Upper Hutt Libraries

17/06/2026

This one’s for the romantasy addicts! 💖 Today, we have the all-around awesome Courtney from our Outreach Team bringing you a book review for the action-packed, thrilling "We Who Will Die" by Stacia Stark.

"This story transports you into a Roman-inspired world with arena fighting, merciless enemies, magical creatures, powerful gods, and of course, vampires." ✨

"First things first: try avoiding the back cover blurb! I think it's misleading and a little bit of a spoiler... Then again, it is 'perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros' because as a fan of Rebecca Yarros, I picked this book up and started reading – and didn’t really want to stop!"

"After facing tragedy, Arvelle has spent years trying to forget her past, repressing her emotions, just getting by, while having to care for her brothers – one of whom is sick. She is fiercely protective of those she loves, which is why when a vampire shows up at her door threatening her brothers, she reluctantly binds herself to a deadly mission to kill the tyrannical emperor." ⚔️

"She must enter the Sundering, an arena competition where the most elite survive to be selected for the emperor’s guard, all in the hopes of allowing her brothers to not just live, but to thrive. If Arvelle is to survive, she must face her traumatic past in order to open herself up to the hope of better future."

"Now, there are three key vampires. There is Bran, with whom she is magically bound to for their deal. There’s the Primus, who oversees the protection of the emperor and does not want Arvelle in the Sundering. And lastly, Rorrik, the emperor’s ruthless son, whose first introduction to Arvelle is snapping someone’s neck right in front of her. Eek!" 😬

"As the story unfolds, Arvelle develops very interesting, very different relationships with these powerful figures, leaving you wondering where they might lead you next. After being taken on so many twists and turns, there are still so many questions left to be answered. I just hope the second book isn’t too far away!" 😊

Ready to enter the Sundering? Place your reserve now 👇
https://tinyurl.com/yc83xy6j

17/06/2026

New opening hours, new bookmarks! ✨

Perfect for sticking on the fridge, keeping in your book bag, or adding to your rotation of bookmarks – because choosing your bookmark always adds a little to the excitement of starting a new great read, right?

New Central Library hours from Monday 22 June

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 9.00am-6.00pm
Wednesdays: 9.30am-6.00pm
Fridays: 9.00am-5.00pm
Saturdays, Sundays: 10.00am-4.00pm

Find your next favourite story on our catalogue 👇
https://uhlibraries.spydus.co.nz/

15/06/2026

Roar! Stomp! 🦖

Here is a sharp-toothed reminder from our mighty dinosaur friend that Jurassic Code, the free code competition run by Fiero Code, is in full swing. Who's taking part? How are your projects going?

Jurassic Code is open for ages 8 to 108 and is open for entries all the way until 31 July, so there's plenty of time to start and complete your code project.

ℹ️ The competition in a nutshell: Use Code Blocks to design and program a digger-style game. Your game character is tasked to collect gems without getting caught by any of the dangerous robosaurs preying on the treasure hunters.

Visit our website for all competition details 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/whats-on/fiero-code-competition

15/06/2026

⏰ Heads-up about small adjustments to Central Library's opening hours!

From Monday 22 June, Central Library will have new opening hours. We have reviewed how and when our community uses library services, looking at usage data and customer feedback received since the last review in 2019.

The small changes reflect better when customers want to visit, including earlier opening times on weekdays. Thank you for your support as we prepare for the change.

Pinehaven Library's opening hours remain the same.

View the new Central Library hours on our website 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/news/central-library-new-opening-hours

Join Upper Hutt Libraries. Access books, digital resources, programs, and community events for all ages to read, learn, and connect.

11/06/2026

It is a truth universally acknowledged that any person in possession of a Library Card must be in want of a good book. 😉

It is also a truth that so much choice on our shelves and on the online catalogue can be a bit overwhelming. Dragons or vampires, mystery or horror, cosy romance or chilling thriller... so many books, so little time!

Our team is always keen to help you find your next great read. Come have a chat and let's explore our treasure trove of titles together. ❤️

Check our opening hours anytime online 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/contact/opening-hours

10/06/2026

This Throwback Thursday we're travelling all the way back to 1944.

Here we have a photograph of the first postwomen in Upper Hutt! ✉️📬

Mrs E. Larsen and Mrs Marj Nightingale are standing outside the backdoor of the Post Office during the Second World War. Postman Cliff Gribben stands in between them.

For a closer look, follow the link to our online community archive 👇
https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/978

10/06/2026

eBooks, eAudio, or online magazines – what's your jam? 📱

The good news: the Libby app has got you covered across all formats. Popular titles and bestsellers on audio, the latest issues of your favourite gardening magazine, and lots more is waiting just a tap away!

And if you're unsure about what to read next, check the handy themed lists and guides on the app's homepage. 🤗

Libby app perks include ⬇️
• free reserves
• custom search options, e.g. audio only
• custom font sizing
• choose your playback speed
• available on Apple and Android
.. and the biggest perk of them all: having a free, portable library available no matter where you go! What's not to love?

Find out more about the Libby app on our website 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/digital-library/adults/libby-app

08/06/2026

Oh my, look at all those shiny goodies on the shelves! ✨ So many bright pops of colour vying for our readers' attention...

Pick one, pick two, or pick them all. We know how hard it is to keep the TBR (to be read) stack to a manageable size. 😉

Go on, have a little look at what's new and place a reserve (or ten) on whichever titles catch your eye 👇
https://uhlibraries.spydus.co.nz/

08/06/2026

Last Friday, Central Library was filled with great storytelling as we announced and celebrated the shortlisted and winning authors from this year's Short Story Competition! 🎉

Huge congratulations to everyone who put their stories and themselves out there. We received just over 120 entries across all age groups – it sure was a mammoth task for our judging team to decide on the finalists.

Thank you for flying the flag for local writing, for supporting our authors, and for sharing your creativity and imagination. ❤️

Read all the shortlisted and winning entries online 👇
https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/news/short-story-competition-2026-shortlist-and-winners