What’s happening at Martinborough Library

The next time you come in to borrow items, try using the self-issue function newly enabled on the Wairarapa Library Service (WLS) app. All you need to do is ensure you have downloaded the app on your smartphone and logged into your library account (using your borrower number and PIN). Information about downloading and using the WLS app is available on wls.org.nz/bookapps. 

Alternatively, pop in and see us if you need help loading and/or using the app. This doesn’t mean we have stopped serving customers at the counter. You will always be welcome to check your items out that way. Self-issue is an option for your convenience: for example, if you’re in a hurry and there’s a queue of customers ahead of you, you can simply use the WLS app on your phone and issue the item to yourself without having to wait.

Homelink delivery service is now available throughout South Wairarapa including Martinborough. If for any reason you can’t visit the library but would like to have books delivered to you instead, we invite you to make use of this free service. Every three weeks we will drop off up to 12 books and collect items you are returning. To ensure we choose the best books for you, we will ask you a few questions about your reading preferences. You can sign up for Homelink either online (wls.org.nz/librarytoyou) or call us on 308-9030.

Do you or someone you know lack broadband at home? Wairarapa Library Service is proud to team up with Skinny to provide affordable, reliable broadband connection to those who need it most. There are no contracts, credit checks or service fees. Skinny Jump works on a pre-paid basis and you can top up for as little as $5 a month. Call us on 306-9758 if you would like to find out more.

Country Dog City Dog

ShowQuest success for Kuranui

Kuranui College has been announced as the 2022 Wellington region ShowQuest winners. Due to Covid rather than the usual Wellington public live show the schools performed separately being videoed for a digital show. This showcase was posted live with the judges’ decisions being announced at the end. 

Kuranui College was placed 1st in the Wellington Regional winning the competition for the 4th time, also winning best use of video wall and best lighting design.

Kuranui’s performance was based on a 1942 tragedy, the Seacliff Lunatic Asylum fire. The female patients, labelled as ‘difficult women’, had been locked in and by the time the guards arrived, it was too late; only two women survived. The asylum had a history of patient mistreatment and there was little help or understanding of mental illness. With mental health issues, particularly among women and youth, having soared during the coronavirus pandemic. Quarantine, hardship and uncertainty have taken a significant psychological toll. 2020 was the 80th anniversary of the Seacliff fire, the performance was both to remember those women and spread awareness of mental health

This was very well deserved and a huge credit to everyone involved. The students displayed passion, dedication and mana in their performance. Despite the struggles with people being absent from illness and isolation the leaders of the group kept supporting everyone to reach their goals. 

Kuranui college has a phenomenal record at ShowQuest and each year students not only put on an amazing showcase but they tackle topical social issues and encourage development in these issues through their performance. It is simply quite amazing to see the creativity and depth of thought Kuranui students have.