Info for Parents

We have a range of wonderful collections available for Parents to borrow from, as well as some exciting programmes on offer.

Check out What's On for entertaining and fun events at the Masterton Library. There are some great programmes- with stories, activities, entertainers and crafts for all ages. Don't miss the Summer Reading Programme, Holiday Programmes and the Pre-school and Kohanga Reo programmes.

Parent Reading Collection

Parenting resources on all topics from toddler taming, starting school, developmental issues through to challenging teenagers.


Parent and Child Collection

This collection has a selection of picture books that deal with difficult issues to do with separation, bullying, death of a parent or pet.

Why read?

Reading is not merely a leisure-time activity. It is a necessity for human progress and development. Reading expands your breadth of awareness, and depth of understanding. Children who read have a measurably greater capacity for imagination, and gain the confidence and independence to gather knowledge in their own way. One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a love of books.

Check out these pages on Raise Smart Kids and ivillage for more awesome information on the benefits of reading.

Children's Collections

  • Board Books

    Board books are made of heavy card and are designed for you to share with your baby and toddler. They cover early concepts such as colours, shapes, numbers and have bold, bright designs and high-contrast illustrations.

  • Picture Books

    Picture books have illustrations that are as important as the words telling the story. Most are written for young children but are equally loved by all ages. Our collection has a large number of New Zealand books, award winners and old old favourites.

  • Early Readers

    Early readers are for children developing and practicing their independent reading skills. They have been given reading levels by the publisher. To use the collection can check the level of the reader and select books to suit or extend the reader.

  • Junior Fiction

    Junior fiction is for beginner to confident readers. This collection includes classic titles, traditional stories, old favourites and the new and exciting -including many series.

  • Youth

    This collection covers a range of contemporary and older fiction written specifically for today’s youth. Also available is Non-fiction material that covers the many issues, concerns and topics of high interest, Graphic novels, Teen magazines, and Talking Books.

  • Junior Non Fiction

    These are project and information books for special interests and homework plus books for recreational and leisure activities.

  • Junior Magazines

    A small collection of magazines suitable for various ages.

  • Graphic Novels

    Stories told predominantly in picture / comic format.

  • Extra Large Collection/ Sophisticated Picture Books

    This collection has larger format books and sophisticated picture books. They include picture puzzle books, mazes, plus challenging picture books written for older , mature readers.

  • Parent Reading Collection

    Parenting resources on all topics from toddler taming, starting school, developmental issues through to challenging teenagers.

  • Parent and Child Collection

    This collection has a selection of picture books that deal with difficult issues to do with separation, bullying, death of a parent or pet.

  • Audio Visual Collection

    DVD’s, Talking books and music on CDs including favourite stories.