Big turnout for library morning art session

ENCOURAGING YOUNG BOOKWORMS: Librarian Rangi Tangohau reads the children the popular book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to a packed house. Pictures by Rebecca Grunwell

CHILDREN'S and young adult’s librarian Raschel Easa-Danes says the turnout for the latest holiday programme is the biggest she has experienced since the library has been in the temporary new Awapuni Road premises.

With more than 100 children taking part in the morning art activity, librarian Rangi Tangohau had her work cut out for her as she began the session with story reading.

The children were then taught how to create zentangles, which are beautiful images from repetitive patterns, and given including felt pens, paper and glue to create their artworks.

Many people joined the library for the first time or renewed memberships, said Gisborne District Council cultural activities operations manager Pene Walsh.

“There was an upward spike in issues of books, DVDs and talking books. We had 50 children from the YMCA but they opted to pass on the activity.

“They did not book ahead and there were too many kids. They were blown away with the number of children already settled in the children’s space.”

Ms Walsh was particularly pleased with how well the librarians managed the programme, as they were short-staffed due to winter illnesses.