book specialist Jane Wild who shares the story of this book object, Mason's work and his development as a poet. Learn more about R.A.K. Mason's special connection with Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero the Central City Library through the memorial tōtara tree and via sculptor Anthony Stones' bronze bust. Links and further references: R.A.K. Mason, by Clifton Firth, 1947, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection, 34-M663-3 https://tinyurl.com/ynxy583n No New Thing: https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1952592 The Beggar and other poems: https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1961054 Kura Heritage Collections search result R.A.K. Mason https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/search/searchte

Alison and Ineka talk twisty mysteries, sapphic love in 1950's San Francisco, intergenerational female family tensions and Tudor-inspired tales for a new generation. Originally broadcast on Planet FM 104.6FM on 10 July 2022. Books mentioned in this show can be requested by Auckland Libraries members from our catalogue using the links below and are often available in multiple formats. The darkness / Ragnar Jónasson ; translated from the Icelandic by Victoria Cribb / 2018 / Fiction – Crime: https://bit.ly/3yKEg2K The woman in the library / Sulari Gentill / 2022 / Fiction – Crime: https://bit.ly/3bN1D2F Crossing the lines / Sulari Gentill / Fiction - Crime: https://bit.ly/3IHV3H1 Fight night / Miriam Toews / 2021 / Fiction: https://bit.ly/3NFSGp6 Last Night at the Telegraph Club / Malinda Lo / 2021 / Teen - Fiction: https://bit.ly/3AtrWoR Sister to sister: history repeats / Olivia Hayfield / 2021 / Fiction – New Zealand: https://bit.ly/3ygBeC1

Episode Two: Join librarians Lilly and Sinéad as they talk about absurd riddles and rude characters who inter… “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” …rupt in this week's stories from Alice in Wonderland. In this episode our hero Alice meets the fantastically Mad Hatter and the grinning Cheshire Cat. If you enjoyed these excerpts, ask one of our friendly librarians to help you find the stories of Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking glass by Lewis Carrol.

Join Alison and Ineka as they look to the stars and celebrate the appearance of Matariki. Books mentioned on the show can be requested using the Auckland Libraries catalogue links below: Matariki - Kirsten Parkinson and Kitty Brown (2022) https://bit.ly/3a75ozk Matariki around the world: a cluster of stars, a cluster of stories - Rangi Mātāmua & Miriama Kamo (2022) https://bit.ly/3OQFGhc Puanga me Matariki – Sharon Holt (2022) https://bit.ly/3QSAtaF Kua whetūrangitia tōku koro - Brianne T Paa (2022) https://bit.ly/3OLOghp Ko Flit, te Tīrairaka me te mahere Matariki - Kat Quin (2021) https://bit.ly/3yo4OGR The astromancer: the rising of Matariki / Witi Ihimaera (2022); illustrated by Isobel Joy Te-Aho White https://bit.ly/3OJ9AEa How to loiter in a turf war / Coco Solid / 2022 / Available in Adult Fiction NZ https://bit.ly/3I2E9mo Nuku: stories of 100 indigenous women / Qiane Matata-Sipu / 2021 / Adult Non-Fiction https://bit.ly/3yt84B1

What do you do when your world is falling apart, and the dog has eaten your chemistry homework? Find out on this Literary Lounge episode of Books & Beyond with Alison and Ineka. Books mentioned on the show can be requested using the Auckland Libraries catalogue links below: All day is a long time / David Sanchez / 2022 / Available in Adult Fiction: https://bit.ly/3OfmFVA Chemistry / Weike Wang / 2018 / Available in Adult Fiction and OverDrive/Libby eBook: https://bit.ly/3xUfjBo Lessons in chemistry / Bonnie Garmus / 2022 – Available in Adult Fiction Historical and Large Print: https://bit.ly/3mPCSoM The mad women’s ball / Victoria Mas / translated from the French by Frank Wynne / 2021 – Available in Adult Fiction Historical and OverDrive/Libby eBook: https://bit.ly/3OjHiQo New York, my village: a novel/ Uwem Akpan / 2021 / Available in Adult Fiction: https://bit.ly/3OhaTKh

On Thursday June 9 2022, Auckland Libraries rare book specialist Jane Wild invited the Mackelvie Society to a close up exploration of a very special rare book - Mary Lawrance’s ‘A collection of roses from nature’ printed from 1799. This breathtakingly beautiful volume of hand painted plates was donated to Auckland Libraries by the Mackelvie Society adding a significant Collection item for enriching research and learning. You can find out more about the Mackelvie Society and how you can support their work here: https://www.mackelviesociety.com/the-mackelvie-collection As for this talk stay tuned to hear more context about the rose book from Jane Wild as well as from the guest artist Karin Montgomery whose hand crafted paper rose drew detailed inspiration for Mary Lawrance's work. Karin's work is available at Anna Miles Gallery here: https://annamilesgallery.com/artists/karin-montgomery/ Both the book and the recreation of Rosa Provincialis B - a Blush province Rose will be available for viewing in the Sp

Join Ineka and Alison in the Literary Lounge for an episode full of conundra, collective consciousness, rakes, scoundrels and algebra. Yay! Books mentioned in the show can be requested from our catalogue using the links below. Many are also available in multiple formats – check the links to see what else is available for loan. Helen Kelly: her life / Rebecca Macfie / 2021 / Adult Non-Fiction NZ – Biography: https://bit.ly/3aIP47R The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels / India Holton / 2021 / Adult Fiction NZ - Historical Romance: https://bit.ly/3tpIp9r The League of Gentlewomen Witches / India Holton / 2022 / Adult Fiction NZ – Historical Romance: https://bit.ly/3xhs1Jd Double helix/ Eileen Merriman / 2021 / Adult Fiction NZ: https://bit.ly/3tkOnIz The candy house / Jennifer Egan / 2022 / Adult Fiction: https://bit.ly/3Q8mhdf

In 1920, Roy Alstan Lippincott and Edward F Billson won the competition to design Auckland University College’s new Arts Building. Now known as the Old Arts Block, it has become a landmark building for central Auckland. Lippincott was an American architect who worked in New Zealand during the 1920s and 1930s. He designed other buildings for the university as well as the Farmers Tea Rooms, a six-storey extension to Smith and Caughey department store, and private residences. Lippincott was inspired by the country he found himself living in, and incorporated ponga fronds, flax seedpods, kaka and kea, and Māori motifs into the Old Arts Block, and delightful, sculpted kauri snails in the Old Biology Building. He returned to the United States in 1940 but his work can still be found around Auckland today. This illustrated talk will look at some of his work in Auckland and further afield Multimedia Links Video about the University of Auckland Clocktower https://youtu.be/bPBXulIlnDI 3D tour of the former Farmers T

Episode One: Join librarians Clare and John as they talk about their favourite absurd words and crack some silly puns in this week's stories from Alice in Wonderland. In this episode our hero Alice meets the mournful Mock Turtle and hilarious Humpty Dumpty and finds them both awfully confusing. If you enjoyed these excerpts, ask one of our friendly librarians to help you find the stories of Alice in Wonderland and Alice through the Looking glass by Lewis Carrol.

Not that long ago, in a place not that far away. A group known as the librarians gathered to talk about classic children's books. Join us each month as we open the gateway to different worlds found in our favourite stories. Each episode we will choose moments from a classic children's book to share with you and we will talk about what makes them so special to us. We hope you love them as much as we do.

The Central Area Model is a 1:480 scale model of central Auckland carefully built during 1967 and 1968 to replicate the city in precise miniature. The model recreates the areas of central Auckland bordered by the motorways which now surround the inner-city area. For more than two decades Council planners used the model to visualise the way proposed construction would alter the character and physical spaces of the city. In this podcast we hear from Liam Appleton a member of the team who reconstructed and researched the model on display till end July 2022 at the Central City Library. Learn more: http://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2022/05/making-model-city-origins-of-central.html Photo: The model in situ at the Central City Library, Liam Appleton, 2022.