The Lihue Public Library in Hawaii celebrated the dedication of a vibrant community mural and new educational resources on March 15, 2024. Led by Kristen Hillman, the library’s dedication event showcased a mural created by local artist Holly Kaiakapu, alongside interactive movable panels and a newly acquired truck designed to store books for outreach programs.
The mural adds a splash of color to the library’s exterior, drawing families on a no-school day. In remarks during the ceremony, Laurie Ho from the Kauai County Farm Bureau and Kauai Family and Community Education recalled the late Eric Larsen, a beloved library employee, noting that “Spam musubi was his favorite,” a nod to the local culture and community spirit.
Hillman expressed gratitude for the contributions of the Friends of Lihue Library, a group that supports the library’s initiatives through fundraising and community engagement. “These are the projects paid for by the Friends of Lihue Library,” she stated. The Friends organization is pivotal in enhancing library programs and acquiring equipment that is often outside of the library’s budget, with funding primarily sourced from periodic used book sales.
The mural is not Kaiakapu’s first project. As a charter artist with Mo‘olelo Murals, she has previously contributed to public art initiatives, including decorative utility boxes along Kress Street that feature endangered birds and flowers. The mural at Lihue Library depicts Larsen playing his ‘ukulele, capturing his legacy and connection to the community.
The library’s Early Literacy Center received a new interlocking panel system designed to create intimate learning spaces for young readers. Each panel features interactive activities aimed at fostering early literacy skills. Adjacent to this area, the newly acquired truck awaits, equipped with racks to transport books and educational materials to various community events.
Hillman emphasized the importance of these developments for the library’s mission, noting that they will help engage young readers and their families. The Lihue Public Library operates on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more details, interested individuals can contact the library at 808-241-3222.
This community-focused approach showcases the library’s commitment to enriching lives through education and engagement, making it a vital resource for the Lihue community.