Readers of all ages are invited to participate in the 2015 Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) Summer Reading Programs from May 31 through July 18. Registration for the free seven-week programs at public libraries statewide begins on May 31.  Dates may vary by library; contact your local library for dates and other guidelines. 

Participants who visit their local library and read at least one book per week are eligible to receive a free reading incentive, while supplies last.  In addition to reading, the programs will feature performances by artists from the University of Hawaii's Statewide Cultural Extension Program.  Performance programs will be highlighted on the HSPLS website.

On Oahu, a "Super Hero Bon Dance" Summer Reading Kick-off Event will be presented on the Great Lawn of the Hawaii State Library on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Entertainer Lina Girl will emcee this special event. The bon dance will provide a venue to celebrate our ancestors, who are heroes as well. 

This year, while all of our Summer Reading Programs (SRPs) have an overall theme of "Heroes," each program has their own related theme:

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From left: FLH Director Sam Callejo, FLH Executive Director Nainoa Mau, FLH Director Susan Li, Governor David Ige, Senator Russell Ruderman, FLH President Marlene Booth, FLH Director Lynnae Lee, FLH Director Alan Yamamoto

Photo courtesy of Paul Mark, Information Specialist III – HSPLS

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The Friends of the Library of Hawai'i (FLH) has awarded Senator Russell Ruderman, representing legislative District 2, with the Mahalo Award as the FLH Legislator of the Year. The award was presented at the FLH Legislative Breakfast held January 14th at Washington Place in Honolulu.

Governor David Ige was the featured speaker with First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige welcoming invited guests from the Hawai’i State Legislature, Board of Education, Hawai’i State Public Library System, and Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i Affiliates and volunteers. 

The Mahalo Award is presented annually to a State legislator who has demonstrated exemplary support of Hawai‘i’s public libraries during the prior legislative session. Senator Ruderman continues to advocate for a regional library in his Puna district of the Big Island of Hawai’i and his office has worked closely with library staff.

In the past year, Senator Ruderman’s office has worked tirelessly with many agencies, including the Hawai‘i State Public Library System, to ensure the continuation of service for his area in the midst of a number of natural events including Hurricane Iselle and the Kilauea lava flows. Library services were expanded to include 24/7 wireless-internet access during hurricane clean-up and extending through today at the Pahoa Public Library for residents effected by the lava flow.

Elected in 2012, Senator Ruderman serves on the Agriculture, Health, Water and Land, as well as the Ways and Means committees.

The Legislative Breakfast provides a unique opportunity for supporters of the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i State Public Library staff to discuss the needs and concerns of Hawai’i’s public libraries with their legislators and to thank them for their support.

         In the aftermath of Hurricane Iselle’s destruction in the Puna District of the Big Island, five libraries in the region will provide Wi-Fi service that will be accessible 24/7 until electrical power is restored in the area, announced State Librarian Richard Burns. The five libraries will maintain their normal public service hours.

         The libraries – Keaau Public & School Library, Mt. View Public & School Library, Pahoa Public & School Library, Pahala Public & School Library, and Naalehu Public Library – will offer after hours Wi-Fi access as far as the signal extends beyond the perimeter of the buildings.  Wi-Fi users are advised to connect to the HSPLS-Iselle Network.  Visit the Library or our HSPLS website: www.librarieshawaii.org for more information. 

         “In an effort to provide access to the resources our Puna neighbors need at this critical time, we are extending the hours of our free Wi-Fi service so they can access the Internet for information, communication, recovery resources and other necessities,” said Burns.

 

In anticipation of the potential threat of Hurricane Iselle, and for the health and safety of patrons and staff, all public libraries in Maui County and on the Big Island will be closed on Thursday, August 7, announced State Librarian Richard Burns.

          The following Maui County public libraries that are normally open on Thursdays will be closed: Hana, Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Lanai, Makawao, Molokai, and Wailuku.     

          Big Island public libraries that are normally open on Thursdays will be closed: Hilo, Honokaa, Kailua-Kona, Keaau, Laupahoehoe, Mountain View, Naalehu, North Kohala, Pahala, Pahoa, and Thelma Parker.  Kealakekua Public Library is normally closed on Thursdays.      

          For more information, please visit the Hawaii State Public Library System’s website at www.librarieshawaii.org.    

Approximately 700 library lovers and supporters attended the Grand Opening Ceremony and program for the new environmentally-friendly Aiea Public Library today (July 19) and the Library officially opened after the ceremony.  

Governor Neil Abercrombie, State Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, State Senator David Ige, State Representative K. Mark Takai, State Representative Gregg Takayama, City Council Member Carol Fukunaga, Aiea Community Association President Claire Tamamoto, CDS International Architect Glenn Miura, and State Librarian Richard Burns participated in the Ceremony attended by invited State Legislators, other dignitaries, and the general public.

The ceremony featured a prelude and musical accompaniment by Grammy award-winning slack key guitarist Jeff Peterson, presentation of the colors by a Marine Color Guard from Camp Smith, renditions of the "Star-Spangled Banner," "Hawaii Pono`i," and "The Queen's Prayer" by Misty Kelai, Deputy Director of the City and County of Honolulu, Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts; an Oli (Hawaiian chant) presented by Mahealani Lum, congratulatory messages by the guest speakers, a blessing by the Reverend Kosho Yagi of Aiea Hongwanji Mission, and the traditional untying of the maile lei.  Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed cake, light snacks, and refreshments.

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