Six hobbies you can start at the Hawaiʻi public library this summer

The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System is home to books, but did you know you can also borrow musical instruments? Here are some of the things keiki of all ages can enjoy this summer using their public library cards.

Borrow a ʻUkulele. Each kit inlcudes a musical instrument, a battery-operated tuner and a carrying case. Loans are for up to three weeks. The ʻUkulele Lending Program is available at all public libraries across the state thanks to a partnership with Leo Daquioag and ʻukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro of the Music for Life Foundation. ʻUkuleles must be returned to a librarian, rather than via the book drop because ʻukuleles are fragile and can be damaged.
Quilt with Hawaiian quilt patterns. The Waiʻanae Public Library, located at 85-625 Farrington Highway in Waiʻanae on Oʻahu, and the Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library, located at 67-1209 Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island, have binders of Hawaiian quilt patterns. The patterns are for in-library use only, but you can trace your own copies of designs to take with you.
Plant a mini garden. Pick up packets of seeds to take home and plant with the family or share extra seeds from your own garden with the community. On Oʻahu, participating spots include the Kahuku Public and School Library, Kaimukī Public Library, Kalihi-Pālama Public Library, Kapolei Public Library, Pearl City Public Library and Waiʻanae Public Library. On Hawaiʻi Island, participating locations include the Kailua-Kona Public Library and Nāʻālehu Public Library.
Learn ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Individual libraries offer programming during the summer, including the Kaimukī Public Library, which is offering a Basic Hawaiian Language class for up to 20 youth. Libraries also offer Mango Languages, a learning tool that provides instruction in more than 70 languages, including ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
Reference Hawaiian sheet music. Sheet music with lyrics in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, English and German is available at the Hawaiʻi State Library, located at 478 S. King Street in Honolulu. Go to the Hawaiʻi and Pacific section to request music for reference. Songs include parts for piano, vocals, guitar and ʻukulele.
Insult the family with some new words! Another fun tool? There is a Shakespearean insult generator! Now you can insult the family and sound smart doing it. Try it. We did, and we canʻt wait for the opportunity to say: You mew bladder bass-court!