I’ve always loved libraries, the peace and quiet, the friendly Librarians, the thousands of books to spark my imagination. Libraries are safe places in the community for vulnerable people and offer somewhere to go for free to be amongst others and follow your interests. So, I’ve started visiting local libraries with the children with special needs that I work with. What a learning adventure it has been! You may be surprised what a range of activities libraries offer and each one is unique.

These are some of things on offer at the Hawkes Bay and Central Hawkes Bay Libraries:
Lego: one young man I work with has rediscovered a love of Lego from doing it at the library. He usually has short concentration and gets easily frustrated but he spends up to an hour there each time happily making his creations. I then photograph them so we can make a photo book. He said the first time “it’s surprising how satisfying this is” after covering a large board in lego bricks (photo). He took his Nan to the library to show her what he’d made (the librarian kindly put it aside at his request). They have now purchased Lego and boards for him to continue this interest at home.


Books, yes books: We look up information in reference books as an alternative to google! Free tea and coffee at some libraries, which makes for a lovely free caregiver break in a comfy chair.


Art: templates for different themes and coloured pencils, scissors and felts.


Computers: another child I work with watched other children at the computers doing an online colouring in page and they told her the website. We started trying them out and then I found one that has colouring by numbers so this adds numeracy to the activity. She has now developed an interest in this and her Mum commented that they have downloaded an app with colouring by numbers which she can do herself (which is a rare thing) so that gives them a wee break at home and supports numeracy development.


Printing and Free wifi: for 20c you can print a black and white page and also use their free wifi.


Computer Coding Classes: My Lego loving friend has now signed up to learn computer coding through the library, which he can do there or at home.


Sewing Machines: we haven’t tried this yet, but I’m planning to see if that’s something that could interest them and be within their capabilities with assistance of course.


School Holiday activities: They may or may not be suitable, but worth a look.


Quiet times: Hastings library is open 5-7pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings and there is hardly anyone there. A perfect time for children with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the library. You can always ask a librarian when their quiet times are too.


Puzzles: Some libraries have a puzzle on the go; we like to try to put a few pieces in each visit. Clean, safe toilets: This a big thing when I’m out with children in the community! I hope I’ve sparked your interest in taking your child along to the local library, they need our support to keep them running as a valued community service.