Mum with two little boys browsing for picture books at the library.

Reading Programmes are an important activity for children and teens to help keep up their literacy levels. Our reading programmes are for pleasure - allowing kids to choose what they want to read, with the focus being relaxation and enjoyment.

We usually run two Reading Programmes for kids every year, in winter and summer. Kids enrolled in the programme read library books (or have library books read to them) which can be either physical copies of books or from our digital library. They can record their reading progress in booklets which are provided when signing up to the programme. Next step is to bring your kids to the library to talk with a member of staff about the books they have been reading. 

This is a great opportunity for kids to talk about books they’ve enjoyed and get suggestions by a librarian on new books and subjects. They will also receive entries for incentive prizes for every hour they have been reading. There are also other reading related activities on our website and in the reading booklet which they can complete to qualify for a certificate, book prize and to attend the finale event. 

Our final event usually has fantastic activities, games, storytellers and entertainers and everyone is welcome to attend these events. 

Upcoming Reading Programmes

Previous Reading Programmes

One World, Many Stories

Our 2023 Summer Reading Programme was "One World, Many Stories." Our libraries transported you around the world without having to leave Hamilton.

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Winter Reading Programme 2023

Arohatia te Reo - Love the Language!

This year's Winter Reading Programme will run from Monday 26 June to Friday 21 July. We have some awesome prizes to give away to a few lucky readers!

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Out and About in Hamilton!

Our summer reading programme for 2022 was all about summer fun in Kirikiriroa!

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Game On! - Winter Reading Programme

All children who participated in our July 2022 Winter Reading Programme were in the draw to win a classic board game at each library, plus all entries went into the main prize draw.

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Summer Dreaming - Moemoeaa Raumati

During the 2021 Summer Reading Programme, participants were encouraged to come over to the libraries and have some summer dreaming and reading fun!

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Koorero Pukapuka ki Matariki

Children soared with a good book during our 2021 kite-themed Winter Reading Programme!

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The Great New Zealand Tiki Tour

Our 2020/2021 Summer Reading Programme was a free programme to keep children reading over the summer holidays so they can avoid the 'summer slide' in their reading levels. 

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