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Dunedin Public Libraries | Kā Kete Wānaka o Ōtepoti

NB: March - April 2016

Editing this first issue of 2016 has been an absolute delight.  

As well as travelling vicariously to Toronto, we are treated to contributions from some wonderful Dunedin writers. We meet Ruthie Morgan and her highly-praised first novel, Skylark; get a glimpse of Darrin Wedlock's fond tale of his mother's childhood, Sandra's Flying Elephants of Belfast; and enjoy Liz Breslin's moving tribute to Dunedin poet, Larry Matthews. There's also news of Rachel Stedman's intriguing free book project, Upon a Time; a snippet from Ian Dougherty's must-read history of Hillside, More Than Just A Place of Work; and an excerpt from Beatrice Hale's ripping yarn for kids, Ice Escape. Plus an interview with Jane Woodham and reviews of Charlotte Grimshaw's Starlight Peninsula, Ted Dawe's Into the River, and Bill Clegg's Did You Ever Have a Family. Plenty of scope if you're on the lookout your next great read!

Kay Mercer, Editor

Contents

Read me a story

by Mike Collett

Writing an article in December that won’t be read until March poses particular problems including the need to stay away from the topical in favour of items that reflect libraries' core values, such as books and reading.

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Book Sale

by Kay Mercer

Bring your own bag and enjoy hunting for some great additions to your bookshelves.

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What’s On

by Dunedin Public Libraries

Don't miss out: add these dates to your diary.

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Wild Dunedin

by Kay Mercer

Take a walk on the wild side this April with the launch of a brand new festival. Wild Dunedin is a chance for everyone to discover and explore Dunedin's natural history, from the high lands to the high seas (ki uta ki tai).

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Dunedin Writer, Ruthie Morgan

Author spotlight: Ruthie Morgan

by Ruthie Morgan

Ruthie Morgan is a local writer whose debut novel Skylark received notable accolades in 2015..

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Climate Change Fiction

by Dunedin Public Libraries

Cli-fi has an important role to play in reaching thousands of readers, and perhaps motivating them to add their voice to much-needed international debate over carbon emissions.

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for Larry

by Liz Breslin

A poem by Liz Breslin, dedicated to Larry Matthews, who was a local poet, active in the Octagon Collective.

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Cover image, Sandra and the Flying Elephants of Belfast by Darrin Wedlock

Sandra and the Flying Elephants of Belfast

by Darrin Wedlock

Darrin Wedlock is a writer and painter who lives in Dunedin. His book, ‘Sandra and the Flying Elephants of Belfast’ to be published by Troubador Publishing Ltd, UK, 28 February 2016. It is the true story of his mother.

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Fiction Review: Starlight Peninsula by Charlotte Grimshaw

by Jessie Neilson

A review by Dunedin reader and librarian, Jessie Neilson.

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Twister by Jane Woodham

Twister by Jane Woodham

by Gay Buckingham

In December 2015, Rosa Mira Books published Twister, a crime novel by local writer Jane Woodham.

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Fiction Book Review:  Did You Ever Have A Family 

by Jackie Howell, Collection Development Team Leader

Jackie Howell cannot bear to pick up another work of fiction with this one still fresh in her head.

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Signed & Inscribed: Association Copies and Their Owners

by Julian Smith, Rare Books Librarian

The next Reed Gallery exhibition features copies of texts which are known in the book collectors’ world as ‘association copies’.

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McNab

What's New McNab

by Dunedin Public Libraries

The latest in our New Zealand collection.

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Travelling by the Book: Toronto

by Colleen Marshall, Senior Library Assistant

Described as ‘a whole world in a city’, Toronto is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. Senior Library Assistant, Colleen Marshall, is definitely going back for a second visit.

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Appeal Characteristics: The Art of Finding a Good Book

by Fiona Knudson, Lending Services Supervisor

Have you ever had that awful moment? 

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Supporting Our Libraries: The Important Role of the Friends of the Library

by Joan Ledgerwood, President, DPLA

Introducing the new President of the Dunedin Public Libraries Association (DPLA), Joan Ledgerwood.

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More than Just a Place of Work: A History of Dunedin's Hillside Railway Workshops by Ian Dougherty

More Than Just A Place of Work

by Ian Dougherty

Dunedin author Ian Dougherty’s book, More Than Just A Place of Work: A History of Dunedin’s Hillside Railway Workshops, was published in December.

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Non-fiction Highlights

Non-fiction Highlights 

by Dunedin Public Libraries

New to our shelves this issue.

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Books on Prescription

by Shirley Jones, Senior Library Assistant

Libraries can be daunting places, so it's good to know they are full of friendly faces, ready to help you find what you need.

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Teen Space - What's New

What’s New Teen Space

by Dunedin Public Libaries

Must reads from our Young Adult collection.

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Upon a Time by R.L. Stedman

Upon a Time

by R L Stedman

R.L. Stedman's latest project makes a gift of a distinctly modern spin on the traditional fairy story.

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Teen Space - Book Review

Teen Book Review: Into the River

by Kay Mercer, Events Coordinator

Human nature being what it is, the minute we’re told we can’t have something many of us will immediately be consumed with desire for it. 

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Kids’ Picks

by Dunedin Public Libraries

A selection of recommended readers for children.

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Ice Escape by Beatrice Hale

Ice Escape: Beatrice Hale

by Beatrice Hale

Beatrice Hale is a Dunedin Writer, and this is her second book for children.

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Wriggle & Rhyme: Active Movement Through Music

by Dunedin Public Libraries

‘Wriggle & Rhyme’ Active Movement for Early Learning sessions are for children aged 0 - 24 months and are held in conjunction with local libraries, Territorial Authorities, and Regional Sport Trusts.

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Books for Babies: A Gift from Dunedin Public Libraries and the Friends of the Library to Mum and Baby

by Su Ikin, Youth Outreach Coordinator

Research shows that, through books, we can help children understand the world around them. 

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