Upper Hutt Libraries

Things are winding down for the spring school holidays... but it's definitely not getting any quieter here! 😂

We have two absolutely awesome family events coming up over the next few weeks with a special day of celebrations for Winnie the Pooh's 100th birthday and the ever-popular Spooky Spectacular.

Browse what's on for tamariki (kids) 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/whats-on/children

Got an email from an unfamiliar sender? Does it read like you need to take action, with a sense of urgency? Is there a link in the email? 🤔

If the answer is yes, chances are you're dealing with a scam. This Cyber Smart Week, running 5-11 October 2026, take a moment to brush up on your scam awareness with Own Your Online – a fantastic online resource about keeping your information and yourself safe online.

And if you're aged 50+ and would like to keep yourself tech-savvy in a friendly, supportive group, come along to Seniortech Skills Upper Hutt on Tuesday afternoons at Central Library.

Find out more on our website 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/events/seniortech-skills

And that's the first week of the school holidays almost done and dusted already! It has been a super busy week here, especially for our Giant Jigsaw in the children's area at Central Library. 🧩

We've lost count of how many times the picture has been completed by families and whānau. It's great to see everyone so keen on finding all the pieces and slowly revealing the final artwork. 😊

Haven't had your turn yet? There's plenty of time left to get amongst the fun 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/events/giant-jigsaw

This Throwback Thursday, we're looking back to a beautiful kākahu (cloak). It was made in recognition of Charles Tohara Mohi (Ngāti Kahungunu), who had asked for the cloak to be made, but sadly passed a few months later in November 1998.

This kākahu was completed in late 1999 by Nannie Kahumanu (on left) who ran the Ōrongomai weaving house. The kākahu was made from 10,800 feathers on a flax fibre backing. 🪶

From left to right are: Charles' youngest son, Paratene Mohi; his granddaughter, Wairakau Mohi; and her father Te Rehunga Mohi, Charles' oldest son.

Nannie was a volunteer at the library, and it was decided that the kākahu would be put on display so library staff (who had heard about it while it was being made) and visitors could see it completed. 🤗

Find out more about this stunning piece of remembrance 👇
https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/17825

Time for another dive into our mighty Digital Library! 📱 💻

Bridget Williams Books (BWB) is your ticket to award-winning content on Aotearoa New Zealand's history and current issues. Just a click or tap away, you can read biographies, thought-provoking social commentary, te ao Māori perspectives, and much more – and learn about the people, places, and stories that shape our home.

Keen to learn something new? Ready for a fresh take? Looking for some input into your studies or research? We bet there's a BWB title waiting for you! 😊

Browse the full collection anytime online 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/digital-library/adults/bridget-williams

Boom! Crackle! Bang! Have we got your attention? 😉

We're stoked to have staff from Earth Sciences New Zealand joining us this week, rocking out (quite literally – pardon the geology pun) at Central Library with a fun dive into all things volcanoes, fossils, rocks, and more. 🌋

Got a young science fan at home? Bring them along to learn all about the rocks beneath us and the natural hazards that affect us.

🗓️ Thursday, 1 October 2026
🕑 2.00-3.00pm
📍 Central Library

See what else is on during the school holidays 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/whats-on/children

A little look behind the scenes, showing you (some of) the amazing handmade items that have been dropped off for Operation Wrapped in Remembrance. 🧣

There are soft scarves, squishy blankets, cosy hats, blankets, quilts... We can't thank you all enough for your generosity in supporting this wonderful nationwide initiative with bags and bags of crafted goodies! 🥰

🗓️ Last day for drop-offs: Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Love knitting and crochet? Join us at Crafting Threads of Aroha, our monthly community crafting meet-up 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/events/crafting-threads-of-aroha

Who got some sparkly frost in their backyard this morning? 🙋

Here we have the spring sun peeking through one of our magnolia trees behind Central Library. Do you know the spot? 🔍

No matter the weather, both Central and Pinehaven Library have their doors wide open for you. The shelves are stocked. The newspapers are ready. Stay a little or stay a little longer... We'd love to see you!

Check our opening hours anytime online 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/contact/opening-hours

Who wore the spring blue better: that stunning sky or our U-PLAY brochure? 😜 💙

The countdown to the school holidays is on! Our team is getting ready for a veeeeery busy two weeks. We're hosting a bunch of fun events for tamariki (kids) including pet toy making, mystery crafts, a camouflage challenge, and more. 🐕 🎨 🤸

And that's just a small sample of what U-PLAY has on offer this time. Grab a brochure on your next visit or check out the full timetable online 👇
https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/community/u-play