Dunedin Public Libraries | Kā Kete Wānaka o Ōtepoti


This issue we create stories with pictures for the school holidays, and enjoy the magic of both Freddo the Frog and the Hungry Caterpillar. You are spoiled for choice with competitions for poets and young writers, as well as a fantastic day of fun for children at the Ink Spots and Twisty Plots, celebrating the wonder of children's books.

In July we welcome a symphony orchestra for lunch, while August is our special time to celebrate poetry. You will find this issue is blessed with a bounty of works from local poets. Carolyn McCurdie updates the latest stanza on the Octagon Collective, and we bring news of our 'Perfect 10' as poets from Otago, new and established, come together for an evening of recitation for National Poetry Day.


  1. August Poetry

    National Poetry Day on Friday 25th August is a celebration of poetry across New Zealand.  Read more…
  2. Libraries beyond borders

    Foreword Read more…
  3. What's On...

    Poetry, cartoons, competitions, children's literature, music and chocolate. What a party! Read more…
  4. August Poetry: The man who never knew his mother's name  

    A poem by Kath Beattie Read more…
  5. August Poetry: Not a Happy Cat  

    A poem by Grace Carlyle   Read more…
  6. August Poetry: Future Poets

    Dunedin Poet Sue Wootton is passionate about nurturing creative poetry in children. Read more…
  7. August Poetry: Leaving

    A poem by Mark Stephenson Read more…
  8. August Poetry: Withdrawn

    A poem by Emma Neale. Read more…
  9. Octagon Poetry Collective – the story so far

     It’s not true to say that every third person you pass walking down George Street is a poet. Though on some days it can feel like that.  Read more…
  10. August Poetry: What’s the matter?

    A poem by Annabel Wilson Read more…
  11. August Poetry: Boys on the Beach

    A Poem by Elena Poletti Read more…
  12. Hot Topic: Short Stories

    In today’s busy world the idea of reading a piece of prose in one short sitting is very appealing.  Read more…
  13. The Resolute Heart

    New young adult book by Beatrice Hale. Read more…
  14. Plain to Ornate: Bookbindings from the Reed Collection  

    The next Reed Gallery exhibition explores the outer covers of books - their bindings.    Read more…
  15. What's New McNab

    The latest in the New Zealand collection. Read more…
  16. Non-Fiction Book Review: My Time – the autobiography of Bradley Wiggins.

    Co-authored by William Fotheringham. Publisher: Yellow Jersey Press, London (2013).  Read more…
  17. Travelling By the Book: Exploring the Ancient Sites of the Emerald Isle

    Brooding grey skies, weathered grey stone, green green countryside, flocks of crows, crumbling ruins, and ancient Celtic monuments - ... Read more…
  18. History Reveals Dunedin as a City of Readers  

    The story of the city’s book shops is not only something of an epic tale but also reveals intriguingly unexpected chapters. Read more…
  19. Wandering and Wondering  

    Humanity has always been on the move - our ancestors walked out of Africa to populate the rest of the world. Read more…
  20. Non-Fiction Highlights  

    A selection of new arrivals to our shelves.  Read more…
  21. A New Publisher in Town  

    Exisle Publishing, an independent publisher, are delighted to now have a base in Dunedin – the ‘City of Literature’. Read more…
  22. Desert Island Books  

    Over the next few issues of NB our castaways will be members of our Collection Development Team.  Read more…
  23. What’s New Teen Space  

    New and recommended reading for young adults. Read more…
  24. Kids’ Picks  

    A selection of recommended reads for children. Read more…
  25. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

    A living book at The Regent Theatre. Read more…