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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The Board of the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to raise funds to support and promote Hawai‘i's 50 public libraries, is seeking an energetic, talented Executive Director. The Executive Director will lead and direct the staff and volunteers in implementing programs – such as the Annual Booksale and the Links to Literacy golf tournament – initiate and foster relationships with potential and current donors, and help generate new ideas for fundraising. In addition, the Executive Director will oversee finances, work with the Board of Directors, and be the public face of the organization championing libraries and their renewed importance in the 21st century. Salary and benefits negotiable.

Please email a brief letter of interest and résumé with professional references to: FLHEDsearch@gmail.com

Job Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 3-5 years experience working a paid leadership position in a non-profit organization, including fundraising, recruiting, hiring, and training all paid staff and volunteers.
• Excellent writing, communication skills, and ability to work well with people, organize, schedule, and coordinate staff, volunteers, and activities; resolve problems and conflicts.
• Experience in organization and running fundraising events.
• Knowledge, understanding, and skill in business accounting and financial practices to ensure the long-term financial viability of the organization.
• Ability to develop, impement, and manage a budget.
• Strong ablity to set and realize goals, motivate others, establish and maintain a strong sense of shared mission.
• Skilled in public speaking and producing quality presentations.
• Familiarity with writing, editing, and reviewing grants.
• Knowledge of the community to best represent the organization.
• Competency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and bookkeeping software.
• Self-confidence, enthusiasm, self-motivation with an ability to work independently, establish priorities, manage time effectively.

 

Posted: June 3, 2014

Sign up for HSPLS Summer Reading Programs @ your Library

         Readers of all ages are invited to participate in the 2014 Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) Summer Reading Programs which will be conducted from Sunday, June 1 through Saturday, July 12.  Registration for the free six-week programs at all 50 public libraries statewide begins on Tuesday, May 27.  Some libraries may extend their programs beyond the July 12 date; contact your local library for dates and other guidelines.

            “Touch A Truck,” a free event to kick-off the 2014 HSPLS Children’s Summer Reading Program, will be conducted at Mililani Public Library (95-450 Makaimoimo Street) on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

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