· A nonprofit association of people of all ages and occupations, who recognize the importance of excellent libraries.
· Assists the libraries in providing the best possible service to the community
· Provider of volunteers and financial assistance to the libraries
· Cooperates closely but is independent of the libraries
· Promotes the importance of library services to the community
Why does the library need friends?
Although tax supported, public libraries need many additional items for which funding is not allocated. FOLK provides supplementary funds for such items as:
· Circulation materials
· Children's Programs
· Staff Education
· Support for Summer Reading Programs
· Community Adult Programs
Along with additional support for equipment and facilities underfunded by the state.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
JUNE 16TH - JULY 18TH 2009
Visit any of the Kona libraries and register your child to participate in the Summer Reading Program. Be Creatve T Shirts are available for purchase from FOLK for $8.
Sign-up for a $30 Family Membership with FOLK and you will receive a free Summer Reading Be Creative T Shirt. Click the links above for Membership Forms or to contact by email Membership Chairman Alice Goo. Forms are also available at the library.
Tuesday, July 7th 5:30 – 6:30 PM @ Kailua-Kona Library
The Kona Underwater Photographic Society (KUPS) will be on hand to introduce you to the world of underwater photography and videography and share the beauty of the sea as captured by KUPS members. Don’t miss this chance to watch incredible imagery presented in slideshows and videos..
Effective July 1, 2009, the Holualoa Public Library will temporarily close due to budget cuts. This is not being called a permanent closure, but it is not known how many months or years it will take before reopening. While this will be a loss to the Holualoa community, we encourage their patrons to visit the Kailua Kona and Kealakekua Public Libraries in the mean time. Their hours of operation can be found here: http://www.librarieshawaii.org/locations/hours.htm.
We understand that sacrifices must be made to keep a balanced budget, but we feel it should not be at the expense of a community resource such as a public library. A number of people have expressed their concerns over the closure and want to help. The Friends of the Library of Hawaii suggest that letters should be sent to Governor Linda Lingle.
The Honorable Linda Lingle
Governor, State of Hawai`i
Executive Chambers
State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
Phone: 808-586-0034
Fax: 808-586-0006
e-mail: governor.lingle@hawaii.gov
We also suggest contacting the Head Librarian of the Hawaii State Library System
Mr. Richard Burns at 808-586-3704
You may read more about the budget cuts from the Honolulu Advertiser at:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090702/NEWS07/907020357/Hawaii+libraries
+brace+for+20++cut+in+budget++may+close+branches
For further information read this article from West Hawaii Today on Wed., July 1, 2009 by clicking on the following link.