Mo’olelo Exploration at the Library

Photo by Jack Kiyonaga

As Molokai residents settle into summer, the Molokai Public Library continues to offer compelling programming for kids and adults alike. Last Wednesday, June 19, the world-famous Taiko Center of the Pacific made the trip over to Molokai for a special performance.

The taiko performers explored the art of storytelling through drumming. In front of a crowd of 120 Molokai community members, which included the Kaunakakai Summer Pals program, the drummers enacted stories of snowy days, horseback arrow attacks and samurai invasions.

Made possible by the University of Hawaii’s statewide cultural expansion program and the Friends of the Library of Hawaii, the taiko drummers are just one part of the many experiences to be hosted by the library in conjunction with this year’s summer reading challenge.

The theme of the reading challenge is mo’olelo, and specifically different forms of mo’olelo, or storytelling. The library will be hosting a short story and coloring contest for keiki along with a visit from Mark Jeffers, founder of the Storytime Theater on Kauai, and his blow-up shark Frances on July 10 and 11. Jeffers will also be hosting a children’s literacy workshop for parents.

Likewise, local nonprofit Ho’aka Mana will be hosting mo’olelo events at the library in June and July with stories from “Tales of Molokai: The Voice of Harriet Ne” and a spooky mo’olelo event.

Molokai residents of all ages can sign up for this summer’s reading challenge. By logging minutes of reading this summer, participants are eligible for a variety of statewide prizes, including four roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines, as well as local prizes. Learn more about the summer reading challenge at librarieshawaii.org, or stop by the Molokai Public Library.