Maddy Aoki sits with one foot tucked under ("'cause I stay short," she says). Lee and Lou Hirano (not related) sit across the table. The three call themselves the Tutu Trio; the Hawai'i State Library, where they spend much of their free time, is their command post.

They have a mission, and a deadline coming up fast. "We decided to read all the books by all the authors coming to the Hawaii Book & Music Festival," Aoki says, rolling her eyes. They started all reading together, "like a book club," but soon they were each reading a different title, giving each other crib notes, as they realized how many books were involved.

It's not just titles where the numbers stack up, either: the Hawaii Book & Music Festival boasts 16 venues, 175 events and 500 presenters. Over four years, the attendance has grown, too, with about 30,000 book lovers expected this year.

With all the open space around Honolulu Hale, however, fans say it never feels crowded. And the entire weekend of authors, books, music, events for kids, dance, comedy, storytelling and Hawaiian cultural experiences is totally free.

The three book lovers say they are especially looking forward to meeting John Saul, an author with 32 New York Times-listed, best-selling thrillers under his belt. "I read all about him," Aoki says. "He writes books that scare you. They scared me. Now I understand why he sleeps with a night light!"

What they didn't know is that he lives on the Big Island. The Hiranos are planning to be first in line to have their books signed, after they hear another Hawai'i-based best- selling author, Terry Brooks, read from his novel "Shannara."

HISTORIC MOMENTS

Most events are Islands-oriented, with attention paid to culture and entertainment, fiction and nonfiction.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, who is appearing at the fest, says this will be a rare opportunity to hear three former Hawai'i governors of the state talking about the Islands, past and future.

"I expect some serious discussion," says Cayetano, who anticipates a volley of questions on ceded lands.

Cayetano says he is looking forward to hearing from people who may not have the same frame of reference as the governors do. He notes that he and former Gov. John Waihee differ in their vision for the future of Hawai'i and what tourism does and should mean to the economy. And he is interested in what former Gov. George Ariyoshi's take will be.

In a meet-the-authors session, Cayetano will be presenting his own book, "Ben: A Memoir, from Street Kid to Governor," published by Watermark, already in its second printing, and headed for a third.

He may give out more details on his next project. "I have been thinking about a historic novel, you know, telling some stories of my years in office," he said.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

The phrase "something for everyone" is unavoidable when it comes to the lineup of festival experiences. HECO has an environment and energy pavilion with speakers including Kevin Whitton, author of "Green Hawaii: A Guide To a Sustainable Home," and Gail Grabowski with "Fifty Simple Things You Can Do To Save Hawaii."

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is sponsoring a concert with Cyril Pahinui, Kaukahi and Kimo Kahoano. Expect spontaneous hula. A Saturday evening concert by Jake Shimabukuro is sponsored by Target.

At the Main Stage, the Royal Hawaiian Band kicks things off Saturday, followed by kumu hula Michael Pili Pang and his Halau Hula Ka No'eau. The entertainment includes Hawaiian choral groups, Mihana, Anita Hall, Peter Apo and his Rainbow Nation Band, Kenneth Makuakane and, yes, Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

The Talk Story Stage will be filled with characters, even though there may be only one person talking. Storyteller Jeff Gere plans to bring a crowd of invisible pals on both days of the festival.

Among the many activity choices, folks from the public libraries will read from the new "board books" produced by Jane Gillespie's BeachHouse Press.

"I started these designs because I loved board books. Now I am the mom of two and I understand how they can entertain a 2-year-old with boundless energy," Gillespie says.

Gillespie is also the design guru for Mutual Publishing. "We will have a value-priced booth this year," she notes. "Lots of cookbooks. Think $5 and $10!"

Every Hawai'i book publisher will be represented at the festival.

The Tutu Trio have carefully planned their keiki activities.

"We are all grandmoms and aunties. This is how it is. The parents deliver the kids. They can stay if they want, but we get our time to introduce each and every one of our keiki to literature," says Aoki, as her companions nod in agreement.

One don't-miss, they say, will be actress, playwright and director Eden-Lee Murray presenting a performance of "No Sweat Shakespeah" and serving as the emcee at the Keiki Stage, featuring the Diamond Head Theatre Shooting Stars and mini-selections by nearly every theater group on O'ahu.

SENSE OF PLACE

The Tutu Trio say "this economy thing" has filled library seats again. They agree with Roger Jellinek when he says that the nationwide trend is a back-to-books attitude.

Beyond that, the three word warriors are thrilled with the newest addition to the festival, the Sense of Place Pavilion sponsored by the Hawai'i Council for the Humanities.

"What we have here," says Aoki, "is the true spirit of this event; it's gift-wrapped in Hawaiian culture."

The Pavilion brings together cultural practitioners from every sector of the community and from all islands. The names are familiar; Puakea Nogelmeier, Manu Boyd, Kaipo Hale, Lihau Hannas, Cody Pueo Pata, Davianna McGregor, Noelle Kahanu, Kepa Maly, Maya Saffery, Carol Silva ...

The opportunity to listen as cultural experts share their manao — wisdom — with one another will be an ultimate "only-in-Hawai'i" moment for Aoki, Lee Hirano and Lou Hirano.

"We are so excited — we even thought of sleeping over in the library courtyard, so we could be there when Sam Kaha'i Ka'ai gives the blessing and Richard 'Babe' Bell blows the pu, the conch shell," Lou Hirano says.

One quick smile and they are heads down, back to their speed-reading marathon.