I love books. I remember when I was young I would be cooped up in my room reading instead of playing outside with other children.  My mother, however, did not approve. She was afraid I was becoming a loner and would not have any friends. She encouraged reading, but not to the detriment of my social life and I guess social skills. I would go out to play just to oblige her, but reading was always my special “me time.” Thankfully, despite her disapproval, my mom continued to buy me books. In my home country we didn’t have public libraries so access to reading materials was limited, and most people buy them in bookstores. 

Coming from that, I was so pleasantly surprised to find the libraries in Auckland were, well, awesome. (I am a fan!) Their libraries are not only for reading books, but are centres for all kinds of knowledge.  In the Central Library for example, you can practice 3D printing and coding. You can borrow DVDs, children’s games and puzzles. They have free WIFI and water fountains. The design and interiors of some libraries are beautiful too.

The libraries are free, anyone can enter and read. If you want to borrow a book you can get a library card also for free.

Needless to say the bookworm in me was in heaven. When I was studying it was my favorite place. Others might find it funny or maybe even weird that one of my favourite places in New Zealand, a country known for its beautiful nature, were the libraries. But this is me.  I loved the beaches too and I will probably write about them in the future, but for now this is my homage to the Libraries. I now make it a point to check out the library if I’m in a new city.

Auckland Central Library

My first choice to feature is the Central Library in the CBD, which is probably the biggest.

Fun reading area for kids

The ground floor is where you can find the children’s books with a very cool area to read with your  kids. It looks like an indoor playground.

Borrow not just books!

You can borrow DVDs, learning materials, maps and some games. In some libraries you can borrow board games and jigsaw puzzles.

The ground floor is also where you can find, to my delight, graphic novels, comics and mangas. I can read my fave ones: Neil Gaiman and Fairy Tale!

Not just a library

There was also the Makers Corner, where you can try 3D printing and coding.

The second floor is where you have your fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and magazines. There are study areas and computers you can use for studying. This is also where the Citizens Action Bureau (CAB) is located, a free government service for those that need employment and immigration advise.

The third floor holds the restricted, rare and heritage collections, which I haven't really visited. 

Whether or not you are a bookworm like me, I highly suggest you pop in one of the libraries today. 

When I first came to Auckland, I had no friends and no money to spend on entertainment. I had to be creative in finding ways to amuse myself aside from books and Tinder (wink...wink). Fortunately for tourists and new migrants out there who love the arts like me, this city has plenty to offer. I was thrilled to get a chance to watch the Auckland Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in concert for free.  I have always fancied the orchestra but back home I didn’t have many opportunities to watch them. I was so excited to see the famous more than 80 members community symphony orchestra at the Bruce Mason Theatre.

The Concert: Myths and Legends

The programme was made up of music that portrays a range of myths and legends from around the world. The concert featured two wonderful soloists Sara Lee on Piano and Seyoun Park on the traditional Korean string instrument Gayageum, and of course Auckland Symphony Orchestra.

I wasn’t allowed to take pictures during the performance and I was too busy absorbing everything in. I was able to find a good seat near the front too. The orchestra was lovely, I was enthralled and my heart was full. I feel like I want to learn to play the violin or something! LOL. My favourite piece was the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean, just because it was also the only one I knew!  I found a video of their performance of the same piece on Youtube to share with you. You’re welcome! J

Pirates of the Caribbean performed by ASO

Every year Auckland Domain lights up with hundreds of handmade lanterns in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The park is transformed into a dazzling illumination of Chinese culture set in different stories. There are also a variety of Asian food stalls, performances, martial arts demonstrations, traditional Chinese arts and crafts and fireworks. And the best part is entrance is FREE!  

I had fun walking around looking at the displays, with the cool summer breeze making the crowds bearable. The crowds tend to increase later in the evening and there is a long queue at the food stalls. You can bring your own food, sit on the grass and have a picnic if you can find a good spot. Parking can also be a hassle so I recommend taking the bus or walking.

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