Visit your local library during Diwali and immerse yourself in the rich world of Hindu culture. Bring the kids along to Storytime, view a beautiful exhibition of water colours by Sunil Govind Gadgil and even try some yoga! Celebrate Auckland’s Indian communities at your local library from 12 October to 26 October. Activities range from educational story-telling and displays which highlight the colourful and vibrant nature of Indian culture to fun interactive activities such as yoga. Manager of Inclusive Service Design Abigael Vogt says Auckland Libraries celebrate Auckland’s diversity by marking, hosting and celebrating important cultural festivals such as Diwali. “Indic materials are available in six languages, some of more……. than 30 languages available at the library, as we strive to reflect Auckland’s diversity,” she says.
“Diwali gives Auckland Libraries a great opportunity to celebrate its wide range of Indic language collections and wider collections including DVDs, magazines, novels, cookbooks, bi-lingual children’s books and digital library resources including Indian Newspapers with the public.”
Auckland Libraries have someone who can take questions in Hindi. In addition, staff can answer any library question in 44 major languages using Language Line, a service which is available free of charge throughout the year. Diwali events include:
* Take the opportunity to ‘Ask me in Hindi’ at a dedicated Hindi library Q&A session during Diwali.
* Say ‘Namaste’ to a librarian and join in the fun at the ‘Auckland Libraries pop-up kids zone’ in Aotea Square 1-3 pm both Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October during the Auckland Diwali Festival.
* Botany Library – Games with an Indian twist! Sunday 12 October 3-4 pm
* Big Read Story time at many libraries across Auckland Tuesday 14 October 10.30 am
* Mt Albert Library – Exhibition of water colours by Sunil Govind Gadgil 14-30 October
* Highland Park Library – Sri Chinmoy Centre performance and ‘Dreamers of Peace’ interactive musical experience 19 October 2 – 3.30pm
* Avondale Library – Diwali 3D printing workshop 22 and 23 October 3-5 pm
* Glenfield – Yoga in the library 23 October 6.30 – 8pm
For more details visit your local library or go to the Auckland Libraries website.
