MEDIA RELEASE

Whether you are a job seeker looking for resources to find a new job, a parent looking for free activities for children or a student searching for your next favorite book, you belong @ your library.

The Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) helps level the playing field by making both print and digital information available and accessible to everyone statewide – from keiki to kupuna.

Libraries provide a variety of free services such as Internet access with a valid library card, wi-fi, downloadable e-books, audiobooks, and e-music; performances, programs, displays, and exhibits for all ages; Toddler and Preschool Storytimes, 24/7 remote access to online databases and our Public Access Catalog, and much more.

“Hawaii’s public libraries provide communities with tailor-made collections and services for people of diverse backgrounds, language abilities and technological skills,” said State Librarian Richard Burns. “This year’s National Library Week is April 8 to 14. Please join our public libraries and librarians by celebrating the place where we all belong.”

Hawaii’s public libraries will host free programs throughout the month. Among the featured performers include: award-winning slack key guitarists John Keawe and Jeff Peterson, Balinese music and dance performers I. Made Widana and Anna Reynolds, and the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble.

* John Keawe, “A Tribute to Slack Key.” Keawe, a self-taught slack-key guitarist, is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano and Hawaii Music Awards recipient and a contributing artist on Hawaii’s first Grammy winner, “Slack Key Guitar Volume 2” (2005). Keawe will offer a tribute to the slack key style and include selections from the music of Raymond Kane, Leonard Quan, and others, in addition to presenting his original compositions at seven selected Big Island, Maui and Molokai libraries: April 9, 5:30 p.m. at Honokaa Public Library; April 11, 3 p.m. at Molokai Public Library; April 18, 6:30 p.m. at Princeville Public Library; April 25, 6:30 p.m. at Makawao Public Library; April 26, 6:30 p.m. at Wailuku Public Library; April 27, 12:30 p.m. at Naalehu Public Library; and April 27, 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library.

* “The Slack Key Artistry of Jeff Peterson.” Peterson, a multiple Grammy Award and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, is recognized as one of Hawaii’s most versatile musicians. His focus on Slack Key guitar, classical, and jazz music has allowed him to develop a unique and transcendent voice on the guitar while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions of his Hawaiian heritage. Peterson will share his passion for the guitar in words and music at three selected Big Island, Kauai, and Oahu libraries: April 16, 6 p.m. at Waimea Public Library (Kauai); April 19, 9:30 a.m. at Laupahoehoe Public & School Library; and April 29, 1 p.m. at Pearl City Public Library.

* I. Made Widana and Anna Reynolds, “The Music and Dance of Bali.” Performers Widana and Reynolds will demonstrate traditional Balinese music and dance. Gamelan, the traditional musical ensemble found in Bali, includes gongs, bronze metallophone instruments of various sizes, double-headed drums, and flutes. Experience the music and dance of Bali at four selected Oahu libraries: April 22, 2 p.m. at Kaneohe Public Library; April 28, 10:30 a.m. at Aina Haina Public Library; April 30, 6 p.m. at Mililani Public Library; and May 3, 6:30 p.m. at Hawaii State Library.

* Chamber Music Hawaii’s Galliard String Quartet.” The Galliard String Quartet, considered to be Hawaii’s premier string quartet, will perform a concert featuring the music of favorite composers such as Bach, Mozart, Ravel, Prokofiev, Hawaii’s Queen Liliuokalani, and others at three selected Oahu and Big Island libraries: April 21, 10:30 a.m. at Hawaii Kai Public Library; April 28, 11 a.m. at Waialua Public Library; and April 30, 6:30 p.m. at Mountain View Public & School Library.

* Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble, “The Art of Taiko.” Endo, a composer, leader, and performer of contemporary taiko (Japanese drums) will introduce the various drums and percussion instruments of Japan that are used in traditional and contemporary music at three selected Oahu libraries: April 14, 11 a.m. at Aiea Public Library; April 17, 3 p.m. at Liliha Public Library; and April 21, noon at Hawaii State Library.

The Friends of the Library of Hawaii, Marriott Resorts Hawaii, Ko Olina Hawaii, Meadow Gold Dairies, HMS Host, Hansen Distribution Group, Armstrong Produce, Bowman Connectivity Solutions, Toshiba Business Solutions, Girard’s Dressings, and Roberts Hawaii are sponsoring the National Library Week 2012 programs. Program schedules are subject to change.

Performances featuring artists from the Statewide Cultural Extension Program are co-sponsored by the University of Hawaii at Manoa Outreach College, Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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

— Find out more:
www.librarieshawaii.org