Information for Seniors
New Books at the Library
Seeing further: the story of science & the Royal Society- Edited and introduced by Bill Bryson; contributing editor, Jon Turney. (2010)
- " With contributions from Richard Dawkins, Margaret Atwood, Richard Holmes, Martin Rees, Richard Fortey, Steve Jones, James Gleick and Neal Stephenson amongst others, this beautiful, lavishly illustrated book tells the story of science and the Royal Society, from 1660 to the present. On a damp weeknight in November, 350 years ago, a dozen or so men gathered at Gresham College in London. A twenty-eight year old -- and not widely famous -- Christopher Wren was giving a lecture on astronomy. As his audience listened to him speak, they decided that it would be a good idea to create a Society to promote the accumulation of useful knowledge. Since its birth, the Royal Society has pioneered scientific exploration and discovery. Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Robert Hooke, Robert Boyle, Joseph Banks, Humphry Davy, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, John Locke, Alexander Fleming -- all were fellows. Reverend Thomas Bayes, a brilliant mathematician who devised Bayes' theorem, which had little use in Bayes' lifetime, but today is used for weather forecasting, astrophysics and stock market analysis. 'Seeing Further' celebrates its history and achievements and is filled with illustrations of treasures from the Society's archives." (from Amazon.co.uk)
Natural garden style: gardening inspired by nature- By Noel Kingsbury and photography by Nicola Browne. (2009)
- "Nature is increasingly seen as an inspiration for gardeners in urban areas. Sustainability and biodiversity, are important aspects of natural-style gardening. In this beautiful new book, Kingsbury considers what makes gardens that celebrate nature. He discusses the natural look and how to achieve it; and outlines the ideas and problems involved. All aspects of natural-style gardening, from prairies and meadows to water and sculpture. With stunning images by Nicola Browne, " (from Amazon.co.uk)
Tears of mermaids: the secret story of pearls- By Stephen G. Bloom. (2009)
- "Stephen G. Bloom traveled 30,000 miles to trace a single pearl - from the moment a diver off the coast of Australia scoops from the ocean floor an oyster containing a single luminescent pearl to the instant a woman on the other side of the world fastens the clasp of a strand containing the same orb. Bloom tells of the global pearl trade by gaining access to clandestine outposts in Japan, China, the Philippines, French Polynesia and Australia. He infiltrates pearl farms and processing facilities and insinuates himself into the lives of powerful international pearl lords. At auctions in Hong Kong, pearl brokers and Internet entrepreneurs in Asia, and at Christie's this book is a tale of rogue humor, intelligence, and a nonstop detective story of the world's most enduring gem." (from Amazon.co.uk)
The big thaw: travels in the melting north- By Ed Struzik. (2009)
- "Struzik, a naturalist and journalist, made 11 trips through Alaska and the Arctic to document the effects of climate change and notes the habitats which are being threatened. Stuzik melds the vivid stories of his experiences with fascinating explorations of the Arctic's past." (from Amazon.co.uk and Book News)
House of cards: a tale of hubris and wretched excess on Wall StreetLarge Print Collection
These books have print that is larger than usual. The collection is available at Central and all branches. You can find the recent additions to our Large Print collection, or all the Large Print items in our catalogue. All Large Print titles are available to borrow or reserve. If you need to any of our staff can show you how to make your own reserves from our public access catalogues or from your home computer.
Staff Picks:
Just after sunset- By Stephen King. (2008)
- "The latest collection of short stories from the master of horror, Stephen King. This collection has varied subject matter in the different stories, covering everything from kidnapping, obsessive compulsive disorder, 9/11, betrayal, a nuclear bomb, and an evil cat." (Amazon.co.uk reviewer)
Far horizons: unusual journeys and strange encounters from a travelling life- By Frank Gardner. (2009)
- "This is the story of a myriad of adventures Frank Gardner, the BBC Security correspondent, has experienced in his wide travels. They are the backbone of this book which relates how he survived being shot by Islamist gunmen, his journey to recovery, the journeys he's been on since, and how he has become the remarkable and inspiring man he is today." (Cover)
The lost art of gratitude- By Alexander McCall Smith. (2009)
- "Isabel Dalhousie, philosopher and amateur solver of other people's problems, meets an old foe, Minty Auchterlonie, at a birthday party attended by their young children. Ambitious Minty, now the head of a small investment bank, is in trouble with her shareholders. Isabel becomes involved, and is drawn into a murky world of financial concealment. Minty is not the only high-flier in Isabel's life; her niece Cat has just become engaged to a tightrope-walking stuntman. Isabel fears his next job - and the engagement - could end in disaster. Meanwhile, her own boyfriend Jamie has marriage in mind too. " (Cover)
Assegai- By Wilbur Smith. (2009)
- "It is 1913 and ex-soldier turned professional big game hunter, Leon Courtney, is in British East Africa guiding Americans and Europeans on safaris in the Masai tribe territories. One of his clients, German industrialist Count Otto Von Meerbach, builds aircraft and vehicles for the Kaiser's army. But Leon had not bargained for falling in love with Eva, the Count's beautiful and enigmatic mistress. Prior to the outbreak of World War I, Leon is recruited by his uncle, Penrod Ballantyne, Commander of the British Forces in East Africa , to gather information from Von Meerbach. He stumbles on a plot against the British involving survivors of the Boer War, but it is when Eva and Von Meerbach return to Africa that Leon finds out who and what is really behind the conspiracy." (Cover)
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Tea time for the traditionally built - By Alexander McCall Smith. (2009)
- "Mma Ramotswe is facing a number of challenges. First her faithful companion, the tiny white van, is experiencing mechanical difficulties - are they to be terminal, or will Charlie, the feckless apprentice, be able to save the day? Meanwhil, Mma Makutsi is experiencing a crisis in her engagement to Phuti - a scheming woman - no less than Violet Sephotho - has obtained a job at Phuti's store, clearly intending to prise him away from Mma Makutsi. Mma Ramotswe's newest client is the big-shot owner of the ailing Kalahari Swoopers, and she knows little about football. With calm reflection, and frequent cups of redbush tea, she does eventually solve all the problems." (Cover)
Sound and Vision
Did you know there are discounts on with your Community Services Card on DVD, video, CD and cassette? See our Borrowing page for more details.
Staff Picks:
Primary colors- John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton, Adrian Lester, Maura Tierney, Paul Guilfoyle, Larry Hagman and Kathy Bates.star in the story of a Clintonesque candidate who is sincere in his devotion to the American people, but is plagued by scandal at every turn of his campaign for the presidency. It's an incredible look at power and corruption that crackles with humour and brilliant performances." (realgroovy.co.nz)
Saving Grace - Stars Brenda Blethyn, Craig Ferguson and Martin Clunes. "Grace Trevethen, whose late husband jumped out of a plane without a parachute, has been left her with a manor on the Cornish coast and a mountain of debt. So why not use her renowned green thumb to make some serious money and pay off her debts? In spite of the old adage that crime never pays, Grace's situation proves otherwise." (realgroovy.co.nz)
Boy A - Based on the novel by Jonathan Trigell. Stars Peter Mullan, Andrew Garfield and Shaun Evans. "Rarely has such a bold subject met with such acclaim as Boy A, an eloquent film, which boasts a stirring title turn by newcomer Andrew Garfield. Garfield is Jack, a young man just released from prison for a crime committed when he was just a boy. Jack manages to build a new life friends, a job, a girlfriend until the ghost of his past returns to haunt him. Can Jack escape his violent past, or will the mistakes of his youth lead to tragic consequences? Nominated for 7 BAFTA Awards and winner of Best Actor for Andrew Garfield, Boy A is a distinctly powerful piece of work that rattles around in ones head long after the end credits have rolled." Note: English captions for the hearing impaired. (realgroovy.co.nz)
Featured Magazine
- Pacific Ecologist
- This twice yearly magazine is produced by the Pacific Institute of Resource Management in association with the Ecologist (UK). Articles on sustainablility; food, energy and human rights; agrofuels; biofuels; diet; and climate stabilisation to name a few. If you wonder whether changes to your lifestyle are warranted or necessary this magazine will help you to be better informed, and make a decision based on facts.
Found in the Environment magazines, on the first floor of the Central Library's Science and Humanities magazine collection (North End).
Mezzanine Community Centre Reopened:
Reopened for Senior Groups to carry out activities and meetings, from Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm. At the moment the following programme is running:
Time: Event: Mondays 2.00pm - 3.30pm English Conversation Classes Tuesdays 10.30am - 12 noon English Conversation Classes Wednesdays 10.00am - 11.30am Intermediate Ballroom Dancing Thursdays 10.00am - 11.30am Beginners Ballroom Dancing Thursdays 11.00am - 2.00pm Senior Fellowship Group Fridays 10.00am - 12.00 noon Tai Chi Classes Last Wednesday of the month, 1.30pm - 4.00pm Grey Power Central Last Friday of the month, 12.30pm - 3.00pm Seniors' Writing Group Also available are...
Basic Computer Training:
Basic computer training is available at $2.00 per hour, please fill in the booking sheet, which is situated on the computer table and the tutor will contact you to arrange a suitable time.
Free Legal Advice:
Wellington Community Law Centre offer free legal advice here each Thursday from 1.00 - 2.pm.
Interested? Get in touch:
If you belong to a senior group and would like to use this space to meet or carry out an activity Monday - Friday between 9.30am - 3.30pm, please contact:
Helen Young, Community Advisor, Seniors
Wellington City Council, Phone: 801 3532
Events at the library
Tea and Tales:
Tea and Tales is now at Tawa, Johnsonville and Kilbirnie Libraries. At the Tawa Library Tea and Tales are held on the first Tuesday of the month, 10.30 to 11.30; at Johnsonville on the first Wednesday of the month, 2pm; and at Kilbirnie Library on the fourth Thursday of the month, from 10.30 to 11.30. Library staff read from some of their favourite books or poetry, and now some of those coming also volunteer their contributions. Library staff would love you to join them for this time of friendship and pleasure.
Our services
Talking Book Borrowers:
If you have any kind of sight impairment or can no longer hold a book comfortably please visit our webpage for talking book borrowers. You can also call us on 801 4121 or visit the staff on the 2nd floor of the Central Library on Victoria Street.
Housebound Customers:
Information about becoming a Housebound customer
Residents and ratepayers who are permanently or sometimes temporarily housebound through long-term illness, disability or frailty are eligible for free home delivery service. If you are unable to make a trip to the Library and are aged between 13 and 103 this could be for you. Please visit our Housebound webpage or call us on 801 4044 for more information.
Smartview and ZoomText:
Smartview makes seeing things much easier for people with low vision and ordinary eyesight. It is great for photos, letters and documents and is adjustable for particular eye conditions. Find the Smartview on the Ground Floor at the Central library by the Large Print Collection.
ZoomText is available on the Second Floor free internet computer at the Central Library. ZoomText enlarges font size on web pages and electronic documents (email, newspaper databases etc) and can be set to read these aloud or display in high contrast large print.
MyLibrary:
Wellington City Libraries have a useful service available online called MyLibrary. This allows customers to create and customise a page on our website with links to our collections or services that are of interest. Each month recent picks from the latest material available in each of the selected areas, for example Fiction, Gardening, Cooking or History will be listed along with many others. Links to relevant Databases and Popular Topics are updated regularly; and customers can also add links to their own favourite websites.
This service is absolutely free, just be sure to include your email address when signing up so the subject areas you are interested in will be emailed to you.
Collection Highlight
Genealogy
Wellington City Libraries has a wealth of information about genealogy (family history). Here are some useful links:
Useful websites
- The Seniornet site contains comprehensive and up to date or their activities. Great for help on anything you may be trying to do on the net.
- The British Library has an online gallery called Sacred which 'discovers' what we share. With videos, podcasts and interactive features to complement the sacred texts you can discover how Judaism, Christianity and Islam have so much in common.
- Sermons by Bible: these are available on an American website. These are from the Old and New Testaments. You can also search for sermons by topic, speaker, staff pics and top sermons.
- WCL's guide for mature employment seekers or jobseekers over 45
- University of the Third Age (U3A)
Generally known as U3A, the University of the Third Age is a fast growing, informal learning environment for older adults. Each U3A group offers a range of small classes, discussion groups and larger meetings with visiting speakers. Classes are often held in private homes and are held in the daytime to suit retired people. Costs are kept to a minimum. This is a university in the original sense of the word, open to all with no admission requirements, no examinations and no awards. To locate a New Zealand branch, try U3A Online
and for Wellington click on the link above. - Grownups (www.grownups.co.nz)
This site caters for the 50+ community. Includes everything you could possibly want/need. - NZedge (www.nzedge.com)
Home to a global community of New Zealanders, a new way of thinking about our identity, people, stories, achievements and role in the world. Travellers may enjoy NZedge with its great links for other NZ sites, and for connecting NZ expatriots to each other. - Age Concern (www.ageconcern.org.nz)
Age Concern is a non-governmental not-for-profit organisation working to promote the rights and well being of older people, koroua and kuia. Positive ageing is not about how to live longer nor how to avoid growing old. Its about celebrating older age. It provides information and services including accredited visiting, elder abuse and neglect prevention, and health promotion. There is much information on resources available for older people and ageing issues. It has links to other national and international websites. - Eldernet (www.eldernet.co.nz)
This site provides relevant and comprehensive information about services available for older people. It includes a database of resthomes, residential care and retiremment villages, home help, community groups and public hospitals. - Funding Information Service (www.wcl.govt.nz/mygateway/commfund.html)
If your community group is looking for funding use this free database to find which is the best source for your needs. - The Retirement Commission of New Zealand is largely devoted to financial issues, there is much food for thought.
- Gale Health and Wellness Resource Center
Contains thousands of magazines, journals, newspapers, definitions, directories, and information on: Fitness, Medicine, Nutrition, Diseases, Prescription Drugs, Herbal remedies, and alternative or complementary treatments, and more. - SeniorNet
Gives people over the age of 55 an opportunity to learn more about the new communication and information technology. With learning centres throughout the country, there's sure to be one located conveniently for you. - Raising Grandchildren
A New Zealand site that aims to provide support to grandparents who are primary caregivers to grandchildren in difficult circumstances and to ensure fair treatment from the legal and child protection services in New Zealand, in order to stabilise and normalise the lives of the children involved.
Feedback on this page?
This page is prepared by our Seniors Customer Specialist and staff of the Housebound and Talking Book Services.
A NEW name for the Seniors page? Do you think of yourself as a Senior? If not, how do you describe yourself? A Baby boomer? Superannuitant? I would love to hear your views on whether the name of this page should be changed to something that better reflects how you think of yourselves. Please email me at toni.finkle@wcc.govt.nz.
