Hawaii libraries increase mobile access, offer new services
The Hawaii State Public Library System is offering new, free services to library patrons to enhance their computer learning experience, use an application to browse the online catalog, download e-magazines, and learn how to speak Hawaiian.
Netbook computers are now available for a three-week loan period free-of-charge for patrons with a valid library card at 37 public libraries statewide including West Hawaii libraries in Kealakekua, Naalehu and Thelma Parker Memorial Public &School Library in Waimea. For information, call a participating library.
The library system is also offering Zinio for Libraries, the world’s largest newsstand for e-magazines. Patrons have access to more than 120 complete full-color digital magazines, easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices through the library system website. Patrons will need to create two accounts – a library Zinio account to view the library’s collection and a free Zinio.com account to read magazines online or via the Zinio Reader app on a mobile device. For more information on how to access this free service ask a library staff member or visit librarieshawaii.org.
Patrons also have the opportunity to learn the Hawaiian language free via Mango Languages and the library system’s website. For more information, select the “E-Learning @ Your Library” button on librarieshawaii.org.
In addition, a new mobile app called “Hawaii Mobile” can be used to browse the library system’s catalog, scan a bar code from a book, DVD or CD to check its availability, and renew items and check account information. To install the mobile app, search “chilifresh hawaii” in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store on a mobile device.
Culinary scholarship benefit Saturday
The silver anniversary celebration of Christmas at The Fairmont-Dining with the Chefs, the annual culinary scholarship fundraiser, is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii and all attendees will receive a collectible 25th anniversary wine glass.
“New this year is a convenient, online format for the event’s silent auction,” said auction chairwoman Patti Kimball. “The online auction enables everyone in the community to participate in our effort to provide culinary scholarships for local students and chefs.”
Using BiddingForGood, the auction at konakohala.org ends at the event, which is annually presented by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association.
Also this year, the gala moves into the Grand Ballroom to offer more seating, a video presentation on the past 24 years provided by Konawaena High School’s graphics department, live jazz and dancing, plus culinary stations presented by local chefs and confectioners. Guests can savor handcrafted ales, wines and 100 percent Kona coffee.
Fun will flow outside into the courtyard for guests to view ornate gingerbread creations crafted by Hawaii Community College-West Hawaii culinary students under the direction of Chef Fernand Guiot, former owner of Kailua-Kona’s French Bakery.
All auction items will be displayed outside, where guests can continue to bid on holiday gifts, activities and private dinner parties via smartphones and mobile tablets. Volunteers will be on hand to also process bids for attendees at laptop stations. The auction will close at 7:30 p.m.
Presale tickets are $85 each, $90 at the door. Seating will be available for 400 guests on a first-come basis and reserved seating is available by purchasing a table for 10 for $1,000. Purchase tickets at konakohalachefs.org or at Kailua Candy Co., Clark Realty-Kona, Kona Wine Market and The Fairmont, Orchid, Hawaii, while supplies last. Charge tickets by phone at 329-2522.
Korean War vets meeting Saturday
Korean War Veterans Association of West Hawaii Chapter 279 meets at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting hall at the corner of Kuakini Highway and Makala Boulevard in Kailua-Kona.
Call Joe Nimori at 329-3058 or Bob Welter at 929-7001.
Quilting group meeting in Waimea
Mauna Kea Quilters meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday in the meeting room of the Thelma Parker Memorial Library. A business meeting will be followed by show-and-tell and a sharing of new ideas and techniques.
For more information, call Becky Parkinson at 937-2159.
Kokua Kailua scheduled Sunday
Kailua Village, decked with holiday cheer, hosts its monthly Kokua Kailua on Sunday. At 5 p.m., the Kailua Village Improvement District presents a free concert by multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner Anuhea. Joining Anuhea will be Etua Lopes Halau Hula Na Pua Ui O Hawaii. As always during Kokua Kailua, Alii Drive will become a pedestrian-only walkway from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Anuhea’s concert will be preceded at 4 p.m. by free entertainment on the lawn at Hulihee Palace.
Palace event honors princess
Afternoon at Hulihee Palace is slated from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday to remember the late Princess Bernice Pauahi. Presenting hula and serenade by the Merrie Monarchs, the free event is part of a yearlong series that honors Hawaii’s past monarchs and historical figures; donations are appreciated. Those attending are urged to bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.