More than 200 people gathered at Windward Community College’s Hale Laʻakea Library on June 7, for Keiki Summer Reading Day 2025—a vibrant celebration of Hawaiian language, culture and community that drew nearly double the expected turnout.
Children and their ʻohana (family) explored the library through a scavenger hunt, listened to moʻolelo (stories) from kūpuna (elders), and learned about the library’s Hawaiʻi Collection. Each keiki also received bilingual Hawaiian-English books to take home.
The free community event, made possible with a Harold K.L. Castle Foundation grant, promoted family literacy and cultural learning through hands-on, place-based activities.
“As one of the keiki book readers, it was especially moving to see their excitement when receiving books of their own,” said Hauʻolihiwahiwa Moniz, Hawaiian-Pacific resources librarian at Leeward CC and Nā Mea Hawaiʻi committee chair for the Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club.
Moniz co-led the event’s planning with Cindy Texeira, Hawaiʻi specialist librarian at Windward CC.
“We wanted this day to celebrate ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and moʻolelo, and to make ʻohana feel at home in the library,” Moniz added.
The event also included arts and crafts inspired by native birds and a complimentary lunch. For many families, it was their first visit to the Windward CC library.
“It was wonderful to see the library so full of life and laughter,” said Sarah Sur, head librarian at Windward CC. “We’re proud to be a space where our community can gather to celebrate reading, culture and connection.”
Texeira, who also serves as corresponding secretary for the Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, said, “This event reminded us of the power of community and the importance of sharing spaces and stories. It was a joy to help create something rooted in aloha ʻāina (love and care for the land) and designed especially for our keiki and ʻohana.”
Keiki Summer Reading Day 2025 was a collaboration between the Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, Windward CC library, and the Koʻolau Foundation.
