Positive public feedback at Napier library opening in Hawke's Bay's MTG

This week we had the official opening of the Napier library here in its new home at MTG, and many people expressed delight at how good the library looked in its new space.

Following a blessing at the start of the day the doors were then opened for everyone.

It was great to see the steady stream of people coming in throughout the day and enjoying the "new" library.

Library staff tell me a number of their regular users came along – and many commented that the space worked better than expected.

They were delighted to see core services still on offer: reserving books, IT help, general and specialised book selections, DVDs and so on.

We hope everyone found the ease of access through the Century Theatre Foyer doors directly into the library helpful.

What was particularly pleasing to see was the number of people who came to use the library who then also chose to look though the museum, and vice versa.

We received lots of positive feedback on the day about the displays and galleries. The 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake, Time for Tea and Te Taenga Mai o Salome exhibitions proved popular.

The small display in the Octagon of toy vehicles from the collection was also appreciated by children and adults alike.

These Dinky Toys were very popular in their day and I'm sure many people in Hawke's Bay had one, or played with one, at some point in their childhood, so we hope you enjoy this piece of nostalgia.

We're really excited to have Jo Dixey back in the museum this weekend with her public stitch project.

Many people took part the last time she was here but there's still more to do.

Jo's work is inspired by the museum collection and Hawke's Bay's Art Deco heritage.

The panel was last at the museum in December, so if you missed out on participating then, now is your chance.

Members of the Embroiders Guild will be on hand to help you, and anyone can easily participate. It's amazing how cathartic and mesmerising sitting and doing a few stitches can be.

Come along to the main foyer this weekend and make sure you add a few of your own stitches to this project. Jo's work will be gifted to the city once complete.

With the Art Deco festival just around the corner, don't forget all the fun things you can do at the museum.

We have ticketed and free events at MTG throughout the festival and there's always something Art Deco to see on display.

This year we've added a photograph area where you can try some of our dress-up props and take your picture against a backdrop of historic Napier.

And, if you haven't participated in one before, our popular cemetery tours are happening again this summer.

A winding tour through Napier Hill Cemetery with Gail Pope, curator social history, provides a fascinating array of interesting stories and characters (famous and infamous).

Our March tour is fully booked but there are still some tickets available for April 15. Having been on it myself I can highly recommend this tour.

• Stitch at MTG Hawke's Bay, public stitching project with Jo Dixey. Today, tomorrow, all day. Free event.

• I'm in the Mood – Hawke's Bay Jazz Club plays a special Valentine's Day concert. MTG Century Theatre, Wednesday, February 14, 7.30pm. Tickets from Ticketek and door sales.

• 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake tours, take a guided tour through our earthquake exhibition and learn more about this terrible day in Hawke's Bay's history. February 14–16, 11am and 2pm, meet in main foyer. Free event.

• Live performance, pianist John Barrett plays popular Gershwin compositions. Century Theatre Foyer, February 14–16, 1.30pm. Free event.

• Singing Tour through He Manu Tioriori, join Charles Ropitini as he sings you through this exhibition exploring 100 years of Ngati Kahungunu music. February 15–17, 11am, meet in main foyer. Free event.

• Cole – Michael Griffiths, Helpmann Award winner Michael Griffiths explores the colourful life and timeless songs of Cole Porter. MTG Century Theatre, February 15, 7.30pm, and February 16, 4pm. Tickets from Ticketek and door sales.

• Post 1931 Marine Parade, local historian Michael Fowler will explore the development of Marine Parade. Century Theatre, February 16, 10am. Free entry.

• Falling in Love Again, Jennifer Ward-Lealand brings to life the sultry performances of screen goddess Marlene Dietrich with sizzling physicality. Century Theatre, February 16, 7.30pm, and February 17, 6pm. Tickets available from Ticketek and door sales.

• Kabarett – Nacktmusic, a newly formed troupe, Kabarett, pays homage with Nacktmusik. A truly jumbled pastiche of burlesque, humour and song. Century Theatre, February 17, 9pm. Tickets available from Ticket and door sales.

• Laura Vodanovich is the director of the Museum Theatre Gallery (MTG) Hawke's Bay.