For a fascinating insight into history, check out an exhibition of scrapbooks at Auckland Libraries.
'Saved memories: scrapbooks 1570-2011' features a selection of 60 scrapbooks from the Sir George Grey Special Collections and other private collections.
Items of particular interest include books belonging to Victorian settlers right through to theNZ Hip Hop Scrapbook.
The books use a variety of materials such as paper, cloth and animal skins - and include photos, paintings, magazine items, feathers, tickets, newspaper clippings, and cartoons.
Curator Kate de Courcy says although the word 'scrap-book' first appeared in the English language in 1825, books with similar characteristics have been made since the 15th century.
She says scrapbooks are compiled for different reasons, from the simplest expression of taste, to telling an individual's life story or focusing on a particular area of interest.
The exhibition is on now and runs until March 3 2012, on level two of the Central City Library on Lorne St.
Viewing times are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
