Whakatāne District Libraries have an exciting mix on offer for the school holidays, and Public Programmes Officer Anneke Philps says this year it is all about the music.

“We have a really varied programme for the holidays, and everything is free,” she says. “To kick things off, on Tuesday, 27 September George Faga presents a fun and fully interactive session on Sasa, a traditional Samoan drum dance with the movements representing daily life in a typical Samoan village. Participants have the opportunity to learn a basic sasa and find out some interesting facts about Samoan culture.”

The workshop runs from 10 – 12 and is suitable for adults and children aged 8+. Mr Faga is a teacher at Whakatāne Intermediate School and is looking forward to sharing his Samoan heritage.

“Then, on Thursday, 29 September is the first Games session. Activity stations are spread out through the Whakatāne Library, each representing a different challenge, and Vinnie is back with a game following on from the successful sessions during the July school holidays. If participants complete all the challenges, a certificate and small reward are available, and this event runs from 10 – 12.” The second round of this event will be held on Thursday, 6 October.

Also on offer is a Kapa Haka event on Tuesday, 4 October from 10 – 12, so if you have always wanted to try Kapa Haka or you just love watching it, come along to this session.

“On the following day,” Ms Philps says, “Wednesday, 5 October from 10 – 11, the friendly golden retrievers are there to listen to children reading aloud. This has proven to be a rewarding activity for both the dogs and children, with parents reporting an increase in confidence in the children’s reading skills following a session with the fabulous Library Dogs. Booking for this event is essential.”

For further information and to make a booking, contact the Whakatāne Library on 07 306 0509 or email library@whakatane.govt.nz.