A computer montior with colourful icons flying out of it.

Would you like help with your CV, setting up an email account, online job applications, or general computer help? One-on-one help sessions are available with a volunteer.

See times and locations, and how to book.

A green pineapple in a 3D printer.

Are you interested in learning the basics of computer-aided design or 3D printing?

Our free weekly classes in Auaha Makerspace (Te Kete Aronui) will cover these two separate but related topics. No registration required, attend either or both!

At the CAD Class, you'll learn what Computer-Aided Design is and how to navigate the programmes used to create your own 3D printing models.
See dates and times.

At the 3D Printing Class, you'll learn about the parts of a 3D printer, some essential troubleshooting tips and even some advice for buying your own 3D printer.
See dates and times.

Are you interested in learning the basics of drawing, from proportions to composition? Do you love to gain new skills and have fun?

Join our Art Club and create your own piece of art! Absolute beginners welcome!

See times and locations, and register.

A jumble of various colourful board game tokens and dice.

Come along and play board games in the library! Many board games are available but feel free to bring your own if you’d like.

Games Night (Central Library) - Adults and teens welcome.
See times and dates.

Fun and Games (Hillcrest Library) - All ages welcome.
See times and dates.

Two people using the APNK computers at the library.

Are you looking for your next job and want to create a CV and cover letter, or do you need help navigating application portals? Our staff is here to give you some technical tips and support.

See Job Seeker Support dates and time, and register to attend.

Justice of the Peace banner

Justice of the Peace (JP) services are available at the Central Library and Glenview Library.

Duties, which all JPs can perform, include witnessing signatures on documents, certifying copies of documents and completing declarations (including statutory declarations), affidavits or affirmations.

See times and locations.

Stacked books

There are a variety of groups which meet regularly at our libraries to discuss what they are reading. See our Literature Events page for more information on each of these groups.

Black and white aerial view of residential neighbourhood with the wordsHeritage Talk

Heritage Talks are held bi-monthly on Level 3 of Central Library. Previous topics have included: identifying locations in historic photographs, histories of selected Hamilton streets, researching the history of a house, transit camps in Hamilton, the New Zealand Remembrance Army, and the Maunder family photographs (a collection of glass plate negatives in our Historic Photographs collection).

See details and upcoming topics.

Origami shapes

Free origami workshop with a different theme each month! All welcome, no registration required.

Suitable for all ages.

See times and locations.

Wooden chess pieces on a chess board.

Join Chess: Beginner to Tactician, an eight-week course designed to teach you the basics of the game and give you the confidence and skills needed to begin your journey.

See times and locations.

A woven flax flower.

Our staff will guide you step-by-step as you begin your raranga (weaving) journey. You will learn about harakeke and how to weave simple items while following tikanga.

In these sessions, you will learn how to weave items like hearts, fish, fantail and putiputi (flowers), and at the end, you will be able to take your completed weaving home.

St Andrews Library sessions (suitable for adults): See times and dates, and register.

Glenview Library sessions (suitable for all ages): See times and dates.

Close-up photo of a pair of hand belonging to an older person, holding and using a smartphone.

Got a new smartphone? Need some help to use it? One of our free classes might be just what you’re looking for. Attend any or all!

See times and locations, and register.

Librarian Nikki signing New Zealand in New Zealand Sign Language.

Come and learn New Zealand’s official language for the Deaf Community with free weekly sign language classes at Central Library.

See times and locations.

Handmade card with hearts

Come Craft With Us at Glenview Library!

Each term our weekly adults' craft workshops will feature a different craft project. Materials provided, and no registration required!

See dates and times.

Practice your speaking and communication skills in a fun, welcoming and friendly environment. Suitable for both fluent and new English speakers - all levels of ability are welcome.

See times and locations.

Black and white family portrait from 19th century. Some people are visible only as silhouettes.

Seminars on a range of genealogical topics are held regularly on Level 3 of Central Library. Previous topics have included: Shipping Records, Military Records, Irish Family Research, and Genealogy for Beginners.

See details and upcoming topics.

Russian Language and Culture

Come along and spend an hour each week learning about the language and culture of Russia. This is a beginner level class, run in collaboration with the New Zealand Russian Community Trust.

See times and locations.

Te Reo Tupu offers you a FREE opportunity to grasp the basic skills of te reo Maaori to understand and speak confidently at ANY given space. 

Over eight weeks you will be given teachings, resources and opportunities to use and  improve your reo, while also getting an insight into the Maaori worldview.

See times and location, and register.

Two people knitting at a table with a pot and cup of tea.

Bring your knitting, crochet or stitching project, and enjoy the company of fellow craft enthusiasts at these regular meet-ups. Share skills, ideas and make new friends over a cuppa.

Knit Together (St Andrews Library) - see dates and times.

Yarn 'n' Yack (Hillcrest Library) - see dates and times.

The Writer's Den support group

If you share our passion for writing, you are welcome to meet with us fortnightly, share your work, receive feedback and support on our writing journeys.

See times and locations.

Small cartoon people singing

Come and join a relaxed choir session once a week.

See times and locations.

Logo for the Out of the Box event - Heritage Collections.

The Ngaa Koorero Tuku Iho teams bring items out of the box and visit Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library once a month to answer questions and help you with research and advice.

Suitable for adults.

See more Out of the Box information and times.

A jumble of assorted craft supplies, including balls of yarn, thread spools, buttons, knitting needles, scissors, and measuring tape.

Join us for an evening of creativity and camaraderie at Make and Mend, hosted by Waikato TimeBank. Gather your handcrafts, knitting needles, sewing kits, or projects that need attention. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a novice exploring your creative side, come join us on the last Thursday of each month and enjoy making and mending with like-minded individuals.

Suitable for adults, teens, and older children.

See location and times.

Person cutting some fabric next to a sewing machine.

Our four-week adult sewing programme, Sew Smooth, will teach you how to sew with sewing machines.

Beginners will learn the basics of threading up a machine, sewing seams, using different stitches, and sewing simple projects. Intermediate learners will improve their skills by working through a set project, such as a bucket hat, pants, or a skirt.

Sew Smooth (Beginners) information and registration.

Sew Smooth (Intermediate) information and registration.

Crowd of people with different coloured speech bubbles with the word Hello in various languages. The largest speech bubble says English Learners' Corner.

Practice your English in this fun social group! Grab a coffee from a nearby café, meet new friends and build your confidence.

See times and locations.

Occasional Adults' Events

Auaha Workshops

Auaha 3D Printing

 

Aside from regular programming, we often run various one-off workshops and courses in our makerspace. Past and planned programmes include Candle Camp, 3D Printing Basics, Podcast Recording, TronBots, Coding Classes, Watercolour Painting, and more! View our Event Calendar to see what's coming up.

If you're proud of a creative hobby or skillset you have, and want to share your passion with others through Auaha Makerspace, please get in touch with us!

Author Events

Jack Cottrell

 

Our libraries have hosted a number of authors for talks and workshops, particularly during the Hamilton Book Month festival each August.

Look out for the next author event on our Event Calendar, Facebook page, or sign up to our newsletter, ePaanui, for updates.

Genealogy Workshops

19th Century family portrait with the word Workshop

 

Genealogy Workshops are held regularly on Level 3 of Central Library. The workshops offer instruction in varying aspects of family history research and the resources we have to offer.

Keep an eye on our Event Calendar, Facebook page, or sign up to our newsletter, ePaanui, to find out when the next Genealogy Workshop will be.

Harry Potter in the Library

Harry Potter in the Library

 

In 2021, due to demand for an event similar to our annual children's Harry Potter celebration, we invited grown-up Harry Potter fans to compete in teams for the "Try-Wizard Cup"!

Look out for dates for the next Harry Potter Celebration on our Event Calendar, Facebook page, or sign up to our newsletter, ePaanui, for updates.