A "Super Hero Bon Dance" 2015 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 free special event. The event kicks-off the seven week Summer Reading Programs at the 50 branches of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System. The Summer Reading Programs run from May 31 through July 18 and you may sign up at any time.

Everyone is invited to wear a kimono, happi coat or favorite super hero costume and join costumed super heroes like Batman, Wonder Woman and Star Wars' Storm Troopers at the Bon Dance from 10 a.m. to noon with live music performed by the Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi.  In addition, real-life law enforcement and safety heroes will participate in the event to illustrate some of the various kinds of heroes that will be explored throughout our Summer Reading Programs.  The bon dance event will provide a venue to celebrate our ancestors, who are heroes as well.    

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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.