Friends of the Library of Hawaii

Promoting and supporting Hawai‘i's public libraries

Kiʻi Kon Series

 

Kiʻi Kon Series September 2025 – June 2026

A program of the McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi

Calling all comic book and graphic art fans to meet some of the greats in the industry. Amy Kim, Mari Morimoto, Ron Marz, Phil Jimenez, and Kazu Kibuishi, will all participate in this series that celebrates the visual arts. Meet these writers and artists at the McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library. The Spring 2026 guests will appear for a talk story discussion, moderated by McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library branch manager, Hillary Chang, as well as signings at the library. The talk stories will take place near the library at Washington Middle School to accommodate a larger audience. Bridging the gap between the Fall and Spring is the Kiʻi Kon Teen Art Contest. Teens are invited to re-imagine their favorite book or graphic novel cover to win an exclusive meet & greet with one of the Spring 2026 guests and other prizes.

Find more information below:

Amy Kim
at Mini Con 14
September 27, 2025 • 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

Amy Kim is a graphic novelist and illustrator known for her work in children’s and young adult literature. She is the creator of The Rema Chronicles, a graphic novel series published by Scholastic Graphix.

Meet Amy Kim at Mini Con 14 along with Audra Furuichi, Brady Evans, Jon J. Murakami, Kevin Sano, Studio Pyro & Friends! Pick up some cool artwork, comic books, and other wonderful treasures! The library will be showing a variety of animation and attendees can earn free buttons while supplies last. Cosplay is encouraged and will be rewarded!

The big book sale has hundreds of comic books, graphic novels, and manga, while the silent auction features exclusive action figures, toys, and autographed books. Find out more . . .

Mari Morimoto
The Art & Science of Manga Translation
October 16, 2025 • 5:00 p.m.
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

Mari Morimoto speaks about her experiences working on Naruto, Boruto, Dragonball, InuYasha, Manga Biographies: Charles M. Schulz, and more!! Find out more. . .

Mari Morimoto
at Kapolei Kon
October 18, 2025 • 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Kapolei Public Library

Special guest manga translator Mari Morimoto will be speaking about her experiences working on titles such as Naruto, Boruto, Dragonball, InuYasha, and her recent Manga Biographies: Charles M. Schulz.  Umamiplant will also speak about digital and graphic art ideas and knowledge!

Plus, join us for a wonderful Artist Alley event featuring guest artists Brady Evans, Jon J. Murakami, Kevin Sano, Tara Tamayori, and Umamiplant!  Get your Christmas shopping done early and pick up some wonderful artwork, comic books, and other one of a kind pieces!  Cosplay is encouraged. Find out more . . .

Kiʻi Kon Teen Art Contest
November 1st – January 15th
Statewide

Teens are invited to re-imagine their favorite book or graphic novel cover for this statewide art contest. The grand prize is an exclusive meet & greet with the visiting Spring 2026 artist of their choice. Find out more about the teen art contest here.

Ron Marz
April 16 – 18, 2026
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

Acclaimed comic book writer best known for his work on Green Lantern, where he created the character Kyle Rayner. He has written for major publishers including DC, Marvel, Image, and Top Cow, earning a reputation for strong storytelling and character-driven narratives.

Signings at the branch – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on April 16, 17, and 18.
Talk-Story Discussion – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on April 18 at Washington Middle School Cafeteria.

Phil Jimenez
May 14 – 16, 2026
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

An award-winning comic book artist and writer celebrated for his detailed artwork and contributions to titles such as Wonder Woman, The Invisibles, and New X-Men. A longtime advocate for diversity and representation in comics, he is known for blending dynamic storytelling with inclusive, human-centered themes.

Signings at the branch – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on May 14, 15, and 16.
Talk-Story Discussion – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on May 16 at Washington Middle School Cafeteria.

Kazu Kibuishi
June 18 – 20, 2026
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

Graphic novelist and illustrator best known as the creator of the bestselling Amulet series and the editor of the Flight anthologies. Renowned for his cinematic story-telling, imaginative worlds, and emotional depth, He has become a leading voice in contemporary graphic literature for readers of all ages.

Signings at the branch – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on June 18, 19, and 20.
Talk-Story Discussion – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on June 20 at Washington Middle School Cafeteria.

 

 

That’s a wrap on the Summer Reading Challenge

This summer, over 23,400 Hawaiʻi residents joined the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge! Themed “E Heluhelu Kākou: Mele”, this year’s challenge sang the praises of Hawai‘i’s rich musical heritage, and readers hit every note! Just look at these stats:

  • 5.4 million minutes logged by children
  • Over 102,000 books read by teens and adults
  • 30,000+ attendees dancing through our doors to attend 1,200+ programs and activities

Congratulations to this year’s Grand Prize Drawing Winner, Cindy Yoshida! This was Cindy’s first time participating in the Summer Reading Challenge, and the most impactful book she read this summer was a book about Alzheimer’s Disease. 

We were thrilled to celebrate with Cindy at her “home” library, Mililani Public Library, as she received her vouchers for four round-trip tickets on Alaska Airlines. 

Spring Cleaning? Donate Your Books and Media to Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi!

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for a fresh start. If you’re decluttering your home, sorting through your bookshelves, or organizing your media collection, consider giving your gently used items a new life by donating them to the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi (FLH).

Your donations will not only help you clear space, they will support literacy and educational programs at Hawaiʻi’s 51 public libraries. Here’s everything you need to know about donating to FLH. 

Why Donate to FLH?

By donating your pre-loved books and media to FLH you are supporting public libraries in Hawaiʻi. Donations are processed by our volunteers, and they are sold at our book sales and at Village Books & Music. Proceeds from the sale of donated items go directly toward funding library programs, purchasing new materials, and supporting literacy initiatives throughout the state. Your donation to FLH is tax-deductible, and we provide a receipt after you drop off your donation.  

What to Donate

We gladly accept donations of books, media, and art, including:

  • Books
  • All Hawaiiana and Pacific materials regardless of condition
  • Art (including paintings, prints, lithographs, posters, ceramics, and sculptures)
  • Comics
  • Puzzles and board games
  • Vinyl records 
  • Cassettes
  • CDs
  • DVDs

Before donating, please ensure items are in good condition. (That means your donation does not show signs of mold, mildew, or excessive damage). We appreciate a quick, pre-donation wipe-down and inspection! 

Unfortunately, we do not accept textbooks, encyclopedias, medical, or law books more than five years old. For more information, check out our guidelines here.

How to Donate

Donating is easy! Simply schedule a donation appointment on our site or call our office at (808) 536-4174, and drop off your donation at our warehouse.  

Our warehouse is located in the Iwilei Business Center at 501 Sumner Street. Please enter through the gate at the end of Sumner Street, where it intersects with Pine Street, and let the parking attendant know that you’re heading to Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi to make a donation. 

Drive through the gate, take a left after the ramp.

Continue through the parking lot, and keep left to enter the tunnel between the buildings.

Then, pull up to the right hand side at our warehouse and park in the stall reserved for donations.

Simply leave your donation on the carts in our donation area inside our warehouse. Then you’re all set! We’ll email you a donation receipt.

Spread the Word

Know someone else who’s spring cleaning? Please encourage your friends and family to donate books, media, and art to Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi! 

5 Tips for Shopping at Friends of the Library of Hawai’i’s Village Books & Music Store

Nestled in Ward Centre, the Friends of the Library of Hawaii’s (FLH) Village Books & Music Store is a hidden gem for book lovers, music enthusiasts, and bargain hunters alike. Offering a wide selection of books, CDs, vinyl, cassettes, DVDs, puzzles, comics, manga, artwork, and more, this charming store supports Hawaii’s 51 public libraries while giving shoppers access to incredible finds at unbeatable prices. Ready to explore? Here are five tips to make your visit to Village Books & Music Store a success.

1. Check the Inventory Regularly

We regularly restock and swap out old stock with new stock, thanks to generous community donations. Whether you’re hunting for a bestseller, a unique out-of-print book, or vintage vinyl records, it pays to stop by often. Regular visits mean you’ll catch newly stocked treasures before they’re gone. Because our inventory is always changing, we don’t keep an inventory of exact titles and items. The best way to find what you’re looking for is to stop by the store. 

2. Have a Wish List but Stay Open-Minded

Heading in with a list of books or albums you’ve been searching for is always helpful, but part of the joy of shopping at Village Books & Music is stumbling upon the unexpected. (It’s just like thrifting for clothes!) You might find an intriguing new author, a rare music album, the perfect piece of art, or even a vintage VHS box set you didn’t know you needed!

3. BYOBag 

It’s easy to suddenly find yourself with a tall stack of books, CDs, or records. To make carrying your haul easier (and eco-friendly), bring a reusable bag or tote to transport your purchases.

Don’t worry if you forget a bag. You can purchase one of our 145th anniversary canvas totes featuring a custom design by local illustrator, Kelsie Dayna, for $14.50. We will also have our classic blue logo bags for $4.00.

4. Take Advantage of our Discounts

Friends of the Library of Hawai’i (FLH) members & Hawai’i State Federal Credit Union members will receive 10% off of their purchase on Sundays. Become a FLH member (or renew your membership) today!

5. Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Handmade Crafts

If you’ve been to our book sales you know our volunteers give more than just their time; they generously donate their creativity and our sales always have sweet handmade and upcycled crafts. Village Books & Music is also stocked with these treasures! From painted rocks and cards to upcycled journals and vinyl record bowls, there’s lots of unique items to check out. 

Know Your Purchase Supports Hawaii’s Libraries

Remember, every dollar you spend at Village Books & Music Store directly benefits the Friends of the Library of Hawaii’s mission to support literacy, educational programs, and resources in public libraries across the state. Shopping here isn’t just a treat for you—it’s an investment in your community.

Plan Your Visit Today!
Village Books & Music Store is the perfect spot to explore on a quiet afternoon or a weekend outing. Whether you’re looking to add to your personal collection or pick up a thoughtful gift, you’ll find plenty to love while contributing to a worthy cause.

And tag us in your hauls. We love seeing what gems you take home!

2021 Annual Membership Meeting

Join us virtually for the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i Annual Meeting. The program will include a short business meeting with a number of important votes followed by the presentation of the FLH Volunteer of the Year awards. The Librarian of the Year and Excellence in Service awards (LOTY/EIS) have been suspended for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Friday, February 26, 2021 on Zoom, at 5:30 p.m. Register here to attend and receive the Zoom link. Or, please provide us with your proxy vote below or by mail if you are unable to join us.

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Welcome!

The Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i is a nonprofit organization whose primary objective is to maintain free public libraries in the State of Hawai‘i, to promote extension of library services throughout the State of Hawai‘i and to increase the facilities of the public library system of Hawai‘i by securing materials beyond the command of the ordinary library budget. Other objectives are to focus attention on libraries and to encourage and accept, by bequest or gift, donations of books, manuscripts, money, and other appropriate material that can enrich the cultural opportunities available to the people of Hawai‘i.

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145 Years of Support

Founded in 1879, Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i has assisted in establishing and sustaining our public libraries over the last 145 years!

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Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Our mission is to support and promote Hawai‘i’s public libraries.

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Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i
501 Sumner Street, Unit 614
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817

Ph:   (808) 536.4174
Fax: (808) 536.5232

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