Happy Birthday, Kahuku Library!
November 20th, 2008 by Caryn
Now, it may have been different for many of you non-college English majors, but growing up, one of my absolute favorite places to visit was the Kahuku Public and School Library.
Summers were especially great, because the summer reading program gave out candy, treats, and prizes every week.
I have had an active Hawaii State Public Library Card my entire life--and I couldn't even begin to tell you how many hundreds (thousands?) of books I've borrowed, read, and returned (plus the occasional late fine!) over the years.
So it was with excitement that I heard the news this week: Kahuku Library is turning 40 this year!
The wonderful staff put on a celebration Tuesday that lasted all afternoon and into the evening. Appearances and performances by well-known local 'celebrities' entertained throughout the day, including a lion dance, the La'ie Serenaders, Sam Langi, Kealani Ah Puck's hula group, and the BYU-H music club.
Uncle Benny Kai--yes, Natasha's dad, who was also my AYSO soccer coach and third grade Hawaiian Studies teacher, 'Kane Benny'--shared his musical talents and La'ie's Aunty Kela Miller and her Hula Halau O Kekela performed several numbers:
Senator Clayton Hee and newly elected Representative Jessica Wooley stopped by to present honorary letters to the library.
The library also gave out free DVDs that were made with the help of 'Olelo about the history of the library in Kahuku. Here are a few highlights:
-Kahuku was one of the first Public-School library combinations in the state. Before the existing building was erected in 1968, all the area had was a tiny, two room plantation-style house with open windows (that let in rain and bugs) and not enough room to fit even 2 elementary school classes, let alone high school students!
-One of the big features of the 'new' building was a state-of-the-art media room that served area photographers (darkroom and all) and provided staff help with audio and visual projects. While the media center was closed several years ago due to budget cuts, the library still hopes to be a community resource.
-FOLK (Friends of the Kahuku Library) was formed by Abe Kealoha in 1989. Through their fundraising efforts, FOLK has provided tables, chairs, community programs, and the library's first patron computer.
One of current librarian Fran Corcoran's projects is to implement a bookmobile in order to better serve our area's more remote communities--particularly Ka'a'awa and Punalu'u--whose residents are often deterred by the 20-30 minute drive or bus ride.
The Keiki Corner and Adult Reading Room are two more recent additions to the library, which has a place for everyone.
As its programs, staff, and appearance change over the years, one thing has been consistent throughout all of the years Kahuku Public and School Library has been around: the wonderful service that it provides to our community. With more budget cuts looming, the staff remains as committed as ever to maintaining the library as an important community center with great programs and local resources.
Happy Birthday, Kahuku Library!
If you'd like to visit, here are some upcoming programs:
Dec. 2 - "Fourth Annual Holiday Music Festival" featuring the Brigham Young University-Hawaii Music Club and Orchestral Ensemble, Mrs. Macy's Childrens Choir, the Kahuku High School Music Learning Center's "Vocal Motion" and the Kahuku High School Band.
Dec 16 - "Christmas Treat," featuring Chef Hector Morales of the Turtle Bay Resort.
Dec 23 and 30 - "Mystery Movie" about a fateful December day in Hawaii.
Jan 12 - The Kahuku Book Club will discuss "The Magic Mountain"
--UPDATE: 11/24--
Since I missed the beginning of the program, Mike Foley was kind enough to send the following lion dance photo:
Too bad I missed out on the action!
November 20th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Wow, I didn't realize this entry was so long until I published it. What can I say? I just love the library!
November 20th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I have been very impressed by the staff at the Kahuku library and their dedication to the community. They offer community programs year-round that few people notice or attend. They are continually working to think of new ways that they can serve the community. The library is a very undervalued resource in the Koolauloa area. I hope that the 40th Birthday celebration and the Christmas events will draw more people to the library. There are many ways to volunteer support, but most of the staff just wants the community to become involved in the library by taking advantage of the opportunities it offers. Congratulations, Kahuku library and staff!
November 21st, 2008 at 9:30 am
I love the Kahuku Library! That was where I hung out in high school during recess and when I could swing a pass, lunch. And I must add that I did a lot more reading of Anthony Piers novels and Usagi Yojimbo Graphic Novels than doing the reading for my English classes XD. I haven't been able to get to the library in what feels like FOREVER! And I agree with Jill... the staff there is great... I just love the feeling I get when I go in there and they recognize me
It's like 'Cheers'!
November 24th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I love libraries too! I've never been to the Kahuku one but there's a killer one out here in Kapolei. Zee takes the kids three times a week for keiki storytime and I tag along on Saturdays.
I'm hoping our girls will grow up to be book lovers like you.
November 28th, 2008 at 11:43 am
aloha and happy birthday to my old hangout when this library first opened its doors in 68. Das right i was a sophmore then and i remember when the old library right next door, an old wooden building connected to the main office and a few class rooms was so old Kahuku really felt like your out in the sticks far away from the urban sprawls. I think the two story building next to the new library was built just five years earlier. and still had the old gymnasium yet. We played football near that area between two buildings. Oh yes i was 15 when the new library opened. You 71 grads, remember me?