The freedom to read

While we may not stock Last Exit to Brooklyn, Groupie, or even any Hank Janson, Librarians have a long history of protecting your freedom to read and this week we celebrate Banned Books Week.

New Zealand has its own examples of the censorship of books. An early case involved Jean Devanny's 1926 book The butcher shop:

Set on a large sheep station near Taihape during the post-war years and featuring bloodshed, murder, suicide and 'a most vivid description of the symptoms of delerium tremens'.

"Its frank portrayal of farming conditions" were thought to be "detrimental to the Dominion's immigration policy" and the book was banned!

Looking for a date?

Then do we have just the thing for you! The 2006/2007 Library Calendar is available now from the Issues Desk for the low, low price of just $8.00. You can preview the 15 glorious photos of your Library that grace the pages of the calendar at our Flickr homepage.

Buy one for all your friends and family this Xmas. Remember the overseas post cut-off date is 11 November!

What's bright green and…

Have you noticed the bright green Webhealth kiosk that has just been installed in the library? From the kiosk Webby will help you:

• Find a Health or Social Service such as a counsellor, family service or a GP.
• Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in your local community.
• Find quality information relating to health and wellbeing.
• Get connected to Online Chat Assistance services.
  

Finally, don't forget to introduce yourself to Webby by completing a short survey and go into the monthly draw to win… well we don't know, but if you do win be sure to let us know!

New Scientist, fifty not out

To celebrate a half century covering science and technology stories around the world, ScienceDirect is providing free full text access to New Scientist magazine. Beginning with the August 12 issue, until the end of the year, we have electronic access to the weekly magazine. Enjoy!