The Waimea Public Library opened as part of the Kauai Public Library Association on Aug. 1, 1950, with an inventory of approximately 4,000 book titles.
On Friday, the library celebrated its 75th anniversary with rows and cases of book titles, several of which attracted the attention of visiting special guest U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, as well as the latest technologies.
Other guest dignitaries, including Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Rep. Tokuda, State Librarian Stacy Aldrich, Board of Education member William “Bill” Arakaki, and Rep. Dee Morikawa joined the celebration that drew a large number of community residents and library users.
There was a brief formal program of speeches and presentations before the audience was released to enjoy birthday cake, prepared by The Friends of the Waimea library volunteers, and ice cream served up by Lisa Johnston and Super Duper ice cream van.
“I remember when the Children’s Room used to be in this corner,” said Ken Morikawa, the husband of Rep. Dee Morikawa. “Now, there’s books, and more books.”
The Children’s Room is situated close to the makai entrance, and Casey Agena of the Waimea Library told one guest the meeting room is being used to serve cake and coffee.
Rep. Morikawa spoke about having a hanai daughter, and feeling good about watching the young keikimahine run around with a free spirit and picking up books without reservation.
“I am grateful to the current 2 1/2 library staff, and the generations of library staff that have dedicated their careers and talents to serving this community,” Aldrich said. “The Waimea Public Library has been, and continues to be a hub — it is a place for all to read, learn and connect.”
Following the speeches and ceremonies, library patrons engaged in a variety of make-and-take crafts as well as enjoyed entertainment provided by Tsunami Taiko, one of whose members is connected with the library, and popular group Kupaoa.
A special screening of “Aletha,” a documentary about Waimea resident Aletha Goodwin Kaohi, mentioned the days when Aletha was a librarian before being promoted to branch manager.
The library building was designed by Marcus C. Lester and Guy N. Rothwell, and constructed by Shigeo Nakano.
Waimea Public Library, closed during the weekends, currently offers weekly story times for children from birth to 5 years old; Playmakers, a weekly after-school program for elementary and middle school students; and the West Side Writer’s group for adults.
Source: The Garden Island
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