A new chapter for young readers

Published on 23 July 2026

If you love reading and your age ends in ‘teen’, we may have just the thing for you.

Those who spend their spare time reading can now connect with others who share this passion. Annie Kelly, Waitaki District Libraries’ Librarian, has been working this year to establish a Teen Book Club where those aged between 13 and 19 can come along to the Ōamaru Library three times a term.

And she’s quick to point out that it’s not like an adults’ book club.

“It’s not a typical book club, where you sit around and discuss a set book that you’ve read for the whole hour. Instead, participants are encouraged to share what they are reading.”

The club started this year, and attendee numbers are growing. Annie’s keen to see the group grow further. Why? Because the passionate Librarian hopes it will help build an appreciation of books, and she knows just how beneficial a love of reading is to our young people – helping with language skills and opening up new worlds, she said.

Arts, Culture and Libraries Manager Chloe Searle said “This initiative has the potential to benefit many of our local young people. I encourage parents and teachers to suggest this group to young people they know have a love of reading.”

If you’re interested in the Teen Book Club, then please contact Annie at the library,

Details:

Who: All ages of teens are welcome

Where: Waitaki District Libraries, Oamaru, Young Adult section

When: Thursdays, Three times a term, 3.30pm to 4.30pm

For more information https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Libraries/Services/YA/Teen-Book-Club