The Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) will offer something for everyone during the upcoming 2012 Holiday Season – free programs and events statewide – ranging from special Holiday-themed Storytimes, "Swinging on a Star," Christmas Concerts featuring the Kapolei Chorale, Honolulu Handbell Ensemble, Spring Wind Quintet, Sandra Wong String Studio, and others, Christmas Ideas demonstration and Furoshiki workshop, to visits with Santa Claus and the Grinch. All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Contact the hosting library as soon as possible for more information or if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed. Here is a sampling of programs and events in chronological order:
"Allantown Display" – December 1 – 31 at Hawaii State Library (First Floor Reading Room during normal library hours; ph. 586-3555): See a miniature version of a busy little town in full holiday/winter mode created by nonagenarian Allan Wallace; suitable for all ages.
"Spring Wind Quintet Holiday Concert" – December 1, 10:30 a.m. at Hawaii Kai Public Library (Second Floor; ph. 397-5833): Chamber Music Hawaii's Spring Wind Quintet, recognized as one of the leading woodwind quintets in the USA, will perform music of the Holiday Season.
"Christmas Ideas Demonstration" – December 1, 10:30 a.m. at Aina Haina Public Library (Children's Section; ph. 377-2456): Adults and seniors are invited to learn how to make simple and economical Christmas gifts, decorations, and food from volunteers from South and Windward Oahu Association FCE Clubs. Participants will receive a free packet of recipes and craft instructions. Select food samples will be available for tasting. The University of Hawaii at Manoa's Cooperative Extension Service and Oahu Association for Family and Community Education (FCE) are sponsoring this program.
"A Koto Christmas" – December 4, 6:30 p.m. at Kihei Public Library (Children's Section; ph. 875-6833): Maui resident Mika Inaba and Koko Wolbe, a Japanese teacher from Miyagi, Japan, will perform Christmas and Japanese songs on the koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. Songs will include: "Silent Night," "Jingle Bells," "Hiyaku (Leap)," and "Taka (Hawk)."
"Christmas Holiday Music" – December 6, 10 a.m. at Makawao Public Library (Children's Section; ph. 573-8785): Keiki ages 5 and older are invited to join Miss Aubrey (music educator Aubrey Myers) for a fun, interactive music and movement event. The Maui Friends of the Library is sponsoring this program.
"A Christmas Concert" – December 8, 10:30 a.m. – at Kapolei Public Library (Main Lobby; ph. 693-7050): The Kapolei Chorale, a non-profit community chorus group, will perform traditional carols as well as favorite Christmas songs to celebrate the holidays. The Friends of the Library Kapolei is sponsoring this 45-minute program suitable for the whole family.
"Honolulu Handbell Ensemble Christmas Concert" – December 8, noon at Hawaii State Library (Lobby; ph. 586-3520): The Honolulu Handbell Ensemble will perform music of the Holiday Season using English handbells and chimes. The ensemble is directed by Anne Craig Lum and comprised of handbell choir directors and advanced ringers from Oahu churches.
"The Art of Furoshiki" – December 8, 2 p.m. at Mililani Public Library (ph. 627-7470): Local eco-crafter Evelyn Nakamura will demonstrate the art of Furoshiki (Japanese-style reusable gift wrapping). The Friends of Mililani Public Library is sponsoring this program which is limited to 20 adults; registration is required. All craft supplies will be provided.
"'Tis the Season Storytime" – Storyteller-Librarian Vicky Dworkin will present a family program of stories for the Winter Holiday Season in celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa at three Oahu public libraries: December 8, 1 p.m. at Liliha Public Library (ph. 587-7577); December 15, 10:30 a.m. at Hawaii State Library-Edna Allyn Room for Children (ph. 586-3510); December 20, 6:30 p.m. at Kailua Public Library (ph. 266-9911).
"Swinging on a Star" – Peter and Melinda Wing, a husband-and-wife duo of storytellers and musicians, will present an "out-of-this-world" program of stories, songs, and skits about things extra-terrestrial, stellar, celestial, astral, galactic and cosmic at four Maui and Lanai public libraries. The Maui Friends of the Library is sponsoring these programs; suitable for ages 3 and older:
* December 12, 1:30 p.m. at Hana Public & School Library (ph. 248-4848)
* December 13, 10 a.m. at Makawao Public Library (ph. 573-8785)
* December 14, 2:15 p.m. at Lanai Public & School Library (ph. 565-7920)
* December 15, 10:30 a.m. at Kahului Public Library (ph. 873-3097)
"Delicious and Mindful Holiday Eating" – December 12, 6 p.m. at Kaneohe Public Library (Children's Section; ph. 233-5676): Registered Dietician Rita Madden will provide tips on staying healthy during the holidays through delicious recipes and sensible eating. Food samples will be offered for tasting. This program is suitable for ages 12 and older.
"'Tis the Season!" – December 13, 10 a.m. at Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (ph. 733-8444): Ron Miyashiro and Company will perform songs of Christmas' past and present.
"International Christmas Carolers Concert" – December 15, 11:30 a.m. at Hawaii State Library (Lobby; ph. 586-3555): International Christmas carols will be performed by a group comprised of members of various local choirs.
"The Sandra Wong String Studio Christmas Concert" – December 16, 2 p.m. at Kaimuki Public Library (Adult Reading Section; ph. 733-8422): Students and alumni of the Sandra Wong String Studio will perform contemporary Christmas songs, hymns, and carols. The Friends of the Kaimuki Library is sponsoring this 45-minute program suitable for the whole family.
"A Visit with the Grinch" – December 19, 9:30 a.m. at Pearl City Public Library (Adult Reading Section; ph. 453-6566): Meet the Grinch from Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and sing holiday songs. Bring a camera for a photo op with the Grinch.
"Santa Night" – December 19, 6:30 p.m. at Kapolei Public Library (Children's Section; ph. 693-7050): Puppeteer Christy Lipps will present favorite children's Holiday Season stories in a lively puppet show featuring beautifully hand-crafted puppets, finger plays, and songs. Then Santa and his Elf will arrive to greet keiki: bring a camera for a photo op with Santa! The Friends of the Library Kapolei is sponsoring this program which is suitable for all ages.
"Special Holiday Storytime with Santa" – December 20, 10 a.m. at Makawao Public Library (ph. 573-8785): Hear Santa read his favorite Christmas stories. Bring a camera for a photo op with Santa.
Other public libraries are scheduled to host Holiday Season Programs-Events. Please call your local library for more information.