Libraries and Archives

Going West and local libraries share a simple vision – it’s all about the books! In 2017 Going West teams up with Glen Eden Library to present Human Libraries, Intimate Tasters, and opportunities to revisit and re-listen to archived Going West legends and legacy. For a schedule of speakers and activity please visit the Auckland Libraries or Going West websites.

Human Libraries

Every Tuesday in September at 11 am, Glen Eden Library.

Local people with incredible stories to tell.
Throughout September, as part of the Going West Festival, a range of local people will tell their extraordinary stories in person at the Glen Eden Library.

Mary Woodward: our first Miss New Zealand
Tuesday 5 September
11 am – 11.20
Glen Eden Library
Mary “Bobbie” Woodward was the winner of the first Miss New Zealand contest in 1949. As a 20-year-old student, she never dreamt of putting herself forward for the national title and admits it happened “by mistake”. Nearly 70 years later, Mary joins us to tell her story.

Dr John Harre: Challenges of Learning in Afghanistan
Tuesday 12 September
11.00
Glen Eden Library
John Harre joins us to talk about the frustrations and trials of trying to provide academic assistance in the middle of a warzone.  The social anthropologist and educator was made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003. Come along and hear his inspiring story.

Val Blomfield: Reporting on the world of fashion
Tuesday 12 September, 11.20 am
Fashion industry personality Val Blomfield speaks about her experience as New Zealand’s first female cadet reporter and her time as editor and publisher of Apparel magazine.

Robin Kewell: How to make your Eden
Tuesday 19 September, 11.00 am
Filmmaker Robin Kewell moved to Oratia from Cornwall, where he documented the beginnings of the now world famous Eden Project. He shares his stories from more than 3000 hours of footage.

The Going West Archives

Since 2003, the Going West Festival Trust has partnered with Auckland Libraries to record, preserve and promote the archives of the Going West Books & Writers Festival. The archives contain audio recordings of every session since the inaugural 1996 festival. This collection of ephemera and audio can be browsed at Local History Online www.localhistoryonline.org.nz/cgi-bin/PUI Full recordings are available at the West Auckland Research Centre, Waitakere Central Library, Henderson.

Going West acknowledges the support of the West Auckland Research Centre and The Norcross Falls Heritage Trust.

Find out more: phone 09 839 2260 or visit aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Auckland Libraries
@Auckland_Libs