The Christmas holiday season and the end of the academic year are upon us. As a part of the holiday break over December and January our hours of operation will be changing.
For the period Monday 7th December 2019 -Tuesday the 9th February 2021 the Library will observe the following hours:
Library opening hours for December 2020-February 2021
Please note we will be closed on Monday the 8th February for the Waitangi Day celebration. Our normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday 9th February 2020.
From all of us at the Library we wish you a safe and happy Summer break and we look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Image: Kayaking in Paradise Bay, Antarctica. Photograph by Antarctic Heritage Trust / Alexander Hillar
Georgie Archibald, Learning Advisor Pacific
On December 1st, 1959, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty – a formal document that set aside nearly 10% of the planet “forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes … in the interests of all mankind.” December 1st is now known internationally as Antarctica Day and celebrates the continuation of the Antarctic Treaty, which has been signed by 54 countries to-date.
The Treaty protects Antarctica as a natural reserve dedicated to scientific research. I was fortunate enough to experience part of the icy continent when in March this year I explored the Antarctic Peninsula by kayak as a member of the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition 2019. I was able to visit Port Lockroy, one of the 70 research bases in Antarctica that represent 29 countries. Learning about the history and politics of Antarctica during this Port Lockroy visit and our expedition at large, it struck me that Antarctica is perhaps the only place in the world where total freedom of scientific research occurs, and military activity is banned. The Antarctic Treaty inspires me because it demonstrates how diverse cultures can work together to better Planet Earth based on values of peace and science.
Ara Library Blog 