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It’s time…it’s time…it’s Book End Time!  Welcome to this week’s Book End, highlighting the weekend’s literary and library events here in Hawaii.

Whew!  What a week we’ve been having.  National Library Week is killing me!  Between work, writing up lengthy library posts, reading and reviewing books, and an impromptu 2-night marathon of Season 3 of The Office on Netflix, I’ve barely gotten any sleep.  But we’re still rolling along…

Me looking dumb (I'm bending over so I look hunched) next to Kaui Hemmings

This past weekend both Misty and I were busy attending literary events.  Misty will be doing a write-up of her experiences at the National League of American Pen Women – Honolulu Branch 2010 Biennial Writers’ Conference.  I, on the other hand, had the pleasure of going to Barnes & Noble Ala Moana for a book signing with Kaui Hart Hemmings, author of The Descendants, the novel that is currently being made into a movie by Alexander Payne and starring George Clooney.

I woke up a little late (I had been up writing up a post the night before), and got to the bookstore about 11:30-ish (it was an 11am start time).  I have to admit, even though I was late, I was a little disappointed to not see even half the people a personality like Duane “The Dog” Chapman gets for his book signings.  Come on, Hawaii!  Ms. Hemmings was very sweet in person—with a cute, quiet voice.  When she heard the name “Hawaii Book Blog” she even proclaimed that she loves Hawaii Book Blog!  I couldn’t help but beam a little inside.  Ms. Hemmings signed a copy of The Descendants for us and another copy that we will probably be giving away sometime in the distant future; closer to the film release date.

An added treat was getting to meet some of the friendly Barnes & Noble Ala Moana staff.  I met with Store Manager Haunani and Community Relations Manager Naomi and they were both sweethearts, especially Haunani.  She professed that she was a Hawaii Book Blog reader and after talking for a bit she even recommended me a book!  She pimped Aloha ‘Oe, The Song at Pier 10 by John Tanaka, making sure to emphasize what a cool guy Mr. Tanaka is.  I purchased it, brought it home, and Misty exclaimed, “I’ve been meaning to read that!”  It’s awesome when things work out that way.

After that I did take a little walking tour of the mall—ending up at the Apple store.  I’m not a big pimp for Apple products (although I love my iPod Touch), but I was as eager as any technophile at the chance to try out the iPad.  I have to admit, even though I probably won’t buy it (1st generation at any rate), it was pretty cool.  The screen was so crisp and the touch-screen response fantastic.  I tried out their eReader and it looked promising.  Just for fun, I took a picture of Hawaii Book Blog:

Anyway, that’s just an example of how fun it can be to go to one of the numerous literary/library events we promote here on Book End.  So get out there and support the scene!

Now on to the events!

Friday, April 16

• 10:30am – “Very Beary Tales & Tunes” at Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library.  Storyteller Nyla Fujii-Babb will share favorite literary “bear” stories and songs for all ages.  More info
• 10:30am – Maui…Storyteller Sandra Maclees will be at Kihei Public Library.  She will use drama and humor to bring to life folk tales, fables, myths, legends, biographies, and history.  More info
• 04:00pm – Book signing event at WaterLily Boutique & Salon in the Wailea Gateway Center (Maui).  Author Debra Greene, Ph.D is featured in the new book Goddess Shift: Women Leading for a Change which also features Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, J.K. Rowling and more.  Greene will be on hand to talk about her chapter in the book and sign copies.  More info

Saturday, April 17

• 08:30am – From 8:30am – 2:00pm, the “Celebrate Reading Festival” will be held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Art Auditorium.  Teachers will be able to join authors and other facilitators who will discuss the nuances of authors’ craft in several different genres.  More info
• 09:30am – The Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble will be on the Big Island at Hilo Public Library!  Features a demonstration and lecture on the art of performing with taiko (Japanese drums).  More info
• 10:00am – Craft Workshop with Gayle Kandul at Waianae Public Library.  Craft expert Gayle Kandul will provide a 45-minute craft workshop for ages 12 and older. All materials will be provided. Registration is recommended. Call the library at 697-7868 to register or for more information.  More info
• 10:00am – “Stories From Around the World” at Kailua Public Library.  Storyteller Dave Del Rocco will share folktales from every corner of the globe, including Laos, Hawaii, Italy, Alaska, the Philippines, Africa, and more. These tales are mostly funny and explain how different cultures view aspects of their world.  More info
• 10:00am – Costume character storytime at Barnes & Noble Lahaina (Maui).  Madeline will be on hand to help with this fun keiki activity.  More info
• 11:00am – There will be Fancy Nancy Poetry Storytime at all Borders across Hawaii.  With the new book Fancy Nancy Poet Extraordinaire as inspiration, they will create magnificent poetry, games, crafts and more.  More info
• 11:00am – “Chickens in the Grass” special event at the Hawaii State Library (Oahu).  The Honolulu Printmakers will present a book-making adventure for children and the young at heart. Participants will learn to make easy prints featuring chickens. The printed chicken images will then be cut and folded into a book that participants can take home.  More info
• 11:00am – Children’s storytime at Barnes & Noble Ala Moana.  Arthur’s First Sleepover by Marc Brown is the featured book.  More info
• 01:00pm – Folk Art of Chinese Paper Cutting at Liliha Public Library!  Barbara Chung Ho will provide and interactive and customized workshop on the folk art of Chinese paper cutting. She will demonstrate and offer a brief history of the art.  More info
• 01:00pm – Folk Dances of the Philippines demonstration at Kailua-Kona Public Library on the Big Island!  H. Wayne Mendoza will provide a demonstration and cultural tour of the Philippines and their various folk dances. Wayne has choreographed, danced with and taught Filipino folk dance groups throughout Hawaii.  More info
• 02:00pm – Author signing at Barnes & Noble Kahala Mall.  Mindy Pennybacker the author of a green living book Do One Green Thing will be on hand to sign copies of her book.  More info
• 02:00pm – Author signing at Borders Books & Music in Waikele.  Jonathan Craig, author of You Are The Reason will be on hand to sign copies of his book.  More info
• 02:00pm – The Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble will be on the Big Island at Thelma Parker Memorial School & Public Library!  Features a demonstration and lecture on the art of performing with taiko (Japanese drums).  More info

Sunday, April 18

• 10:30am – Kids storytime at Kaimuki Public Library.  Story and crafts!  Call 733-8422 for more info.
• 01:00pm – Folk Art of Chinese Paper Cutting at Kaimuki Public Library!  Barbara Chung Ho will provide and interactive and customized workshop on the folk art of Chinese paper cutting. She will demonstrate and offer a brief history of the art.  More info
• 02:00pm – Come to the Contemporary Museum of Hawaii for “Words on the Wall.”  Well known and emerging poets will read new poems inspired by work in the current exhibitions by artists, Judy Fox, Fay Ku and Elizabeth Berdann.  More info
• 03:00pm – Author Mindy Pennybacker will be at Native Books Hawaii in Ward Warehouse for an book reading and signing for her new book Do One Green Thing.  2 hour event.  More info

Remember, all events listed above may be subject to change.  Please contact the venue beforehand if you plan on attending.  More events can be found on our Hawaii Book Blog Calendar.

If you have an event you would like us to help promote, please leave us a comment here or e-mail me at aalba@hawaiibookblog[dot]com.  Replace the [dot] with a ‘.’ when you compose the message.  Mahalo and have a great weekend!