Support for schools impacted by the floods and cyclone
National Library Services to Schools would like to help in whatever way we can. When the time is right, we have the following supports in place for you to call upon.
When you’re ready, we’re here to help
February has been a tough month across the North Island. Communities have been impacted, to varying degrees, by the recent flooding and cyclone. The mental and physical stress of preparing, waiting it out and then dealing with the aftermath shouldn't be minimised. Your wellbeing is paramount. Finding the time and space to come to terms with things is essential.
From Services to Schools, we hope you, your whānau, loved ones and members of your community are safe. Our sympathies go out to everyone affected. The road to recovery will take time. For some, much longer than others.
Whilst we realise your priorities may lie elsewhere right now, we want to offer support in the best way we can. Please bookmark this page for later or if you're ready, read on.
Books from the National Library discoverable collection: ‘The power of overcoming: Stories of adversity, strength, hope and healing’.
Disaster recovery information
Whether it's your belongings at home or the collections at school, trying to sort through years of accumulation is never going to be easy. Add in any damage done by the floods or cyclone and it becomes an even harder task. The National Library has dedicated pages with advice on how to go about this:
Libraries as safe spaces
For some, your libraries are the hub of the school, a sanctuary, a place to belong. Damage to these spaces (fixtures, fittings, the environment, the resources) can prove unsettling. Knowing where to begin can be overwhelming.
The 0800 LIB LINE is the best contact to use if you are wanting any support or advice about damaged libraries or books. Our wonderful facilitators will be happy to answer any questions or guide you in the right direction.
Phone: 0800 LIB LINE (0800 542 5463)
National Library books lost or damaged
When the time is right for you to begin assessing any damage to your collections, please don't worry if National Library books have been affected.
Let us know via the best form of contact for you, and we will work together to sort things out. When you get in touch with us, we will remove them from your record, so they are no longer your concern.
Email: schoollibraryadvice@dia.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 LIB LINE (0800 542 5463)
Special loan offer
If you find that your collection is no longer fit for purpose, please get in contact to organise a special long-term loan. We have a huge range of lovely books and want as many of them as possible in the hands of ākonga.
Email: servicestoschools@dia.govt.nz
Discoverable collection — ‘The power of overcoming: Stories of adversity, strength, hope and healing’
The aftermath of these weather events may lead to some conversations with your ākonga.
Services to Schools have curated a list of books that may be useful in supporting discussions around loss, grief, trauma, fear, dealing with emotions and more. There are a few books that deal directly with natural disasters, however, most in this collection could be used for any number of sensitive topics.
It's by no means an exhaustive list (we'll continue to add to it) but we're sure that you can find something of value. Also, our librarians are extremely knowledgeable about our collection and can provide you with alternative titles.
Have a look at our discoverable collection of books: The power of overcoming: Stories of adversity, strength, hope and healing.
We’re here for you
Aroha nui to everyone dealing with the aftermath of these natural disasters.
We cannot say it enough — when you're ready, we're here to help.