The 'Aiea Public Library will offer a free preschool storytime program on Wednesdays.

The program — starting Jan. 21 and running through May 6, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. each Wednesday — will include stories read aloud, fingerplays, sing-along songs and a simple craft.

The program is suitable for ages 2 and older, accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Call the library two weeks in advance if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed.

For more information, call the library at 483-7333.

HILO LIBRARY TO SHUT FOR UPGRADE

Hilo Public Library will be closed for renovations and accessibility improvements beginning Jan. 4.

While the library is closed, book drops will remain open on most days (see posted signs.)

Returned items will be checked in daily.

Renovations include re-roofing, replacement of windows in the front of the library and along the makai wall and other repairs.

Handicapped-accessibility upgrades also will be made to ramps and the children's restrooms.

LUCE FOUNDATION GIVES $275,000

The East-West Center has been awarded a three-year grant totaling $275,000 from the Henry Luce Foundation to provide support for the Korea-United States Journalists Exchange program.

Now in its fifth year, the program sends up to eight Korean journalists to the United States — and an equal number of their U.S. counterparts to South Korea — to meet with leaders of government, business, nongovernmental organizations, academia, and other members of the community.

The program introduces journalists to the political, security, economic, cultural and social issues of each country.

The theme for next year's program is "Bridging the Gaps in Understanding Between Korea and the United States: New Leadership and the Global Economic Crisis," and is scheduled for April 19-May 3.

The American journalists will visit parts of South Korea.

The Korean journalists will travel to Washington, New York City and Detroit.

The program covers all air transportation, lodging, and program-related ground transportation and meals for participating journalists.

The East-West Center is accepting applications from working print, broadcast and online journalists with a minimum of five years of experience.

The application deadline is Jan. 8.

For more information, contact the East-West Seminars program at 808-944-7682 or e-mail journalismfellowships@eastwestcenter.org.

YOUTH VIDEO COMPETITION

'Olelo Community Television is accepting entries to its Sixth Annual Youth Xchange Video Competition.

Youth Xchange is open to all public, private, and home school students statewide. Its theme, "Speak Strong," reflects the contest's mission to educate students about the value of the medium of video.

The entry deadline is March 2.

For more information about each sponsored category, contest updates and video production tips, visit www.olelo.org/yxc or call 'Olelo Community Television at 834-0007, ext. 108.