If you check out a book, video or CD from Waimanalo Public and School Library between Jan. 28 and Feb. 3, you’ll be doing more than expanding your child’s or your mind. You’ll be helping a campaign to hire a children’s librarian there.

The Waimanalo library lost its children’s librarian position to state budget cuts about five years ago. The library is now one of just three on O‘ahu lacking children’s librarians, said Richard Burns, its branch manager.

Youngsters in the area are not getting all the special attention, storytelling and events that they might if there were a children’s librarian.

So the Friends of Waimanalo Library group is trying to drum up a show of public support for restoring the position by holding a "5K Book Drive," asking community members to check out 5,000 library items by Feb. 3.

The goal of the drive is to justify the hiring by "showing that we have enough people interested in the library," Burns said.

The campaign will climax with "Explore Waimanalo Library Day," 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 3, a free event featuring local entertainers, storytelling, refreshments, prizes, games, tours and more.

For more information, call 259-9925.

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