North Kohala library plans 5th anniversary celebration

The Friends of the North Kohala Public Library are inviting the Kohala community to the library’s fifth birthday celebration from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 2.

After a blessing by Kealoha Sugiyama, Leia Lawrence’s Keiki hula halau will perform a selection of dances. Slack key artist John Keawe will provide an afternoon of musical entertainment along with hula performances by his wife, Hope, and granddaughters, Naomi and Shelly. Kohala High School students also will share their musical talents.

In the library yard, keiki can enjoy a variety of activities, including a bouncy castle, games and prizes. And, of course, everyone is invited to enjoy birthday cake and refreshments.

Participants also are encouraged to roam through the library to enjoy displays of memorable events in the new library and the historic Bond Memorial Library. A short video of the Great Huki Puke — passing of the books to the new library — also will be shown.

The North Kohala Public Library opened in November 2010. With a larger facility and a community meeting room, the library also has been able to offer many programs that never would have been possible in the Bond Memorial Library. Programs have included music concerts, storytellers, Hawaiian history lectures and educational programs related to Hawaii’s fragile environment.

Children’s storytimes and after-school and summer programs meet regularly.

Library hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays. Library staff includes librarians Janet Lam and Leilani Silver, library assistant Joleen Soares, janitor Patsy Pasco and student-helper Jake Palacay.

For more information about the library or the anniversary celebration, call 889-6655.