Maui Celebrates National Library Week All Month

Kīhei Public Library, courtesy photo.

In celebration of National Library Week 2016—April 10 to 16)—Hawai‘i’s public libraries will offer free educational and entertainment programs throughout the month of April, including three performances at Kahului and Kīhei libraries on Maui.

“Libraries Transform” is the theme of this year’s National Library Week, because libraries transform lives and communities by providing free access to technology, career development resources, and the skills to help people thrive in the digital age.

National Library Week is a national observance sponsored each April by the American Library Association and libraries nationwide. It is a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.

The National Library Week programs are suitable for ages 5 and older unless noted otherwise; young children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Jeeva Raghunath. Courtesy photo.

Storyteller Jeeva Raghunath, “Anbudan Jeeva” (With Love, Jeeva)
April 8, 2:30 p.m. at Kahului Public Library (873-3097)
Raghunath, a renowned storyteller from India, will share stories featuring a musical donkey, clever wives, tricksters and silly stories enhanced with music, rhythm and dance. Her interactive storytelling style highlights India’s culture, tradition, customs and food.

Statewide Schedule:

• April 6, 1:30 p.m. at Lāna‘i Public & School Library (565-7920)
• April 7, 10:30 a.m. at Kaneohe Public Library (233-5676)
• April 11, 6:30 p.m. at Mountain View Public & School Library (968-2322)
• April 13, 5:30 p.m. at Kealakekua Public Library (323-7585)
• April 16, 10:30 a.m. at Hawai‘i State Library-Edna Allyn Room for Children (586-3510)
• April 18, 3 p.m. at Moloka‘i Public Library (553-1765)
• April 19, 11:30 a.m. at Līhue Public Library (241-3222)

Dr. Margaret Read MacDonald. Courtesy photo.

Storyteller Dr. Margaret Read MacDonald, “Fat Cats, Magical Roosters and Pesky Fairies”
April 26, 6:30 p.m. at Kīhei Public Library (875-6833)
Dr. MacDonald, a Washington State children’s book author and folklorist, has written more than 65 books on folktale and storytelling topics, including award-winning picture books Mabela the Clever and Go to Sleep Gecko. She will share lively folktales from around the world at eight Hawai‘i libraries.

Statewide Schedule:

• April 22, 10:30 a.m. at Waimanalo Public & School Library (259-2610)
• April 24, 1 p.m. at Kaimuki Public Library (733-8422)
• April 24, 3:30 p.m. at Kaneohe Public Library (233-5676)
• April 26, 9:30 a.m. at Kalihi-Palama Public Library (832-3466)
• April 27, 10 a.m. at North Kohala Public Library (889-6655)
• April 27, 3 p.m. at Kailua-Kona Public Library (327-4327)
• April 28, 10:30 a.m. at Hawaii Kai Public Library (397-5833)

Jeff Peterson. Photo credit: Kim Taylor Reece

Jeff Peterson, “Slack Key Guitar”
April 5, 6 p.m. at Kīhei Public Library (875-6833)
Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning slack key guitarist Peterson will share his passion for the guitar in words and music. His focus on slack key guitar, classical, and jazz music has allowed him to develop a unique and transcendent voice on the guitar while being deeply rooted in the traditions of his Hawaiian heritage. Peterson will perform at six statewide libraries.

Statewide Schedule:

• April 8, 2 p.m. at Na‘alehu Public Library (939-2442)
• April 9, 11 a.m. at Hilo Public Library (933-8888)
• April 12, 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library (928-2015)
• April 18, 6 p.m. at Mililani Public Library (627-7470)
• April 19, 6:30 p.m. at Kapa‘a Public Library (821-4422).

Jeff Gere. Courtesy photo.

Storyteller Jeff Gere – renowned for his physical style of storytelling and rubbery face 
Gere will perform at five libraries on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.

“Silly ‘N Spooky Tales”—light, short stories from and about local kids that will have your kids or the kid-in you both laughing and crying. The “Spooky” in the title refers to spooky tension that turns into laughter.

• April 11, 6 p.m. at Ewa Beach Public & School Library (689-1204)
• April 26, 10 a.m. at Waialua Public Library (637-8286)

“Shadow Dances”—experience a shadow puppet tale: A Night on the Silk Road featuring a Muslim, an Italian and a Jewish character who meet around a campfire and share stories.

• April 14, 10:30 a.m. at Princeville Public Library (826-4310)

“Haunted Hawaii”—hear original retellings of true supernatural tales of Hawai‘i; billed as exceptional chicken skin experiences.

• April 14, 6:30 p.m. at Hanapepe Public Library (335-8418)

“O‘ahu Spookies”

• April 16, 10:30 a.m. at Aiea Public Library (483-7333).

Storyteller Janice “Auntie Jan” Morimoto, “Island Kine Stories”
“Auntie Jan” will present humorous folktales, poetry and participatory games from around the world adapted to “local” style at five select O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island libraries.

• April 23, 10:30 a.m. at Kapolei Public Library (693-6345)
• April 25, 1:30 p.m. at Laupahoehoe Public & School Library (962-2229)
• April 25, 5:30 p.m. at Honoka‘a Public Library (775-8881)
• April 27, 1:30 p.m. at Thelma Parker Memorial Public & School Library (887-6067)
• April 28, 6 p.m. at Wahiawa Public Library (ph. 622-6345).

Contact the hosting library as soon as possible if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed.

National Library Week programs are provided by a grant from the Friends of the Library of Hawaii, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Hawaiian Electric Companies, Meadow Gold Dairies, HMS Host, Hansen Distribution Group, Roberts Hawaii, Aloha United Way, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Rotary Club of Windward Oahu, and Mitsunaga & Associates, Inc. Additional funding and support is provided by the University of Hawaii at Manoa – Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program, National Endowment for the Arts, Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the University of Hawaii.

For a complete listing of 2016 National Library Week programs, visit www.librarieshawaii.org or call your local library to find out what programs will be offered.

Program schedules are subject to change.