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Mahalo!
The book buying extravaganza has begun!
June 21, 2009The 62nd Annual Friends of the Library of Hawaii Book Sale if officially underway! HBB was there brght and early on the first day the sale was open to the public. They changed some key things around regarding the layout so check out this article before you head over there.
Honolulu Book Sale: Day 1 Review
You can also follow HBB on Twitter for tweets and updates directly from the sale, all week long!
Summer Programs at your public library!
June 19, 2009June 21st will mark the official start of summer and already kids are throwing down their bookbags and binders in preparation for the next few coveted weeks of freedom. Some kids will be off to camps, retreats or other similar seasonal programs that can be costly for families with multiple children. And some summer programs only last a few weeks anyway. So, what do you do with the kids hunkering down for the long haul at home? Luckily, your public library has some solutions. Here in Hawaii we are fortunate that our libraries have well managed summer programs. There’s something to do everyday from now until the end of July at your public library. It’s a summer literally packed with fun and free activities sponsored by the Hawaii Public Library System. There will be crafts, art, music, theater, mystery adventures,storytelling, puppets, magic, science, games and prizes given away, and that’s not just for the kids! The Hawaii State Library system has an impressive reading program set up for teens and adults as well with classes being offered in dance, writing, computers, and cooking! Check out the schedule for the Hawaii State Public Libraries summer programs. Who needs an expensive summer program when you’ve got the library!?
And remember, it’s not easy offering these free services to the community so visit the ‘Friends of the Library of Hawaii’ 62nd Annual book sale starting this week June 20th through June 28th! All proceeds go to our public libraries and keeping them open for all to enjoy.
Happy Kamehameha Day!
June 11, 2009
In celebration of Kamehameha Day Native Books: Na Mea Hawaii is selling all books about Kamehameha the Great at 20% off for the entire month of June! Some favorites you might want to look at are Kamehameha the Warrior King of Hawaii by Susan Morrison and Breaking the Blood: Kamehameha Moves the Naha Stone by David Kawika Eyre.
It’s hard to read about Hawaii’s first king as just a man. Stories of his strength and determination have become legends in Hawaii. My favorite is about the Naha Stone, and how Kamehameha, despite being born of different blood, was able to move the giant rock. It’s a hero tale like those of King Arthur, and in fact they’re so strikingly similar that it’s almost eerie. Either way, reading up on Kamehameha the Great is a good experience for people of all ages and interests. Check out this article on examiner.com for more info and links regarding the Naha Stone and legends of Kamehameha the First.
Book deals straight from the publisher!
June 5, 2009If there’s anything we love more than books here at HBB, it’s books on sale! And you don’t necessarily have to lurke around used book stores or wait for the Friends of the Library of Hawaii annual booksale to get a good deal. No, sometimes you can get brand new books at discounted prices straight from the publishers. You just gotta check their websites often for overstock or sale announcements. But no worries, HBB is always on the prowl so we can give you the low down on great bargains.
We mentioned earlier that Bess Press is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary with a whole list of it’s popular titles on sale starting at just a dollar!
And now, University of Hawaii Press is having a summer sale with FREE shipping! It’s the perfect opportunity for mainland locals and Hawaiians at heart to purchase books. Bubt it gets even better from now until Jun 8th not only will they ship your books for free but you also get 30% off. Check it out here!
Want some recommendations? Try, An Offering of Rice by Mavis Hara or The Legend of La’ieikawai by Dietrich Varez. Wanna grab something for the kids? I really like Maui Goes Fishing by Julie Stewart Williams and illus. by Robin Yoko Burningham–beautiful illustrations and a well told story that the keiki will enjoy.
There was also a post on UH Press’s book blog that they will be having a sale 40% off their books in July! But sadly no free shipping….
Save the dates… for Honolulu’s biggest book sale and your chance to help Hawaii’s public libraries!
June 3, 2009
Write it in your calendar now, before you forget!
Block off June 20th through June 28th as “BOOKED” because that’s what you’ll be. Yep, it’s that time of year again! Time for the annual book sale hosted by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii. Nine whole days of book rummaging, great deals and literary steals, all for a good cause. This annual fundraising event is a must go for any book lover. Check out HBB’s recap from last year here.
This years sale is especially important; with the state budget deficit and impending library closures it is imperitive that funds be raised and circulated into our public library system. Hawaii State Public Libraries host many free programs and events in the community so spread the word folks, let’s keep our libraries open– buy books!
Event Information
Jun 2oth–Jun 28th
McKinley Highschool Cafeteria
Check out their website for a schedule/ hours of operation. You can also make donations or fill out memberiship and volunteer applications.
Hawaii Book & Music Festival is this weekend!
May 11, 2009
One of Hawaii’s biggest book events is happening this weekend! You’d recognize it if you drove by the civic grounds near Honolulu Hale. Dozens of tents, stages, seating and eating areas overwhelm the parkway. It’ll be a star studded event all in celebration of the unique role that books and music play in local and international cultures. Since it’s humble beginning, the festivals purpose was not only to help Hawaii’s authors, publishers and books gain exposure, but to provide a fun environment that encourages reading and sharing ideas. Although it’s only the 4th Annual Festival since it’s inception in 2006, this event gets bigger and bigger every year drawing in more celebrities and bestselling authors along the way. Terry Brooks will be making a keynote appearance, as well as Hawaii native Lois-Ann Yamanaka (we recently blogged about here) who has garnered critical acclaim for her novels, most of which are inspired by her life and experiences growing up in the islands. There’s something for everyone with live music, storytelling, author interviews and signings—a whole weekend of literary fun. For a complete list and schedule of authors, concerts and stage performances visit the festival website at www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.org.
No book festival is complete without proper attention to the importance of children’s literature. Local and national companies donate thousands of dollars and employee volunteers to create one of the largest and most interactive keiki fun sections. Stage presentations, play areas, arts and crafts, and reading stations all designed to show kids how great reading can be and give parents some free time to peruse the thousands of books for sale. Not only will there be overstock books at publishers’ displays (like Bess Press) and exhibits, but Bank of Hawaii is also hosting a book swap. The best part is that all proceeds go to non-profit organizations that promote literacy in the community. The festival is set up so that you can walk around, eat, sit down anywhere, read, make connections and talk story. No other event offers such leisurely book browsing and entertainment–this year promises to be even better than the last!
Event Information:
4th Annual Hawaii Book & Music Festival: A Celebration of Story and Song
Sat. & Sun, May 16th & 17th
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Civic Grounds, Downtown Honolulu
FREE event, with free parking!
Bess Press celebrates 30 years in the islands!
May 10, 2009
One of Hawaii’s largest independent publishers turns 30 this year! Bess Press has been printing books in the islands and greater Pacific region since 1979 giving many local authors a chance to have their voices heard. They donate to and participate in events that encourage literacy in the community and have produced some of the most unique and enjoyable books that are a proud reflection of our local culture.
A few of my favorites include Hawaii: On the Road Histories by John Chambers, Japanese in Hawaii: Okage Sama De by Hazama and Kemeiji, and the old favorite… the legendary Pidgin to Da Max! And you certainly can’t miss Bess Press in May and July because they publish the largest collection of lei and craft books just in time for graduations! Plus, the SPAM Cookbook perfect for potlucks at the beach!
In celebration of their 30 years, they’re having a sale with books starting at just $1.00. Some of their popular guidebooks, a few history books, and coloring books are all just a buck! It’s a great opportunity to stock up for gifts. The coloring books make great stocking or basket stuffers for the keiki. Check out their website for more books on sale!
Happy Diamond Anniversary! Here’s to 30 more years!
Benten’s Book Swap @ Kodomo no Hi: Keiki Fun Fest
May 1, 2009
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i is having a Keiki Fun Fest this SUNDAY, May 3rd to Celebrate Children’s Day (May 5)!
Admission is free and there will be crafts, games, prizes and displays as well as access to the Cultural Center’s new exhibits on recycling and going green. If you haven’t been to a function at JCCH you should go! It’s great for the kids with nice facilities–lots of open space. It’s a very fun and positive learning environment.
They will also have a book swap! At Benton’s Book Swap $1.00 buys you any 5 books, manga or DVD! Books, manga and DVD’s are gently used and previously donated. But it’ll be a great way to score some cute books for the keiki.
– If you have books, manga or DVD’s that you’d like to donate to Benton’s Book Swap, JCCH is having a drive through book drop off this SATURDAY before the Keiki Fest. You don’t even have to leave your car, just drive by and donate! How convenient is that!? I couldn’t ask for it to get any easier 
from JCCH main page….
The drive through book drop-off on Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Coyne Street behind the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i (look for signs).
At Kodomo no Hi: Keiki Fun Fest/Going Green, kids can swap up to 5 books from home for up to 5 donated books. $1 donation buys up to 5 books. Leftover books and new books purchased with donated funds will go to Ala Wai Elementary School, Palolo Elementary School and other educational groups.
BENTEN is the Japanese goddess of literature and knowledge. She is also a character in the manga Urusei Yatsura.
Read to Me International… 2009 Events!
April 17, 2009
“Read To Me” Hawaii is hosting a wine, pupu and silent auction event on May 2 to raise funds and promote literacy in the islands. The theme is Moonlight Magic and tickets are available by calling (808) 955-7600. Event will take place from 6-8 p.m. at KCC Ohia Dining Room.
Their Biennial Conference is also being held this year, “Open a Book, Open the World”. It’s a two day conference June 18-19 featuring award winning authors James Rumford and Dan Yaccarino. It’s a great opportunity for educators, parents, librarians or anyone interested in Children’s Literature. The second day of the conference held at the Hawaii Convention Center will host a Hawai’i Authors Panel specifically, AND Lee Cataluna speaking during a special luncheon session! (I’m there just for that alone!)
Click here for registration information, author bios and other conference details.
It’s National Library Week!
April 16, 2009
We’re right in the middle of National Library Week!
Although National Library Week is officially April 12-18th, there are special events going on at various Hawaii State Public Library locations from now through the end of the month!
Click here for a full schedule of events!
In celebration of how libraries connect us to the world, there will be many appearances by famous local story tellers spinning tales from around the world. One of the most dynamic and highly entertaining I’ve ever seen is Jeff Gere, but sadly he will be performing on Kauai and the Big Island for the rest of this week. So those of us on Oahu have missed him already. 
Fortunately for us, another great and equally compelling onstage storyteller is Janice Terukina. She will be performing in various locations on Oahu through April 29th. Her most recent appearance will be this weekend Saturday, April 18, 10:30 a.m. at Kailua Public Library (Oahu). Terukina will focus on Hawaiian-style folktales, humorous local poetry and fun audience participation games. Also on Oahu this weekend, Dave Del Rocco will share a variety of stories from different countries like Italy and Korea, as well as some American and Native American tales. He will appear Sunday, April 19th, 1:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Library.
Jus’ like we speak…
March 15, 2009One can hardly get through a list (although, not nearly as as slowly as I am) of Hawaii’s best and brightest books and authors without landing on at least one of Lois-Ann Yamanaka’s unique novels. I read Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers when it was first published and enjoyed the book, although couldn’t sympathize with the main character (Lovey) for wishing to speak proper English instead of “pidgin”. It just seemed that everyone I knew could switch back and forth like I could.
I had heard that Yamanaka had also written a young adult novel Name Me Nobody but hadn’t gotten around to reading until recently. Name Me Nobody is one of those books that showcase Hawai’i's unique place in literature. It’s a young adult novel about seeking acceptance and growing up, which we can all relate to. But this story is told through the colorful eyes of an asian girl growing up in a multi-generational home, like many of us in Hawaii. Yamanaka has a knack for being unapologetically blunt but her honest prose makes her characters relateable and endearing. And her characters speak just the right amount of pidgin! 
Both books are worth reading but Name Me Nobody made me laugh, cry and want to call childhood friends from hanabada days.
