MEDIA RELEASE

Studies show that reading can help to bring out the creative side in both young and old alike.

Learn how to develop your creativity by participating in one of the 2009 Hawaii State Public Library System Summer Reading Programs!  Libraries statewide will offer Children’s, Teen, and Adult reading programs from June 14 to July 18.  Contact your local library for starting dates and guidelines.

The Children’s, Teen, and Adult programs are funded by a special grant from the Friends of the Library of Hawaii, National Football League Charities, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Hawaiian Telcom and the Junior League of Honolulu.  Additional program funding is provided by local Friends’ chapters.

Highlights of the 2009 statewide reading campaigns include:

• Children (infants to children entering grade 6 this fall): “Be Creative @ your library” theme will feature books and stories designed to spark the imagination of children, encouraging them to express themselves through art, drama, music, writing, technology, dance, and movement.  Visit the library once a week, read at least one book per week, and receive a free reading incentive, while supplies last.  Long-standing corporate sponsors for reading incentives include: McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Diamond Bakery, UH-Manoa Outreach College, and funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
• Teen (students entering grade 7 through 2009 high school graduates): “Reading Rocks” is the theme which will feature books about rock and roll music, rock bands, geology and gemology, rock climbing, and even “rocking the boat” for environmental protection and by taking a stand to make your voice heard.  Visit your local library weekly, read at least one book per week, and receive complimentary reading incentives from the sponsors, while supplies last.  There will be in-branch prize drawings for personal pan pizza certificates, courtesy of Hawaii Pizza Hut, and the Friends of the Library of Hawaii will provide Apple iPod Shuffles.  Hawaii Pizza Hut will also provide regional electronic prizes geared for teens.  This program is sponsored by Hawaii Pizza Hut and Frito-Lay of Hawaii.
• Adult (patrons 18 and older): “Get Creative @ your library” theme features books that are designed for adults to explore topics such as art, music, crafts, home decorating, and do-it-yourself projects.  Program sponsor McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii will provide free reading incentives to adult participants who read at least one book per week. Contact your local library for program details.

For further information about these programs, please visit www.librarieshawaii.org or call your local library.