Kimbolton Library

It was a chilly night in the small village of Kimbolton, but warm inside this historic library (especially with lots of bodies in a small space!)

The building is one of the few remaining two room cottages in the area that are in their original format. We had an entertaining and interesting introduction to the history of the building and the library from Simon Johnson (Feilding Library).

The library was the focus of a "problem solving" project for a small group of primary school children in 2009 and several of the children were present to tell us about the project. They fundraised to renovate the library and grounds.

This group of children (and some dedicated parents and teachers) won the National Junior Award for Community Problem Solving. From there, they entered the International competition, and flew to Michigan to compete with school children from all around the world. They raised a total of $58000.00 to get there and enter. The highlight was that they won the International Award for Community Problem-solving and came home victorious.

Apparently the trophy had to fly home first class as it needed its own seat!

This is a fantastic achievement from a small community and school (the roll is 60) with a population of 1000 in Kimbolton.

The library visit was followed up by a lovely meal at Hansen's cafe in Kimbolton with a roaring open fire :-)

Thanks to Fiona Donald for the photos.

Heather

Ikaroa Regional Councillor

Hi all

Hopefully you are all aware that I am your Regional Councillor for the 2010-12 period. I made the decision to stand for re-election as I feel like I still have work to do on Council, and I am still 100% committed to the role.

Although it turned out that I was unopposed, I did prepare a short statement in case of an election and I thought it might be handy for those of you that don't know me to see what I stand for. So, here it is ...

I have represented the Ikaroa Region on National Council for the previous two years and am seeking re-election to this role.

There are challenging times ahead for all sectors of our profession and it is my belief that now, more than ever, we need a Council which is experienced and knowledgeable. I believe that I bring that experience to the region and also to Council. Having worked in both public and academic libraries, and in rural and urban settings I have a good understanding of the issues faced by our profession from a variety of perspectives.

I have really enjoyed getting out around the Region over my current term, and feel privileged to have been your representative. I have a heartfelt passion for the good that libraries do in our communities and the value that we all, as professionals, bring to our organisations.

Please see my profile on the LIANZA website for more information about me.

http://lianza.org.nz/career/librarian-profiles/head-distance-library-service

I hope to get around the Region more this term, and look forward to catching up with you all. In the meantime please feel free to contact me anytime - email is probably your best bet :-)

h.m.lamond@massey.ac.nz or phone (06) 356 9099 ext 7486

You might also be interested in this document on the LIANZA website - the newly documented job profile for a Regional Councillor - so you know what it is I'm supposed to do :-)

Cheers

Heather Lamond

Visit Kimbolton Library!

Kimbolton Library visit – 27th May 2010

Join Ikaroa LIANZA for a visit to the historic Kimbolton Public Library.

Located in Edwards Street, the library operates from one of the oldest remaining buildings in Kimbolton, with the cottage gifted to the Kiwitea County Council Library Committee by Rev J F Mayo about 70 years ago. The Library was the focus of a problem-solving project for local school children in 2008. The group of eight Kimbolton school children won the prestigious title of being the best junior problem solvers in the world, having won the International Junior Community Problem Solving Challenge competition in the US for their work on the Library.

The Library will be open for us from 5.45pm for viewing and a presentation. Then, those that are keen can have a meal at Hansen’s Cafe in Kimbolton.

If you are interested in carpooling please let me know how many and where from and I’ll do my best to coordinate.

RSVP by Friday 21st May to h.m.lamond@massey.ac.nz.