Staff Picks: Bob the Builder

Bob the Builder has probably the most catchy kids theme tune of all time. Except for perhaps, the Munch Bunch. Or Danger Mouse. Or Bananas in Pyjamas. Or Pokemon...Actually most kids shows come complete with catchy theme tunes don’t they?! Bob is a builder in a rural English village. Together with his colleague Wendy and his talking work vehicles, Bob helps solve everyones’ problems with his catch-phrase “Can we fix it?!” echoed panto style by the audience shouting back “Yes we can” long before a certain US President thought to ask the same question. Bob the Builder is now a classic children's show that generations of kids will reminisce over in the same way I do about Danger Mouse.

The Library has heaps of ‘Bob’ related items ranging from DVDs of the series, to picture books, board books and puzzles. Our Bob the Builder items can be found in the Children’s Zone on the First Floor of the Central Library and at our Branch libraries

Staff Picks: The Finn Brothers

781.66 FIN Sound & Vision Zone

Together Alone: The Story of the Finn Bothers by Jeff Apter

Often described as New Zealands answer to ‘Lennon and McCartney’, the Finn brothers presided over one of the most prolific and successful eras of New Zealand popular music. In the 1980s, both brothers played in ‘Split Enz’, the band responsible for hits such as Shark Attack, History Never Repeats and Message to My Girl. In the '90s, it was Neils band ‘Crowded House’ who ruled the airwaves with Four Seasons in One Day, Don’t Dream it’s Over and Fall at Your Feet. This book charts the rise, splits, solo efforts and reunions of the Finns and is a great account of some of New Zealands recent music history.

Our books on the New Zealand music scene and can be found primarily in the Sound & Vision collection on the Ground Floor of the Central Library. With your library card, you can access our Biography in Context database from home where you can read recent magazine and newspaper articles on the Finn bothers.

Staff Picks: Wearable art

Off the Wall : the World of Wearable Art photography by Martin de Ruyter, Neil Price, Rohit Chawla and Daniel Rose.

Be inspired by some of the beautiful, complex and controversial designs from New Zealands unique World of Wearable Arts festival. Held every year in Wellington, the festival has grown exponentially since its inception in Nelson in 1987 and has garnered world wide acclaim. However, this post must issue a warning - this book features a brassiere made from taxidermied Budgerigars!

Our books on the wearable art phenomenon can be found primarily in the ‘Arts & Crafts - Non Fiction’ zone on the First Floor at the Central Library and also at our branches. You can also visit the WOW: World of Wearable Art website for information about this years event.

How Green Are My Wellies?

Hi, I'm Helen and I work at the library in Events. I am really interested in green/eco/sustainability issues and I read most of what comes through the library to do with these topics. I know there are a lot of people interested in this sort of stuff, so I thought I would start reviewing what I read to share with you all.

This book, ‘How Green Are My Wellies?’ by Anna Shepard came out in 2008, so it isn't a new book, but it is a very good one. The author had a column in an English newspaper called 'The Eco-Worrier' for a long time and this book contains a lot of the adventures she had while researching her column. (Because this book is English, some of her advice doesn't work for a New Zealand setting, but most of it does.)

What sets it out from the manifold other ‘how to live greener’ books, is that Anna Shepard has a very engaging, funny voice in her writing. The book is not a finger-wagging ‘do this now’ kind of book. Her tone throughout is one of light-heartedness and adventure. The best ‘green’ books get people inspired by showing what an adventure green-living can be, how it isn’t about guilt and suffering but enrichment and engagement. This book achieves that with Shepards wonderful witty anecdotes and humour.

The book is divided up into months of the year, and she goes through the relevant seasonal ideas and hints. There are all kinds of interesting tips and asides and resources. Also funny throughout the book are her stories about her long-suffering, not-especially-green partner and her slightly dotty but very green mother. I also like the way she admits her failing and flailings and doesn’t pretend to be perfect – hence she calls herself ‘the eco worrier’ rather than ‘eco-warrior’.

By the time I finished the book, I had learned a lot, resolved to do better, laughed a lot and also, felt like I’d read a warm-hearted memoir, rather than just another green ‘how-to’ manual.

This is a stand-out specimen of the very full ‘green-living’ book market.

You can check the availability of this title HERE.

(Please let us know via the comments if you enjoy reading book reviews by library staff. If you do, we will endeavour to keep them coming!)

City Library Christmas Countdown - Day 23

The library is closed for a few days but you can still keep tabs on your items out and reserves.

Your user account "My Card" stores details on any items that you currently have issued to you, any items that you have requested, blocks on your card, and any lists that you have created or saved. In addition, you can check your personal information.

To log in to My Card:

• Click the My Card tab or click the Sign In icon on the Toolbar

You will be prompted to enter:

• the digits after the middle zeros from your library card
• the last 4 digits of your phone number, or your PIN (Personal Identification Number) if you have chosen one
• Click Sign In

You will see the Account Overview page listing the different functions that you can access.

When you are finished, sign out of your account (My Card).

For other help try our how to use the library catalogue page.

City Library Christmas Countdown - Day 22

Trace your family tree

The Genealogy (or Family History) section is part of the New Zealand and Pacific Islands Zone on the 2nd Floor.
We have books to borrow, microfiche, microfilm, magazines, local newspaper index, local photographs, and electronic resources, as well as scanning and printing facilities.

Family history research brochure

Are you new to family history research?
Check out this brochure for some hot tips on getting started and avoiding the pitfalls.
Top tips for the beginning genealogist.pdf

Genealogy magazines

Browse our collection of Genealogy magazines. They have very helpful tips for all genealogists.

Titles include:

• Genealogists Magazine (UK)
  
• New Zealand Family Tree
  
• Australian Family Tree Connections
  
• New Zealand Genealogist
  
• Family Tree Magazine (UK)
  
• Family History Monthly

Genealogy volunteers

We are fortunate to have experienced Genealogists from the Local Branch of the New Zealand Genealogy Society in the Central Library every week at the following times:

Friday	10:30am-1pm
Saturday	1pm-4pm
Sunday	1pm-4pm

CIty Library Christmas Countdown - Day 21

School holidays means fun for kids and this summer we have some fantastic storytellers lined up that all the family will enjoy.

Storyteller - Niall de Burca
Niall de Burca is one of Ireland's finest traditional storytellers. He was raised in Galway and displayed a talent for narrative from a young age. Many New Zealand storytellers have called Niall a huge influence for them, and has always enthralled crowds with his storytelling style.
visit Niall's website

Date: Friday 6 January 2012
Hours: 10:30am
Location: Children's Zone, Central Library

Niall de Burca

Storyteller - Levity Beet
Levity performs original quirky songs and stories saturated with Kiwi culture. His performance often features newly invented musical instruments, musical comedy and is an encouraging experience for anyone interested in playing music themselves.

Date: Tuesday 10 January 2012
Hours: 3pm
Location: Children's Zone, Central Library

Levity Beet

Storyteller - Tanya Batt
Tanya has travelled the world telling her stories. Her work is characterized by lively interaction and her use of music, movement and sumptuous frocks. She says 'stories are her habit'.
visit Tanya's website

Date: Tuesday 17 January 2012
Hours: 3pm
Location: Children's Zone, Central Library

CIty Library Christmas Countdown - Day 20

Christmas is the time for charity, generosity and spreading the love.  It’s also very close to that time of year when we make resolutions, vow to change and to start the New Year with a new zest of life and positive outlook.

Capture that enthusiasm and get involved in community projects. Or, use the inspiration for your own personal development.

Need money to do that?

We can help! As a member of the Palmerston North City Library, you have access to funding databases to help get that idea off the ground, advance your community group or help you study what you want.

BreakOut

Aimed at individual development, BreakOut is New Zealand's primary source of funding information for students, researchers, sports people, artists and those wanting professional development, with access to more than 2200 funding sources from around the country.

FundView

FundView has information about more than 1000 funding schemes for voluntary organisations from government, local authorities, statutory and philanthropic trusts, gaming trusts and some service organisations.

It’s completely free to use, very easy, and can help you plan your funding applications for the New Year.

Visit the library website, click on online databases, log in with your card details, select BreakOut (for individuals) or FundView (for group support), answer a few easy questions and access a list of available funding more than 2200 sources around the country.

Poster design competition

Are you a Year 12 or 13 student?

Do you want $300?

Enter the Breakout poster design competition to win. Explore the database, use your design skills, impress the judges and get the cash. Easy!

All you need to do is promote BreakOut to senior students in a positive and innovative way and include the logo.

Enter the competition

If you win, let us know.  Good luck.