Just For Kids

A Bit of Keiki Services History

Our first keiki event ever was held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 year and coincided with a Dr. Seuss birthday party which, in turn, was part of the nation's largest reading celebration – the NEA's “Read across America Day.” In 2009, over forty participants enjoyed readings of two favorite Dr. Seuss books accompanied by Dr. Seuss related arts and crafts activities. Candace Bishop, one of our dedicated Friends' volunteers, was our wonderful reader. Following the activities, birthday cake was served and prizes given out to all of the children in attendance. If success is measured by the smiles on cake-streaked faces and the happy thank-yous, the party was a great success.

The Friends of the North Shore Library want to thank all volunteers who made that premier day, and all child-centered events since, possible.

The Friends of the North Shore Library at Princeville have dedicated board members and volunteers as well as other library resources to the production of ongoing keiki program in which all in the community can engage and participate.  Free and open to the pubic without the necessity of reservations,  the Ka Hola Kamalei program began on February 22, 2011 and has been meeting every Tuesday since from 10:30-11:15 a.m. in the children’s section of the library. 

Licensed teachers facilitate the program for children ages 0-5 who have brought along their `ohana.  Many children have been bringing at least one grandparent along with them.  Dads are bringing babies and preschoolers, too!  Tutus bring their grandchildren, and some tutus just come by to watch and admire the little ones at play.  Parents are volunteering to help, bringing in songs to share with others and even musical instruments.  Children and parents not only sing, but they listen to a story and then make a craft that is related to the story to take home with them. 

OTHER KEIKI PROGRAMMING
The keiki program will continue to have a once a month activity on Wednesday afternoons at 3:00 p.m.  April will feature a visit from the Purple Striped Honu Theater group at the library.  Date to be announced.  Other programs are in formulation stages.

Come and join us!  DON’T FORGET YOUR LIBRARY CARDS—OR GET ONE IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE!

Things to look for this year:

• April : National Library Week - come visit the library, check out a book, and READ.
• April : National Volunteer Recognition Week - thank someone who gives their time.
• May: Children's Book Week - check out some more books!
• June: Summer Reading Program - for all grade levels - watch the “Keiki Korner” on the website, or check at the library's front desk for additional information as it becomes available.

Everyone recognizes the life-long importance of reading as a form of entertainment and enlightenment. That's why it's important to create, in children, an interest in the reading process. One way to achieve that is to create a positive narrative experience through the regularity of a routine story time for younger children.

Storytime is Important!

• Start reading to children early in their lives
• Choose age-appropriate books
• Prepare children for storytime with questions and music
• Use voices and characters to entertain children

Bring your children (keiki) to the library whenever the library offers a Saturday story time session for young children. Check the calendar for dates that Children's Storytime will be offered.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are welcome to assist the keiki program director, Christena Southwick with any and all keiki activities and/or ideas.  The Friends of the Library are dedicated to reaching out to the keiki community, and indeed the programming success the community has enjoyed has been due to the interest and support of the volunteer community.  Mahalo!