A community mural created by Holly Kaiakapu, a wall featuring interactive movable panels, and a new truck that can accommodate books in its back were dedicated by Lihue Public Library’s Kristen Hillman on Friday.
“No block da Spam musubi,” said Laurie Ho of the Kauai County Farm Bureau and the Kauai Family and Community Education. “Eric Larsen — he was a longtime employee with the libraries — Spam musubi was his favorite.”
The mural adds color to the outside of the Lihue Public Library, which attracted families with young readers because Friday was a no-school day.
“These are the projects paid for the the Friends of Lihue Library,” said Hillman. “We appreciate our Friends, and what they do for the library.”
The Friends group, not just limited to the Lihue Public Library, assists their respective public library with programs that appeal to their own community, as well as equipment that is needed but is not covered in the library’s budget. A primary source of Friends funding is derived from the different libraries’ periodic used book sales.
Kaiakapu is no stranger to creating murals. She is one of the charter Mo‘olelo Murals artists who designed and painted pieces of work for Kress Street as part of the Rice Street Business Association, painting utility boxes with endangered birds and flowers.
In addition to the mural featuring longtime library employee Eric Larsen playing his ‘ukulele, the Lihue Public Library’s Early Literacy Center received an interlocking panel system that creates more intimate spaces in the library’s early learning area. Each of the panels is equipped with an interactive activity for young minds and hands.
Adjoining the smaller space created by the separating wall, a durable truck waited for occupants, its rear racks waiting to accept new arrivals and other titles the library wants to feature.
The Lihue Public Library is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call 808-241-3222.
Source: The Garden Island