MAKAWAO - Makawao Public Library will offer a reading program, an overview of the Japanese celebration of Boy's Day and a musical play about overcoming cultural differences this month for children.
On Wednesday at 2 p.m., "Read Aloud 1" will be held for children in grades 4 to 6, who will hear stories read by Joanne Laird, assistant training director of Read Aloud America. The event is being held in celebration of Screen Free Week, previously known as TV Turnoff Week, an annual event that encourages children, families, schools and communities to turn off televisions and "turn to life."
On May 10 at 10 a.m., Laird will present "Read Aloud 2" to preschool-age children during the library's Toddler Storytime.
"Boy's Day in Hawaii" will be held Thursday, beginning at 10 a.m. Warren Liu, a retired high school teacher, will present an overview of why the community celebrates Boy's Day. In ancient Japan, samurai warriors honored their sons by flying banners bearing the family crest above the gateways to their homes. Other families hung carp streamers above their gates in hopes that their sons would become samurai warriors. This program is suitable for children ages 3 and older.
In celebration of National Library Week, the world premiere of "We Call Dem Slippahs" will be held May 15 at 10:30 a.m. The Maui Academy of Performing Arts will present the musical written by Maui playwright Derek Nakagawa and directed by Francis Tau'a. The play is an upbeat musical about embracing differences and overcoming cultural prejudices. The Maui Friends of the Library is sponsoring this program, which is suitable for ages 5 and older.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Contact the library as soon as possible if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed.
Makawao Public Library is located at 1159 Makawao Ave. For more information, call the library at 573-8785.
