Our CINCH database lists hundreds of courses and programmes in the Christchurch area
Class Visits
We welcome your group
Children’s and Young Adults Services welcomes visits by groups of children. Your visit enables us to introduce children to the variety of materials and services offered by the library network in general and the local community library in particular. We want children to know that the library is a friendly place with helpful staff. We want to make them enthusiastic about visiting out of school hours.
Arranging the visit
Libraries are busy places, so you must always book your visit in advance. This is necessary for any kind of group visit whether it is a programmed visit or for book selection. It is difficult for everyone if more than one group arrives at the same time.
Please be on time. If you are delayed please notify us if you can.
If you cannot visit us on the agreed day, please call us as soon as possible to cancel the visit. It may, however, be difficult to re- schedule your visit as our class visit timetable is very busy.
A typical visit
You may request a programmed visit or come to select materials.
A typical programmed visit may include storytelling, booktalks, an explanation of library services and procedures, library skills, thematic presentations, games. For classes visiting on a regular basis during the year a number of specific undertakings are agreed to by both librarian and teacher.
Special requests
If you have any special requests regarding your group’s visit, mention them at the time of booking. We will accommodate them whenever possible.
Teacher’s role
While we conduct the visit you are still in charge and responsible for your group. You are asked to supervise the group and to help guide the children in the selection of materials. You are required to stay with your group throughout the visit.
Evaluation forms are provided for your comments, at the end of the year, or at the end of one-off visits.
Borrowing
We would like to encourage children to borrow during their visit. Children who are not library members can take home an enrolment form. These must be signed by a parent or guardian. Library cards are free and need to be presented when issuing all items. Parents and caregivers should be made aware that children may be borrowing library materials during school visits.
We feel sure your class will find their visit to our library informative as well as enjoyable.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
