Matangi rest home residents got a special delight when they were gifted canvas paintings, created by children at Ngaaruaawaahia Library.
The mini canvas paintings were done by children at the library during the school holidays and were recently given to residents of Atawhai Assisi Home in Matangi.
“We thought it would be a lovely gift for the residents,” says Ngaaruawaahia Library Coordinator, Cheryl Maskell. “Each canvas had an individual message on the back from the children.”
Every few months the team from Ngaaruawaahia Library deliver a new set of library books for the residents to read.
“It’s always a highlight for the residents, they really enjoy the service and love receiving a fresh selection of books to explore,” says Cheryl. “For many, it’s something special to look forward to, offering new stories, new conversations, and a meaningful connection to their local library.”
Jem Litherland from Atawhai Assisi Home says the artwork was a lovely gift for the residents and they really enjoyed reading the messages on the back.
“Residents enjoy the books bought in to us on a rotational basis by the lovely team at Ngaaruawaahia Library. This is a service we have been privileged to receive for many years. The last rotation we were surprised with some delightful little coaster sized hand painted canvasses made from the children during their school holiday groups, just making their day a little more special.”
The Ngaaruawaahia Library team also deliver books to other rest homes, schools, and kindergartens.
“It’s part of our outreach programme to ensure that people of all ages, from young children to elderly residents have access to engaging reading material,” says Cheryl. “These deliveries help foster a love of reading, support literacy, and build connections between our library and the wider community. Whether it’s a box of picture books for a kindy or a curated selection for a rest home, each delivery is tailored to suit the needs and interests of the recipients.”
If you are a Kohanga, ECE or rest home and are interested in our outreach programme, please contact your local library.
