Page 10 - MidWeek Windward - March 1, 2023

10 MARCH 1, 2023
Friends Of The Kailua Library Offers Staunch Support
BY ELLISE KAKAZU
“Posters will be dis- played in the FKL book- store, and the posters from the three finalists will be in the children’s section of the library,” says Brown. “The goal is to encourage chil- dren to read and use both the bookstore and library.”
Proving friendship can stand the test of time, Friends Of The Kailua Li- brary has wholeheartedly supported Kailua Public Library through thick and thin since 1989.
“Libraries offer a safe and free educational resource in our community. Libraries also
provide free Wi-Fi for people who otherwise may not have access for a variety of services including job hunting.”
“The commitment and dedication of the volunteers and members is just amaz- ing,” states president Rob- ert Brown. “As an example, after 2019, our bookstore was forced to close because of COVID protocols. But, as I told the board of direc- tors, ‘The bookstore had to close, but the Friends Of The Kailua Public Library did not close.’ The board continued to meet via Zoom and worked with the library staff as issues arose that needed our input.”
chairs for its lānai, funded the installation of a fountain, and provided a retractable awning for its courtyard. The nonprofit also pays for landscaping services at Kai- lua Public Library.
public school students in grades four to six to create a poster promoting a book they read.
For generations, libraries have been the place where people from all walks of life visit to gain access to knowledge and resources. And FKL is doing its best to help keep it that way and plans to stick by Kailua Public Library’s side for a lifetime, like a true friend.
As it is a nonprofit organi- zation, FKL generates funds needed to assist Kailua Pub- lic Library through its book- store, which operates with the help of about 48 volun- teers. The bookstore sells a range of donated paperback and hardcover books, CDs, records and DVDs.
By supporting Kailua Public Library, FKL is highlighting the impor- tance of libraries across the state. FKL is an affil- iate of the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, which was founded in 1879 with a mission “to support and promote Hawai‘i’s public libraries,” according to the organization’s website.
“We also encourage and accept bequests or gift(s), donations of books, man- uscripts, money and other appropriate material, which can enrich the cultural op- portunities available to the community,” shares Brown.
“Libraries offer a safe and free educational re- source in our community,” notes Brown. “Libraries also provide free Wi-Fi for people who otherwise may not have access for a vari- ety of services including jobhunting.”
Additionally, FKL cur- rently has about 229 mem- bers who pay dues.
The organization collects resources and finances to fulfill its ongoing mission, which is “to support the Kailua Public Library and enhance its services and uti- lization by the community.”
Hoping to encourage the younger generation to utilize the library, FKL is holding a Creative Adver- tisement Poster Contest, which invites select area
For instance, Brown re- veals FKL has helped the library purchase tables and
Although FKL solely in- vests its time and resources into Kailua Public Library, Brown — who started vol- unteering with FKL in 2018 and was elected president in 2019 — is also aware of the bigger picture.
Students eligible to en- ter were given instructions through their school and will submit entries later this month.
FKL is located at 239 Kuu- lei Road, and the bookstore is open Mondays-Saturdays.
(Above) Friends Of The Kailua Library president Robert Brown stands next to
a shelf of books. (Below) Posing for a photo are (from left) secretary Helen Ettlinger, volunteer Cory Sparks, board member Kay Tompkins, Brown and vice president Debbie Chillingworth of Friends Of The Kailua Library. PHOTOS COURTESY FRIENDS OF THE KAILUA LIBRARY
For more information, vis- it fklweb.wordpress.com.