Regular Recreational Events
There are a variety of groups which meet regularly at our libraries to discuss what they are reading. See our Literature Events page for more information on each of these groups.
Experienced board game volunteers will be available to help explain new games, or bring your own to share and teach. In partnership with Game Centre.
Suitable for adults and older teens.
Do you want to be the next Grandmaster of Chess? Or perhaps the next Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit? Then join us for our Learn to Play Chess classes. These classes for children aged 8-14 will focus on setting up your chess board, how chess pieces move, and general game play.
Come build with us! At our weekly LEGO Club sessions children will be given a challenge to complete – imagination and open-ended play improves literacy and language skills and aids a child’s development.
Free origami workshop with a different theme each month! All welcome, no registration required.
Suitable for all ages.
Meet new people and enjoy a game or two of chess! All ages and levels of play are welcome.
Practice your speaking and communication skills in a fun, welcoming and friendly environment. Suitable for both fluent and new English speakers - all levels of ability are welcome.
Suitable for adults.
Get your team of 4-6 friends together and join Raise Up Hamilton in this monthly quiz for teens. It's free, and there are prizes to be won! Light snack food and refreshments will be provided.
Seasonal Recreational Events
School Holiday Programmes
Each school holidays during the year we have activity-based programmes with different themes open to all school aged kids. Sometimes, a number of prizes can be won at the end of each activity. The kids get to take their crafty creations and drawings home. All our events are usually free, but registration may be required for more popular programmes. We also have programmes where you can simply come along on the day to join in.
Occasional Recreational Events
Chess Competitions
A chess competition is especially exciting for children who have taken part in the Learn to Play Chess programme. Put your skills to the test in a round robin chess competition.
To find out when the next chess competition is, check our Event Calendar or follow our Facebook Page.
Family Movie Nights
Sometimes we like to invite whaanau to join us for a free movie screening and popcorn at one of our libraries!
Look out for dates for the next Family Movie Night on our Event Calendar, Facebook page, or sign up to our newsletter, ePaanui, for updates.
Harry Potter in the Library
Each year we invite Harry Potter fans aged 8-13 along to the library for a fun-filled day of wizarding events. Test your knowledge and earn points for your house! In 2021, due to demand, we invited grown-up Harry Potter fans to compete in teams for the "Try-Wizard Cup"!
Look out for dates for the next Harry Potter Celebration on our Event Calendar, Facebook page, or sign up to our newsletter, ePaanui, for updates.