Liz Weir

Canadian born Liz is a trained teacher who settled in New Zealand in 1985, and worked as a children's librarian for seven years. She was instrumental in organising & implementing the highly successful 'Kids Who Read Succeed' Programme, a preschool outreach project provided by Canterbury Public Library (Christchurch), which promoted language & literacy to parents & their preschool children.

As "Library Liz" she introduced thousands of children to books, stories and language in a fun, exciting and stimulating way. During visits to the preschool centres, Liz realised the importance of storytelling to children's imaginative, cognitive & language development, and began to incorporate more storytelling into her programme. Indeed, the storytelling component became the highlight of the visits!

Liz tells a wide range of stories which often involve audience participation, puppets, songs & music. Her sense of humour, creativity and adaptability allow her to relate to audiences of all ages. She tells stories at kindergartens, preschools, libraries, schools, camps, festivals, YMCA, & private functions.

Reviews:

'Liz has introduced the children of Christchurch to the ancient art of storytelling in an exciting and contemporary way that captures and stimulates their imagination'. Sally Thompson, Bishopdale Community Librarian

'Liz is a superb storyteller, captivating children of all ages, as well as adults, with her well chosen stories and expert delivery. Highly recommended.' Bill Nagelkerke, Children's & Young Adult Services Co-ordinator, Canterbury Public Library.

'Liz is a very talented storyteller who enchants and entertains extremely well with quality, stimulating, interactive stories, songs and rhymes that are age appropriate.' Keryn Stanley, Kindergarten Teacher.

'Preschools and schools - forget about clowns and jugglers, let Liz weir share her storytelling magic with your children, and give them an experience that will last a lifetime.' Wendy Mackay, preschool Outreach Librarian, Canterbury Public Library, Christchurch.

Performance Highlights, Storytelling Workshops and Courses

2004

January
* Two week tour of North Island - E C READ'N Summer Reading Programme: Jurassic Joy-Ride. Performed at 23 libraries as part of the summer reading promotions.
* Guest Speaker at New Zealand Childcare Association's Graduation Ceremony, Great Hall, Arts Centre, Christchurch.

February
* Metro Bus Promotion - Shirley Public Library
* Storytelling Courses at For Zero to Five
* Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College - Storytelling Workshop for Year One and Two.
* New Zealand Childcare Association - Storytelling Course for Pre-school Teachers.
* College Of Education - Guest speaker for students of " Teaching Through Storytelling" course.

March
* Culture Galore - told stories at this festival of celebrating Cultural diversity.
* Sea week - Awesome Oceans at New Brighton Library
*College of Education- Storytelling Course for First year students.
* Music and Movement - Linwood and South Christchurch Libraries

April
* Sustainable Cities Christchurch Storytelling Festival : Our People, Our Place - Emceed and performed at the festival promoting sustainability.
* Canterbury Family Music Festival - Storytelling for Children at Festival.
* Christchurch City Libraries Holiday Programme - Heroes and Villains.   Told stories about Heroes and Villains at five community libraries.
* YMCA Holiday Programme.
* Headstart Pre-school Programme - Centre For The child, Christchurch City Libraries:   Storytelling and Puppetry for over one hundred pre-schoolers!

May
* New Zealand Post Book Week Celebrations - Storytram. A very popular session of stories songs and rhymes while riding on the Christchurch tram.
* YMCA - Friday Club - Storytelling for mentally disabled adults who meet every Friday at the YMCA.

2003

	Jan * T* Paddington Pre-school's Professional Development Conference - Workshop Facilitator * YMCA holiday programme.
	Feb * South Island Children's and Young Adult's Librarian Conference, Ashburton - Guest Speaker * Rangi Ruru Early childhood College - Guest Speaker * Storytelling Courses at For Zero to Five * Regular Music and Movement session at Linwood Public Library Christchurch.
	March * Professional Development for Canterbury Kindergarten Association * Two Storytelling Courses at For Zero to Five * Teaching Through Storytelling - College of Education - Guest speaker * Regular Music and Movement session at Linwood Public Library Christchurch * Sea week Celebrations - New Brighton Public Library.

April
* One week Tour of West Coast Schools and Pre-schools with Westland Reap
* New Zealand Post Book week celebrations - Storytram
* New Zealand Post Book week celebrations - Storytelling at The Van Asch School for the Deaf
*Canterbury Family Festival of Music
* Headstart Pre-school Programme - Centre For the Child Christchurch

In 2003, Liz also spent three months in Canada catching up with family and friends, telling stories and enjoying the Northern summer!

While overseas, she visited the United States where she had a successful two week tour of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Libraries. She performed at 14 libraries around the two states as part of the Summer Reading Programme: Laugh it up at your Library. Her first audience was a gymnasium full of 300 hot sweaty kids who proved to be a wonderful, responsive and co-operative group. Phew!

Comments from Librarians in the USA.

"The Adams County Library was so pleased to have Liz Weir as our second special performer for our summer reading session. Her "Tall Tales" presentation drew our largest attendance of 75 youth and adults who thoroughly enjoyed her stories and songs. An energetic presenter, Liz involved everyone in her program that is appropriate for kids of all ages. I wouldn't hesitate to have her come again when she visits the US and Wisconsin."
Jane Grabarski, Youth Librarian
Adams County Library
Adams Wisconsin

"Liz Weir is one of the most delightful, witty story tellers we've had here at the Stoughton Wisconsin Stoughton Public Library. We had an overflow audience and she absolutely enthralled each one of them. Her high energy performance and superior, friendly crowd control was exceptional. As a children's librarian, I especially appreciated her extra effort to include ALL children. When we needed to start turning them away because of fire regulations, she offered to present another program immediately following the one she had been hired to do. All summer we've been hearing such wonderful comments on her program--for example, when asked which one of our special programs they like best, two siblings immediately answered "the funny lady in the funny outfit that hung silly things from her hat!" Parents also were impressed. Comments like "Wow! What talent!" "Do you believe that energy?" "Wonderful Program!" were heard constantly. It was truly awesome and we thank Liz sincerely for making our summer theme "Laugh it Up @ Your Library" very real for the children and adults!"
Cathie Burns, Children's Librarian
Stoughton Public Library
Stoughton, Wisconsin

Then it was back to New Zealand for the end of winter ......

August
* Opening of Christchurch South Library - guest Storyteller
* Headstart Programme - Centre for the Child.

September
* Oxford Area school- Guest Storyteller for Writing Expo
* New Zealand Family Day Care Association-Workshop on Storytelling with preschoolers
* YMCA Holiday Programme
* Various Storytelling performances at Libraries throughout Christchurch

	October 20-25 * Nelson and Richmond Libraries -Professional Development for Library staff.
	December 8-23 * Christmas storytelling at kindergartens, pre-schools, libraries and Christchurch City Airport

For information about courses, programmes and Storytelling sessions please contact Liz.

Contact Liz by post or email for information on programmes & charges.

Liz Weir's Members Page

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