It’s time…it’s time…it’s Book End Time! Welcome to this week’s Book End, highlighting the week’s literary and library events here in Hawaii.

Hawaii author wins award

Over the Top & Back Again: Hiking X the Alps, the latest travel adventure book by long-time Hawaii author Brandon Wilson, has been named 2010 Book of the Year Bronze Award winner (travel essay division) by ForeWord Reviews. The announcement was made on June 25, 2011 at the American Library Association Annual Conference in New Orleans. Wilson’s book was selected by librarians and reviewers from 1400 entries in 56 genres, representing more than 350 publishers.  chronicles Wilson’s 1200-mile (1900-km.) hike with his wife for 111 days on the Via Alpina. Their adventure led across Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and France to Monaco.

For more info about Brandon Wilson and his award-winning book, visit his official website and Facebook page.

Holiday Library Hours

In observance of the Independence Day 2011 Holiday, all public libraries will be closed from Saturday through Monday, July 2 – 4.  Five libraries that are normally closed on Fridays will be open today, Friday, July 1:

  • Aiea Public Library
  • Hawaii Kai Public Library
  • Liliha Public Library
  • Makawao Public Library (Maui)
  • Manoa Public Library

Please visit the HSPLS website: www.librarieshawaii.org or call your local library for public service hours.

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Now on to the events…

Friday, July 1

  • The Amazing Alan Arita Magic Show – Magician Alan Arita will combines comedy, magic tricks, and audience participation to amaze young and old alike. This spectacular magic show will feature live birds, comedy, magic tricks, and audience participation.  After the show, light refreshments will be served while supplies last and there will be lucky drawings for door prizes.This program is suitable for ages 3 and older.  Hawaii Kai Public Library (Oahu); 10:30 A.M. For more info call the library at Ph. 397-5833.
  • It’s Book Time with Ronald McDonald! – Ronald McDonald will offer a fun-filled interactive performance featuring a creative blend of music, magic and games to reinforce the idea that reading is fun, and books play an important part of every day.  In addition, Ronald will emphasize appropriate library use and the proper care of books.  Aina Haina Public Library (5246 Kalanianaole Hwy); 10:30 A.M. Please call the library at 377-2456 for more info.
  • Balloon Monsoon -To culminate the Summer Reading Program, the library will unleash Balloon Monsoon! Balloon twisting artists will be on hand to craft fun balloon sculptures for library patrons.  Kailua Public Library (239 Kuulei Rd.); 10:30 A.M. For more info, call the library at 266-9911.
  • Sing Along with Uncle Wayne – Join musician and early-education specialist, “Uncle Wayne” Watkins, for an energetic and always entertaining sing along. Just right for toddlers and preschoolers, Uncle Wayne will have youngsters laughing, singing, dancing, and moving to music that inspires and entertains. Programs are sponsored by Local Friends Chapters. The Maui performances are also funded by the Kay A. Edwards Memorial Fund.  Kihei Public Library (Maui); 10:30 A.M.For more info, call the library at 875-6833.
  • Irish Folk Tales – Niall de Burca is renowned for his unique storytelling style that showcases a remarkable range of tales told with great charm, judgment and superb timing.  A native of the West of Ireland, a land soaked in legend; de Burca will take listeners on an unforgettable journey through the landscape of ancient Ireland.  More dangerous than the pied piper, de Burca will cast a spell on young and old alike.  Molokai Public Library (15 Ala Malama Ave.); 2:30 P.M. For more info call the library at 553-1765.

Saturday, July 2

  • Children’s Storytime – Come to the book store for the weekly children’s story time.  This week the featured book is Hopper and Wilson
    by Maria van Lieshout (Illustrator).  Barnes & Noble Ala Moana (1450 Ala Moana Blvd.); 11:00 A.M. Click here for more info.
  • Book Signing w/ Terry Hunt – Please join in as the store welcomes Professor of Anthropology at the University of Hawai’i and author Terry Hunt.  Terry will be signing copies of his new book, The Statues That Walked: Unraveling the Mystery of Easter Island.  In this book, the authors present a radical new theory concerning one of the most outstanding mysteries of human history- Easter Island.  Barnes & Noble Kahala Mall (4211 Waialae Ave.); 1:00 P.M. For more info, click here.

Remember, all events listed above may be subject to change. Please contact the venue beforehand if you plan on attending. We encourage you to click on the links that are included with the events in the time line above. More events can be found on our Hawaii Book Blog Events Calendar. You can also keep up with events through us on Twitter by following @HawaiiBookBlog.

If you have an event you would like us to help promote, please leave us a comment here or e-mail me at aalba@hawaiibookblog.com. Mahalo and have a great weekend!