Monthly Archives: June 2009

The “Spirit of Aloha” continues to soar in an upcoming book release!

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Stories of Aloha by Jocelyn Fujii

Stories of Aloha by Jocelyn Fujii

For 61 years, Aloha Airlines flew the skies of Hawaii, presenting the travelers of the state with a culture of Aloha not found on any other airline.  Between the islands or across the Pacific Ocean, Aloha Airlines always provided in-flight services that helped to celebrate and preserve various aspects of Hawaiian culture.

First published in 1978 by Honolulu Publishing Company, the in-flight magazine Spirit of Aloha was an award-winning publication giving passengers a rich and vibrant experience of the Hawaiian Islands in the front-pocket of their Aloha Airlines seat.  The Spirit of Aloha magazine was well known for its beautiful cover designs, rich collection of recipes, entertaining columns and informative articles.  Preserving the legacy of this unique publication is Stories of Aloha by Jocelyn Fujii.  This book is an updated compilation of articles harvested from the hundreds written by the author during her years of writing for Spirit of Aloha.  Highlighting the many remarkable local businesses, services, and individuals of our island state, Stories of Aloha celebrates the skills, talents and culture of the people of Hawaii.

Please visit Hula Moon Press to place your order for the book which is slated for release in October. HBB will bring you more info as it’s released and if possible, an early review!  In the meantime, visit the website where you can find more information about Stories of Aloha in addition to other excellent books provided by this local publishing company.  Some of the proceeds from the book sale will go to the Lokahi for Aloha Fund which provides former employees of Aloha Airlines with financial and medical monetary assistance.  Not only will you be purchasing a fascinating read, but you will also be helping your local ohana by supporting Stories of Aloha.

The book buying extravaganza has begun!

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The 62nd Annual Friends of the Library of Hawaii Book Sale is officially underway!  HBB was there bright and early on the first day the sale was open to the public.  They changed some key things around regarding the layout so check out this article before you head over there.

Honolulu Book Sale: Day 1 Review

You can also follow HBB on Twitter for tweets and updates directly from the sale, all week long!

Summer Programs at your public library!

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June 21st will mark the official start of summer and already kids are throwing down their bookbags and binders in preparation for the next few coveted weeks of freedom. Some kids will be off to camps, retreats or other similar seasonal programs that can be costly for families with multiple children. And some summer programs only last a few weeks anyway. So, what do you do with the kids hunkering down for the long haul at home? Luckily, your public library has some solutions. Here in Hawaii we are fortunate that our libraries have well managed summer programs. There’s something to do everyday from now until the end of July at your public library. It’s a summer literally packed with fun and free activities sponsored by the Hawaii Public Library System. There will be crafts, art, music, theater, mystery adventures,storytelling, puppets, magic, science, games and prizes given away, and that’s not just for the kids! The Hawaii State Library system has an impressive reading program set up for teens and adults as well with classes being offered in dance, writing, computers, and cooking! Check out the schedule for the Hawaii State Public Libraries summer programs. Who needs an expensive summer program when you’ve got the library!?

And remember, it’s not easy offering these free services to the community so visit the ‘Friends of the Library of Hawaii’ 62nd Annual book sale starting this week June 20th through June 28th! All proceeds go to our public libraries and keeping them open for all to enjoy.

Happy Kamehameha Day!

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In celebration of Kamehameha Day Native Books: Na Mea Hawaii is selling all books about Kamehameha the Great at 20% off for the entire month of June! Some favorites you might want to look at are Kamehameha the Warrior King of Hawaii by Susan Morrison and Breaking the Blood: Kamehameha Moves the Naha Stone by David Kawika Eyre.

It’s hard to read about Hawaii’s first king as just a man. Stories of his strength and determination have become legends in Hawaii. My favorite is about the Naha Stone, and how Kamehameha, despite being born of different blood, was able to move the giant rock. It’s a hero tale like those of King Arthur, and in fact they’re so strikingly similar that it’s almost eerie. Either way, reading up on Kamehameha the Great is a good experience for people of all ages and interests. Check out this article on examiner.com for more info and links regarding the Naha Stone and legends of Kamehameha the First.

Book deals straight from the publisher!

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If there’s anything we love more than books here at HBB, it’s books on sale! And you don’t necessarily have to lurke around used book stores or wait for the Friends of the Library of Hawaii annual booksale to get a good deal. No, sometimes you can get brand new books at discounted prices straight from the publishers.  You just gotta check their websites often for overstock or sale announcements. But no worries, HBB is always on the prowl so we can give you the low down on great bargains.

We mentioned earlier that Bess Press is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary with a whole list of it’s popular titles on sale starting at just a dollar!

And now, University of Hawaii Press is having a summer sale with FREE shipping! It’s the perfect opportunity for mainland locals and Hawaiians at heart to purchase books. Bubt it gets even better from now until Jun 8th not only will they ship your books for free but you also get 30% off.  Check it out here!

Want some recommendations? Try, An Offering of Rice by Mavis Hara or The Legend of La’ieikawai by Dietrich Varez. Wanna grab something for the kids? I really like Maui Goes Fishing by Julie Stewart Williams and illus. by Robin Yoko Burningham–beautiful illustrations and a well told story that the keiki will enjoy.

There was also a post on UH Press’s book blog that they will be having a sale 40% off their books in July! But sadly no free shipping….

Save the dates… for Honolulu's biggest book sale and your chance to help Hawaii's public libraries!

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boookscopyWrite it in your calendar now, before you forget!

Block off June 20th through June 28th as “BOOKED” because that’s what you’ll be.  Yep, it’s that time of year again! Time for the annual book sale hosted by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii. Nine whole days of book rummaging, great deals and literary steals, all for a good cause. This annual fundraising event is a must go for any book lover. Check out HBB’s recap from last year here.

This years sale is especially important; with the state budget deficit and impending library closures it is imperitive that funds be raised and circulated into our public library system. Hawaii State Public Libraries host many free programs and events in the community so spread the word folks, let’s keep our libraries open– buy books!

Event Information

Jun 2oth–Jun 28th

McKinley Highschool Cafeteria

Check out their website for a schedule/ hours of operation. You can also make donations or fill out memberiship and volunteer applications.