This summer, Western Bay of Plenty libraries are bringing the outdoors inside, with a line-up of fun, nature-inspired programmes and activities.

The theme for this year’s summer holiday programme is “Te Taiao” (the natural world), which aims to foster a love of native wildlife through reading.

“Nature themes are always very popular with tamariki [children]. Books, stories and hands-on activities are a fun way to spark curiosity and grow their knowledge of Aotearoa’s unique wildlife,” Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s customer services manager Valeta Duncan said.

“We have been running the summer holiday programme for 10 years and it’s hugely popular in our communities. Last year we had more than 400 registrations and we expect the same level of interest again this year.”

Activity booklets (sidehead)

Summer activity booklets are available now from libraries in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke.

Families are invited to register online at: libraries.westernbay.govt.nz or in person, before collecting an activity booklet from their local library.

The “Raumati Rauemi - Te Taiao” activity booklet has a reading log for tamariki to record every 10 minutes of reading, and each hour they clock up earns an entry into a competition to win a prize. Six entries earn them a Summer Reader Certificate.

The booklet also includes “Missions”, ranging from writing a nature poem, to making a musical instrument from natural materials. Tamariki can choose to do some, or all, of the missions, collecting stamps along the way.

For Year 7-13 students, there is a Book Bingo! teen summer challenge where participants read books or complete activities that match descriptions on a bingo card to go into a prize draw.

Te Puke Library and Service Centre assistant collections librarian Robyn Baker. Photo / Supplied

Challenges include writing a different ending to a book, listening to an audiobook and reading a book out loud to someone. Teens are invited to share their achievements on Western Bay libraries Facebook and Instagram pages (@westernbaylibraries).

The holiday reading programmes will be rounded off with a summer party at the end of January. Parties will be held in Te Puke, Ōmokoroa and Waihi Beach, where certificates will be received.

Other summer holiday activities on offer at Western Bay libraries include the following.

A colouring contest (sidehead)

Pick up colouring pages from your local library or download them at libraries.westernbay.govt.nz. Competition closes midday, Saturday January 24.

Scavenger hunt (sidehead)

Hike around your local library to find clues growing on the rākau (trees) and use them to write your own Te Taiao story. Finished stories go into the prize draw.

Take and make kits (sidehead)

Pick up a kit from your local library to make a Wiggly Walking Caterpillar or Felt Kiwi Magnet – all you need are coloured pencils, scissors and glue to complete your critter.

Craft Mornings (sidehead)

Craft mornings are being held between 10am and noon, on the following dates; no bookings are required for Waihī Beach, Katikati and Ōmokoroa, but please register for Te Puke through evetbrite.co.nz or phone 0800 926 732.

Te Puke Library and Service Centre: January 7; Te Ara Mātauranga - Waihī Beach Library and Community Hub: January 7; The Centre - Pātuki Manawa, Katikati: January 14; Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre: January 21.