MEDIA RELEASE

HILO–In a continuing effort to foster literacy, the Big Island Press Club has launched a campaign to help replenish the children’s book collections at three East Hawaii public libraries just in time for Christmas.

“Learning and loving to read is a key element to a discriminating public, and for a lot of children, the public library is their first exposure to vast choices in reading,” said BIPC president Stephanie Salazar.

BIPC board member Brandon Haleamau proposed raising the funds after learning of the need to replace worn-out books at the Hilo, Naalehu, and Pahoa public libraries. “Librarians said many of the books are just worn out and they need to replace them, but their funds are limited,” Haleamau said.

The BIPC board of directors voted to donate a minimum of $500 for children’s books. Club members, along with the public, are invited to make tax-deductible donations to this effort. Checks can be made payable to BIPC Scholarship Foundation (note “Library Books” on your check) and sent to BIPC-Library Books c/o Rod Thompson, HCR3 Box 10075, Keaau, HI 96749.

Last Christmas BIPC donated $1,000 worth of children’s books funded entirely by an anonymous donor.

Established in 1967, The Big Island Press Club (BIPC) is open to professional journalists, those working in the media, and supporters of a free press as guaranteed in our First Amendment. Current BIPC events and programs include scholarships to students of journalism, the annual Torch of Light Award that recognizes government actions on behalf of openness, along with the Lava Tube Award. Both are announced on March 16, Freedom of Information Day, honoring the birth of James Madison, principal author of the Constitution and foremost advocate for openness.