BOARD OF EDUCATION GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

October 4, 2011

State Librarian’s Report

1.  Library eBooks Are Now Compatible with Kindles

Amazon.com and OverDrive, the Hawaii State Public Library System’s (HSPLS) primary eBook provider, announced last week that for the first time library eBooks can be downloaded to Kindle devices. This makes our growing collection of eBooks accessible to an even greater number of our patrons. Our website (www.librarieshawaii.org) and links to our eBook collection have already been modified to accommodate this new compatibility.

2.  Teen Read Week, October 16 – 22

In celebration of Teen Read Week (October 16-22), libraries statewide will host free programs focusing on this year’s theme – “Picture It @ your library” – which encourages teens to read graphic novels and other illustrated materials, seek out creative books, or imagine the world through literature, just for the fun of it. Teen Read Week is an annual literacy initiative created by the American Library Association for teens, their parents, librarians, and others. Featured performers are Audra Furuichi, co-creator of the webcomic “Nemu Nemu,” and Jon J. Murakami, creator of the “Gordon Rider” comic book, who will be featured artists at selected public libraries during the month of October.

3.  Pearl City Public Library Hosts School Readiness Program

Pearl City Public Library will become the fourth HSPLS library to host “Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?” on October 5 at 10:30 am. The Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii’s Ekolu Eha Ike Pono School Readiness Project will present developmental, social-emotional, hearing and vision screenings for keiki ages 2 to 5, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The project provides early detection of possible learning problems that may affect a child’s performance in school.

4.  Movie Licensing USA

HSPLS has entered into a statewide agreement with Movie Licensing USA to allow our libraries to show an unlimited number of licensed films for any aspect of programming inside the library. HSPLS’ annual license covers 95% of the major motion picture studios, and our libraries can now show any DVD or VHS tape that is in the library’s collection, or that has been legally rented, borrowed or purchased. The license covers any film shown in the library, so community groups, organizations, clubs, etc. are also able to show movies legally in the library. Please contact your nearest HSPLS library for further information.

5.  HSPLS Award Winners Selected

The Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) announced the selection of Stewart Chun, Section Head, Federal Documents Section, Hawaii State Library, as the 2011 HSPLS Employee of the Year. Chun has distinguished himself both within HSPLS and throughout the broader library community in Hawaii. As Section Head, Chun has implemented and supervised the Passport Acceptance Facility at the Hawaii State Library which, as an enhanced service, has generated nearly $60,000 for the HSPLS Special Fund this year alone. Chun, an 18-year HSPLS employee, has also served Hawaii’s library community as a Board Member of the UH Library and Information Science Alumni Group, a member of the ALA Government Documents Round Table, and as Vice President and now President of the Hawaii Library Association. As HSPLS Employee of the Year, Chun will be honored at the Governor’s Award Ceremony on October 14 at 2:30 p.m. in the State Capitol Auditorium.

Fina Rivera, Janitor II, Ewa Beach Public and School Library, is the 2011 Sustained Superior Performance Award winner. Rivera has been a valued and respected member of the Ewa Beach Library staff for more than 30 years, and has brightened countless days for her fellow staff members with her cheery greetings and disposition. In addition to her regular work responsibilities, Rivera is always ready to pitch in to help make the library a happier place, and is always willing to assume additional projects, such as caring for the plants in the library’s atrium or decorating the library for every major holiday.

6.  $56,324 Donated to HSPLS Through Tax Check Off Box

During the first 6 months of 2011, Hawaii taxpayers donated more than $56,000 to the HSPLS Special Fund via the check off box on Hawaii state tax forms. These funds will be used to purchase high demand materials for all ages. We are very thankful for our many supporters who have contributed more than $560,000 to HSPLS since the program’s inception in 2005.

7.  Celebrate Filipino-American History Month

The Hawaii State Library will celebrate Filipino-American History Month, 2011 by hosting “Filipino Komiks,” a photo and art exhibit, and free Saturday programs during October. Presented by the Filipino-American Historical Society of Hawaii, “Filipino Komiks” will be available for viewing in the First Floor Reading Room of the Library from October 1 - 29 during regular library hours. Special programs include “The Life of Dr. Jose Rizal” on Oct. 22 from 1 – 3 p.m. and “Genealogy” presented by Bryan Quisquirin on Oct. 29 from 1 – 3 p.m.