Library program seeks stronger focus on reading

By Wanda A. Adams
Advertiser Books Editor

Like many book lovers, Hawaiian Historical Society director Barbara Dunn often turns to C-SPAN'S weekend "Book World" program, which covers book fairs around the country, and longs for the opportunity to interact with writers, publishers and other readers at such a forum.

A new effort launched yesterday in Hawai'i may make this, and other ideas, come to fruition. It is the Hawai'i Center for the Book, a project spearheaded by the Hawai'i State Library in conjunction with the 15-year-old national Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Established by law, the Center for the Book seeks to bring together writers, booksellers, publishers, illustrators, bookbinders, librarians — anyone interested in literary matters and the value of reading — by sponsoring events, giving out awards and acting as information clearinghouse. An example is the three-year "Telling America's Stories" project, which urges people to write, read and learn stories in their communities, from recording family histories to visiting literary landmarks.

States were invited to create their own centers as early as a decade ago, but the library system here was involved in other projects then, according to Hawai'i State Library director Caroline Spencer. The time seems right now, she said, so a core group has been meeting since June to discuss how the concept of a Center for the Book might play out here.

The group, which included Dunn, writer-illustrator James Rumford, former first lady and literacy advocate Lynne Waihee and others, agreed that the center should not replace the work of any existing organization, but serve as a network by which existing groups could communicate. It will also launch new initiatives, with the initial focus on making more people aware of the work of local authors.

"It's pretty exciting because it's a nationwide movement and Hawai'i is going to be a part of it," said Dunn. "It's like there's an official recognition that books are wonderful."

Yesterday, national Center for the Book director John Y. Cole met with those interested in the center and was keynote speaker for a kickoff reception at the library.

The center concept already is working: Spencer said a recent program by a visiting bookbinder attracted 60 attendees, a larger-than-expected crowd, in part because of the connections formed through the Center for the Book work.

To learn more about the Hawai'i Center for the Book e-mail list, reach Spencer at car@lib.state.hi.us; or at Hawai'i State Library, 478 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813.