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Public computer news
A warm welcome back to all!
For those who've been missing our APNK Chromebooks and Chromestations, we now have a whole bunch of new applications up and running.
Anyone with a Microsoft account (this can be accessed with a Hotmail or Outlook email address) can now use Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel, making things like CV creation a breeze.
Also included are apps such as SumoPaint, Pixlr, and Chrome Canvas, which can be used to draw pictures and import or edit photos and other images, and tools such as Calculator, Camera, Web Store, MetService, Maori Dictionary, YouTube and more.
Finally, we've added two new games to our list of apps – Chess and Solitaire, which can be played against the computer or online with others. Enjoy!
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Library Services at Alert Level 2
At Alert Level 2, returns slots will open and you will be able to start ordering books through our new Library Takeaway service.
We are re-opening on Saturday 23 May 9.30am – 12 pm and 1-3.30 pm.
Please check our opening hours page for more times and our FAQs to keep yourself updated with the latest developments.
If you can't find what you need on this website, please call us. Te Aroha: 07 884 7047 or 027 614 8707, Morrinsville: 07 889 8388 or 027 641 9102 or Matamata: 07 888 7157 or 027 558 3133.
The secret life of books
Pick 'em up, read 'em, put 'em down again. That's about it with books, isn't it?
Wrong, as it happens. Turns out the humble book is more multi-purpose than we ever imagined. Check out some of the unexpected uses for those unassuming tomes…
The book safe
It's an actual thing. You can even learn how to make your own on Pinterest.
The book building
Or, to be precise, the book igloo. Just watch that roof.
Book as pillow
We understand the best pillow is a 500-plus page paperback, well-thumbed, but clean. The jury is still out on whether knowledge from the book will actually seep into your brain as you sleep.
Book as furniture
This literary wonder resides at the Library of Alexandria in Egypt.
Book as pest control
Not recommended, especially if you were thinking of using a library book. The very idea.
Book as flower-press
Again, NOT with a library book. Please.
Book as cata-log
Real name, xylothek. Books that are both made from wood, and feature wood specimens. Very popular in late 18th century Germany, apparently. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/xylothek
Books as weapon of self-defence
(Thanks to https://thebushwickbookclubseattle.com/ for this useful tip.) There are even instructional videos to show you how to wield that best-seller in a weaponly way.
Better still, carry this little gem in your handbag/manbag for every occasion. Hai-yah!
Do you have novel uses for books we haven't covered? Let us know, and we can publish them in The Secret Life of Books, Part Two.
Library Services at Alert Level 3
Now that we've taken our first tentative step out of the Level 4 lockdown, we thought it might be a good chance to update you on library services that will and won't be available during the long slog back to something resembling normality.
While our libraries will not be open to the public at this stage, our staff are still at work making sure the public have access to as many of our resources as possible. For those who have not yet checked our website, you will NOT be charged overdue fees for any items you have had checked out since the lockdown started. Our return slots are still closed, so hang on to them for now.
Our public Wi-Fi is now back! Please keep to physical distancing guidelines and at this stage it is only available 8am-8pm. Our many other internet-based delights are still very much up and running! The Online Resources page will direct you to a treasure trove of websites such as Ancestry, PressReader and Tumblebooks, where logging in with your library account details will provide you access to hours of genealogical joy, splendid stories, magnificent media publications and so on. Check out our Bubble Busters and Build-A-Toddler Time for more delightful ways to keep yourself entertained and informed.
Also still available is our wide range of e-books and e-Audiobooks, which can be accessed on devices including tablets and smartphones, and can also be downloaded using your library account.
For those who might need a bit of guidance to access these resources, or those who might not remember the necessary login details, our librarians are happy to help. You can call us on 027 558 3133 (Matamata Library), 027 641 9102 (Morrinsville Library) or 027 614 8707 (Te Aroha Library), or just email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and we'll sort you out.
Finally, for those who want to join up and see what all the fuss is about with this "reading" malarkey, head to our website and join online! Be sure to select "Digital Membership" and once you've signed up, we'll send you a membership number that will open the door to a veritable feast of boredom relievers.
Any other questions, just drop us a line – we'd love to hear from you!
Stay safe, and happy reading.
The Matamata-Piako Libraries Team
Free Wifi available again
Free wifi is once again available outside the library buildings Monday to Sunday 8am - 8pm. Connect to: APNK Library, Password apnk2765. Please use for accessing essential information only and maintain physical distancing while you are using this service.