It's not all rocket science you know!

We've also got poetry in abundance, writing workshops, rainbow book groups and movie screenings, and a vision (or two) for Dunedin. And the last few days of the school holidays to fill...

National Poetry Day: All ages Shape Poetry competition

The 2021 National Poetry Day celebrations in Ōtepoti Dunedin includes a shape poetry competition! For this competition, submit a poem that includes a visual presentation of the poem's contents or mood, something that enhances the physical effect of the poem on the page. The words of the poem form a shape that conveys the meaning of the poem.

Each poem should be no more than a page; the shape of your poem must fit into an A4 layout.

Judges are Carolyn McCurdie and Robyn Maree Pickens.

competition closes: Friday 16th July 2021

How to submit: head to our competitions page for more information, to register and submit your poem.

Note: One poem per person.

Please make sure your poem does not contain your name on the page, as this competition will be judged blind.

All ages welcome!

Finalists will be announced on 1st August 2021.

Winners will be announced, and their poetry presented, at the National Poetry Day event on Friday 27th August at Dunedin City Library.

Celebrating National Poetry Day: Non-Stop* Poetic Cabaret

Poetry and jazz fuse as a dozen pitch-perfect poets pit their prose against an intoxicating set of instrumentalists. Be entertained, be wined and dined, and immerse yourself in the joy of poetry.

Book your seat: ticket includes wine/beer/soft drinks and a selection of savoury and sweet dishes served to the table (please email library@dcc.govt.nz to advise of any dietary requirements when booking)

Tickets: $15 available from Dunedin City Library (03 474 3690 or library@dcc.govt.nz) 

PRIOR BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL as this is a catered event – sorry, no walk-ins on the night
(tickets can be reserved but must be paid for and collected in person within 48 hours) 

Friday 27th August, 6pm
Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, Dunedin City Library

Presented by Dunedin Public Libraries in partnership with Otago-Southland NZ Society of Authors and Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature with the support of Phantom National Poetry Day and University Bookshop Otago

*Poetic licence: actually stops by 8pm!

Dungeons & Dragons
Love D&D but don’t have a campaign?
Weekly table top role play games are happening at City Library every Wednesday - first game 3rd March. Just bring your own dice, pencil & eraser, character sheets and snacks. If you’re interested in other TTRPG’s or strategy card games let us know too. You can come on your own or bring a ready-made team. For 14-19 year olds.
Wednesdays, 4pm-8pm, 2nd floor, Dunedin City Library

Hort Talks at the Dunedin Botanic Garden Information Centre - with our pop-up library
Friday 2nd July: Rustic Idyll to Imperial Palace - a year in Japan presented by City Walks' Athol Parks
Friday 6th August: The Literary Garden presented by literary tourist Jackie McMillan

VISIONS FOR DUNEDIN: OUR HERITAGE, OUR FUTURE
Last Wednesday of each month, Dunningham Suite, City Library 6pm

Wednesday 28 July: Otago Girls High School: 150 years of NZ’s oldest secondary school for girls Presented by prefect Emma Tutty and team

Wednesday 25 August: Nostalgia , Good or Bad? Speaker Jane Macknight, Collections and Exhibition Manager Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

Write a Novel Course for Adults
A 10-week course presented by Majella Cullinane.
For further information contact the course tutor: koputaiwriting@gmail.com
Cost: $350
The course is limited to 12 students, and is likely to fill up fast. We advise you to contact the tutor early to book your place.
Course dates: Thursday 29th July – Thursday 30th September, 6.15pm-8.15pm (plus 2 Saturdays 11-2pm)

Twisty Plots: Writing Workshop for Young Adults
Inspiration from award-winning novelist, playwright and script writer Ella West. One-on-one help and advice for primary and secondary school pupils, or just sit and write in the company of a published children’s author – Ella will be busy working on her next novel!
Second Tuesday of each month, 3.30pm-4.30pm 2nd floor, City Library

Poetry Book Launch: Meeting Rita, Jenny Powell
Cold Hub Press, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature and Dunedin Public Libraries invite you to raise a glass and join us for an evening of readings and conversation with the publication of Dunedin writer Jenny Powell's latest poetry collection, Meeting Rita.

Meeting Rita, 47 poems inspired by New Zealand artist Rita Angus, offers a unique insight into the creative process and the spiritual, intellectual and emotional camaraderie that art offers both to the artist/writer and the viewer/reader. In conversation with Kay McKenzie Cooke, Jenny will discuss the imagined encounters with the artist that informed this exciting new collection.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Book sales courtesy of University Book Shop Otago (EFTPOS available)

Tuesday 3rd August, 6pm (talk starts at 6.30pm)
Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, City Library

Meeting Rita is published with the support of Creative NZ.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES

Tuesday 13th July AND Wednesday 21st July 11-4pm @Mosgiel Library
Lego Day: Build your own Lego masterpiece!

Tuesday 20th July, 10am-11.30am @Mosgiel Library
Humble Potatoes - A hands-on craft event: potatoes in science & art with your scientific and crafty librarians.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL – limited places

Thursday 22nd July, 10am-11.30am @Mosgiel Library
Up Periscope! - Make your own periscope with your scientific librarians!
BOOKING ESSENTIAL – limited places

Also... have you seen these other school holiday activities for the kids at Otago Museum?

Midwinter Makerspace – Crafting Activity
Otago Museum is famous for amazing makerspace crafts. This time you can make an own origami wishing star, or an illuminated shadow card that will light up your room with the Matariki stars, or take paper dolls to another level with couture fashions.
All day, Monday 12 – Friday 23 July // Otago Museum – Atrium Level 1 // FREE

Mr Roberelli – Children’s concert
Children love these award-winning children's entertainers. Take your favourite small people along and join in on the zany fun with musical hits like A Goat Called Ken!
11am, Sunday 18 July // Otago Museum – Atrium Level 1 // $3 p/p