LIS Student Brooke Jones and alumna Krystal Kakimoto co-chaired Hawaii’s first-ever “Love My Library Day” on Saturday. They were joined by LIS students Rachel Jacobson, Brianne Imada, Serina Kerbaugh, and Jade Sunouchi. Faculty at the event included Meera Garud (who co-chairs HLA’s Advocacy Committee) and Professors Asato and Wertheimer, along with several adjunct faculty members. We were also joined by dozens of LIS alumni and families who took part in a costume contest and book trivia competition.
Jones explained “One of our goals is to build community support and awareness of libraries and ‘Love My Library Day’ was a fun way to do that. My favorite sign at the event was ‘Libraries love you back’: I think that means to please support your library because guess what? Your library loves and supports you. It’s so important that we build this base as we advocate for adequate funding and our freedom to read and access information.”
Garud said “It was delightful to see families come out to celebrate reading, learning, and exploring. It was refreshing to see so many early morning drivers honk to say they love libraries–moped drivers, families, and tour bus drivers. I can’t wait to do this again.” Her interview with Hawaii News Now was featured in that evening’s newscast.
The HLA Advocacy Committee is moving forward this year with a goal of increasing the number of licensed school librarians in our public schools.
Eliana Jacobson, age six, was one of many children in attendance at the event. She said, “I love my library ‘cause you can always read books and stuff. I like to volunteer at the Kahuku Library with my mom because the librarian gives me jobs to do.”
Also in attendance were State Representative Jenna Takenouchi, State Librarian Stacy Aldrich, Friends of the Library of Hawai’i Director Nainoa Mau and the presidents of HLA and HASL.
The event took place at Ala Moana Beach Park on Sat 5 Aug. 2023 from 10am until noon and included some activities for keiki and sign waving. A number of drivers enjoyed honking for libraries as they drove past, often showing a shaka.
The event was co-sponsored by the Hawaii Library Association and the Hawaii Association of School Librarians. Donors to the raffle included Zippy’s, Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha, da Shop, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, Dave & Buster’s Honolulu.
If you’re interested in joining the HLA Advocacy Committee, email hla.advocacycommittee@gmail.com. You can check out more of the Advocacy Committee’s recent efforts at https://www.hawaiilibraryassociation.org/legislation.html.