International Women's Day

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Music has been a vehicle for affirming women and their worth. You Don't Own Me sung by Lesley Gore and recorded in 1963 is a statement about respect and autonomy. These are reflected in the lyrics:

"I don't tell you what to say

I don't tell you what to do

So, just let me be myself

That's all I ask of you"

You Tube: JohanVilchez's channel

A more contemporary girl power song by Little Mix from 2013 is somewhat more provocative in style. The lyrics conveying a more militant theme:

"Sisters we are everywhere

Warriors, your country needs you

If you're ready ladies, better keep steady

Ready, aim, shoot

Don't need ammunition, on a mission

And we'll hit you with the truth

Divas, queens, we don't need no man, salute!"

You Tube: LittlemxVevo

Both songs are designed to inspire and encourage women to stand up for themselves and know their worth. Celebrate International Women's Day with your favourite girl power song.

If you want to go further you can take part in the Pledge for Parity

New books on the shelves

Above is a small selection of the new books that are available to issue.

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon is one that may interest you.

It is the story of a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she’s ever known.

Listen to a young lady by the name of Riley Marie as she gives us her review of the story.

You Tube: Riley Marie

Seaweek: 27 February- 6 March 2016

 “Toiora te Moana – Toiora te Tangata – Healthy Seas, Healthy People”

This year's theme highlights our many connections with the sea and calls on Kiwis from all walks of life to celebrate Tangaroa’s realm, recognise the enormous contribution our beaches, seas and coasts make to our health and wellbeing, and do our bit to keep our coastline and seas healthy for all. We all contribute to taking care of our oceans. (from NZAAE)

There are many ways to enjoy the sea and coastland. Take the opportunity to add yourself  to any of the beach scenes on the display board opposite the library. Check out which staff members are there already.(circled in black)

The 2 minute video below is a creative way to highlight the issue of litter that ends up on our shores.

You Tube:Sustainable Coastlines

Citizen Scientist opportunity

The ‘Marine Metre Squared’ project, overseen by the NZ Marine Studies Centre, encourages schools, families, communities and iwi to get involved in collecting valuable data and monitoring their local seashore environment. Data entered into the MM2 website at www.mm2.net.nz is being used to help scientists improve coastal management.

Jump Crash and Fall

If you could be anywhere in a moment, where would you go? If you could change your appearance in a minute, what would you choose? If you discovered something wrong with this perfect world, what would you do? Action and danger fuel this near-future thriller in a fresh take on technology, identity and the lengths one girl will go to save her best friend. (Allen and Unwin)

Jump is the first book in the Twinmaker series and has been described as a fast paced, action thriller. No need to wait for the next books to be published, Crash and Fall are on the shelves if you enjoyed Jump.

For a review go to Uncertaintales

A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Image: Bloomsbury

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie who was in the form of a wolf, Feye discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. (Bloomsbury)

If you need more details then read this review or listen to Sarah Maas talk about her book in the video below.

You Tube: Bloomsbury Publishing

Safer Internet Day

Tuesday February 9 is Safer Internet Day, created to raise awareness of online safety issues and encourage the safe and responsible use of the Internet.

One way you can participate is to give compliments, and enjoy receiving them. Whether it is online or in person, spread a positive message and then let it be an integrated part of every day.

Check out the video that was created by a student of Auckland's Te Kura. According to NetSafe, Hayley came up with the idea of doing a social experiment to see how people would react to having both insults and compliments yelled at them on a busy Auckland street. It has had 127,352 views to date.

                                         You Tube: Hayley Smith

"Reading Spot" competition and Summer Reading

Students returning to school next year are invited to issue up to 5 library books over the summer holidays. If you have any specific titles you would like me to reserve please let me know. 

What is your favourite place or spot to read? Get someone to take a photo of you in that place or perhaps it is somewhere you spent your holidays. Email it to Mrs Stephens at beginning of Term 1 2016 and be in to win. Three prizes up for grabs, such as vouchers for school stationery shop and chocolate. See display board outside library.

Female scientists receive recognition

Two female University of Auckland researchers were awarded top honours from the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

You Tube: University of Auckland

Callaghan Medal winner Dr Michelle Dickinson and Pickering Medal winner Professor Margaret Hyland speak about their role in the field of science.

Both women are passionate about the work they do and the contribution that women can make in this area. It is wonderful to see these women being recognized and honoured.