PRESS RELEASE

The Hawaii State Public Library System’s popular Summer Reading programs are back! Visit your local library to join one of the five-week programs, from JUNE 1 to JULY 2, 2010.  Read at least one book per week and receive a free reading incentive, while supplies last… adults get a free Bess Press book just for signing up!

In addition to the reading program, selected libraries will host exciting performances from nationally-acclaimed mask artist Robert Faust (The Mask Messenger), highly-acclaimed slam poet, Kealoha, cartoonist Dave Thorne, and Okinawan classical dance and choreographer, Yukie Shiroma. Plus appearances by highly acclaimed, local artists such as Nyla Fujii-Babb, James McCarthy, Peter and Melinda Wing, Sandra MacLees, and other special performers. Check out the HSPLS website or visit our Calendar for a schedule of events.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

The “Make a Splash! Read @ your library” theme will feature books about the ocean, fish, aquatic animals, and protecting the coastline, as well as beach activities and water sports. In addition, five lucky drawing winners (one each from East Oahu, West Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui County, and Kauai) will win a $50 bookstore gift cards, courtesy of the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i.

TEEN PROGRAM

“Team Read” is a dual theme which includes sports, athletes, fitness, and the suspense/romance themes surrounding the popular “Twilight Saga” vampire novels by Stephenie Meyer and the opening of the summer movie, “Eclipse”. Teens will be invited to enter in-branch drawings for a chance to win Apple iPod Shuffles, courtesy of the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, and regional electronic prizes and personal pan pizza certificates, provided by Hawaii Pizza Hut.

ADULT PROGRAM

“Exercise Your Mind @ your library” theme will feature books on sports, fitness, exercise, dieting, Martial Arts, various types of yoga and meditation, relaxation and stress management techniques, and Mind exercises. Program sponsor McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii and Bess Press will provide free reading incentives to adult participants who read at least one book per week.

Alex and I both signed up for the adult program and thought it would be the perfect opportunity for a friendly competition! Details on this later, for now, visit your local library and sign up or get your kids to sign up and keep them busy reading this summer.