The Friends were formed in 1979 as an active support group for the Kapiti Libraries. Their aim is to maintain free library services, support the libraries and represent the interest of readers and librarians.
The Kapiti group is one of the longest lasting and active groups in New Zealand. They hold annual writing competitions, host the ‘Tea and Tales’ mornings and most importantly build and maintain the ‘Kapiti Writes’ collection of publications by Kapiti writers.
Look out for their literary quiz nigh and annual literary weekends with invited authors. They have raised over $75,000 to support reading programmes, books for kids, art works to enhance the library space, provided a sound system, talking books and a wheelchair. They host book launches, have guest speakers and distribute a regular newsletter to members. ($10 a year).
The friends recently celebrated their ‘Kapiti Writes’ initiative – a collection of over 330 books for residents to borrow. Situated on their own special stand near the doorway in the Paraparaumu Library it makes local authors readily available to users of the library.
We think Otaki should have its own ‘Otaki Writes’. How about it? Anyone keen to help?