Hawaii Association of School Librarians Spring Workshop: Empowering Literacy Through Illustration Don’t forget to register for our spring workshop, which will take place online on Saturday, April 27. The workshop will celebrate and explore the importance of illustration and will include a panel presentation with local graphic novelists Chris Carvalho, Gabrielle Ahulii, and Jon Murakami as well as presentations from your librarian colleagues. We’ll also be holding our annual business meeting including award and scholarship announcements and an important vote on changes to our bylaws. Members attend for free! Register now at https://bit.ly/hasl24 Advocating for Student Access to School Librarians and Libraries The declining numbers of school library programs led by licensed school librarians across the state of Hawaii is not news but is cause for concern. Currently, student access to school libraries managed by licensed school librarians is dismally inequitable, with only 24% of HIDOE schools staffed with licensed school librarians. The majority of these schools (54) are on Oʻahu and only 9 schools on all other islands have library programs managed by highly qualified school librarians. To begin to address this decline, HASL has been working in collaboration with the Hawaii Library Association’s Advocacy Committee to draft and pass HCR188. This resolution affirms the legislature's belief in the value of school library programs led by licensed school librarians. Read the full text of the resolution on our website. The resolution was passed unanimously by the House Education Committee and we’re waiting to see if a hearing will be scheduled with the House Committee on Finance. We urge our members as well as public school parents, students, and community members to reach out their representatives to voice their support for this resolution and for student access to school libraries and school librarians. (Pictured above, Jessica Hogan, Carina Chernisky, Dr. Violet Harada, Sunny Pai, Meera Garud)
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Hawaii Association of School Librarians Spring Workshop: Empowering Literacy Through Illustration We are excited to announce our spring workshop, which will take place online on Saturday, April 27. The workshop will celebrate and explore the importance of illustration and will include a panel presentation with local graphic novelists Chris Carvalho and Gabrielle Ahulii. We are looking for additional presenters to share their work on the value and use of illustration in graphic novels, picture books, nonfiction texts, media for students in grades pre-k - 12. Presenters could position students and librarians as critical consumers or creative producers of illustrated text. You do not have to be a HASL member to present. This is an excellent opportunity to share the important work happening in your school community. In doing so, you enrich our professional community and help colleagues stay inspired and informed. Your work does not have to be perfect to be presentation-worthy. If you're excited about it, we will be too! Please submit your proposal by Thursday, February 29th. Book Donation: PetWalk! The Pam Burns Years The family of Pamela Burns, President & CEO of the Hawaiian Humane society has produced a book on Pam’s 27 year career at HHS. One of Pam’s primary goals was educating the youth of Hawaii and her family would like to honor her memory by donating a copy of her book to every public school library on Oahu. If you have not received a copy of the book and would like to, please reach out to [email protected] Support Independent Bookstores on O’ahu Our students need a robust and diverse literacy and information ecosystem. Independent bookstores are an important component of such an ecosystem and, if you haven’t heard, three new indie bookstores have opened on O’ahu in the past year. Poindexter’s Books in Mililani sells used fiction and nonfiction books, keiki books, comics, manga and graphic novels. They also have DVDs, CDs and vinyl records on offer, as well as Funko Pop! figurines and locally designed stationery. Follow them on Instagram to stay updated on hours and events: @poindextersbooks. BookHouse is a cozy nook nestled into Gather Cowork in Hawaii Kai. The shop buys and sells pre-read books for adults, young adults, and children and also offers literary-themed events such as a tarot-inspired writing workshop with author Angie Hawkins. Skull-Face has established itself as a destination for book and music lovers in downtown Honolulu and features a wide variety of topics, from poetry and photography to military history, true crime and architecture as well as darkly imaginative keiki books. You can find them on Instagram: @skullfacehawaii. Of course, don’t forget our more established indie bookstores; Da Shop in Kaimuki and Bookends in Kailua. As school librarians, we can support these local businesses by promoting them to our school communities and visiting them regularly. Voice Your View
Last month we asked you about your goals for your library program in 2024. Shelley Lau, librarian at Aina Haina Elementary said, “My goals for the library program for 2024 are to create resource lists for my school’s units of inquiry and to finally process the donations that have piled up during the pandemic.” Shelley will receive a $10 Barnes and Noble gift card for sharing her goals with us! This month’s survey: What is your most effective strategy for encouraging student participation in the Nene Award or other book award program? Hawaii Library Professionals Learn Together at HLA/HASL ConferenceThe biennial HLA-HASL Conference that took place December 1-2 was a success thanks to the effective leadership of HLA president Carina Chernisky and HASL VP of Programming Danielle Fujii, as well as the support of all the planning committee members and conference volunteers. One highlight was the ALOHA X Design Workshop facilitated by Miki Tomito, founder and CEO of Education Incubator. Miki led workshop participants through an overview of the meaning of Aloha as articulated by Aunty Pilahi Paki and her grandson, Uncle Pono Shim and which is enshrined in the state Law of Aloha Spirit. Miki then discussed key concepts of the design process and encouraged individuals and groups to ideate strategies for creating library spaces and practices that allow, encourage, and support aloha. Participants included school, public, academic, and special librarians and this diversity of expertise allowed for rich conversations and connections.
Support Lahaina School LibrariesInterested in donating Scholastic Dollars from your book fair to Lahaina school libraries? Check out this flyer with detailed instructions created by HASL member and Aina Haina Elementary librarian Shelley Lau. Upcoming Event: ITeach808 2024This FREE annual conference is back in person at Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu on multiple dates in January and February. Explore AI and it’s role in your school library program, investigate strategies for personal and professional rejuvenation, and connect with the school library community. To register, use the QR code on the linked flyer. Voice Your View: What are your goals for your library program in 2024? Mahalo for your continued hard work and happy New Year!
Caitlin Ramirez, President Meera Garud, HASL Advocacy Chair, coordinated a table spotlighting the importance of school libraries and school librarians at the recent Schools of the Future conference in Honolulu. Our table featured a slideshow of members' libraries as well as posters about the impact of school libraries on student success. We provided multiple handouts including HASL's legislative one-pager, information on the Nene Award and the Anuenue Award, resources for students available at Hawaii State Public Libraries, and a toolkit for linking SEL with picture books from Reading is Fundamental. A number of people from different role groups stopped by our table including current HASL members and librarians and teachers from independent schools, We had a lot of fun and helped raise library awareness among the engaged and dynamic SOTF attendees. Meera also facilitated a meeting with Representative Jenna Takenouchi (House District 27) to discuss how to improve student access to school library programs and certified school librarians throughout the state. Representative Takenouchi shared several possible steps forward including drafting a bill or a resolution about school libraries and librarians. A bill is harder to pass but has more legal and actual impact. A resolution is a statement of belief or intent that is easier to pass but will not require any actual action to be taken. In either case, having a bill or resolution up for consideration in the legislative session may motivate HASL members and school library supporters throughout the community to reach out to their legislators and draw attention to this important issue. Representative Takenouchi reminded up that passing legislation is a marathon, not a sprint but that she'll continue to be an engaged partner in this effort. Mahalo for supporting Hawaii's keiki, Caitlin Ramirez, President Senator Hirono Convenes Roundtable to Discuss Book BanningOn Wednesday, October 11th, I had the honor of representing HASL at a roundtable discussion with Senator Hirono on the importance of protecting our keiki’s right to read. Also in attendance were State Librarian Stacy Aldrich, Legal Director of Hawaii ACLU Wookie Kim, as well as two high school students, one from the University Lab School and one homeschooler. During the meeting, I shared the HIDOE updated Library Materials Selection Guidelines and the need for all stakeholders, especially administrators, parents, and non-certificated library staff to be aware of and follow the guidelines in order to ensure student access to diverse materials. Senator Hirono attended the recent Judiciary Committee Hearing on Book Banning, which I recommend listening to when you have the time. In our meeting, she stated her unequivocal support for students’ right to read and for the importance of library collections that reflect and celebrate the rich diversity of our community. She also shared that her love of reading was sparked by her own school librarian at Koko Head Elementary, Ms. Petrie, which goes to show the importance and power of the work we do every day. I’m heartened by Senator Hirono’s attention to this important issue. Coffee Talk: Effective and Ethical Use of Generative AI in School LibrariesSeveral HASL members joined together to talk story about generative AI in the library. Mid-Pacific Institute’s Director of Libraries David Wee shared several innovative ideas such as guiding students to use ChatGPT as a tool to generate ideas for a long-form essay on a topic of their choice as well as helping students visualize how generative AI fits into the structure of the World Wide Web. Sacred Hearts librarian Laurel Oshiro discussed her reading of Ready Player Two, a follow up to Ready Player One, which was a good reminder of the power of fiction to help us imagine and explore our changing world. If that sounds like an invitation to read, it is. You might want to try one of these books from Penguin Random House. Librarians United Podcast also has a recent episode exploring the topic. Thanks to Meera Garud for taking minutes and to all who attended. Not only did we deepen our understanding of the topic, but we also strengthened our connection to one another. I hope more members join us in our next Coffee Talk. Upcoming Events
Mahalo for all that you do for our keiki! School Libraries Supporting Maui HASL executive board member and Lahainaluna High School Librarian Tara Nakata has been working hard to support school librarians and students impacted by the West Maui wildfires. She is collaborating with HIDOE SLS Joanna Dunn to distribute 150 book bags to HIDOE students so they have materials for independent reading. She is also developing a plan to build and stock Little Free Libraries in temporary housing areas so students can continue to access books until their school and public libraries are accessible again. If you are hosting a Scholastic Book Fair this fall and will be collecting cash donations in the All for Books boxes, consider donating the funds to Maui students. HASL will be collecting these donations and writing a check to Tara Nakata to support efforts to buy books for West Maui students. Email [email protected] if you are interested in participating. HASL executive board member and Mililani Uka Elementary Librarian Jan Lee has partnered with Beanstack to develop a Readathon Fundraiser for Maui. She shared her plan in a webinar on Friday, Sept. 8 with other libraries interested in hosting their own fundraiser. If your school works with Beanstack and you missed Jan’s webinar, reach out to her at [email protected] for more information. Hawaii Library Association, Kamehameha Schools and Mokapu Elementary students collaborated on a project to provide new backpacks and school supplies to students in West Maui. HLA and Kamehameha Schools collected over 3000 backpacks and Mokapu students wrote notes of aloha to pack inside. Retirements Kailua Intermediate School Librarian and HASL member Kathleen Nullet retired on September 1st. After 28 years of teaching, 14 of them as a school librarian and tech coordinator at Kailua Intermediate School, Kathleen has decided to take a break to spend time with her 2-year-old grandson, travel with her husband, and focus on staying active, pursuing knowledge, and connecting with people. We appreciate the years of service Kathleen gave to our keiki and wish her the best of luck. Anuenue Book Award You are probably familiar with the Nene Award, but do you know about our latest statewide student choice book award? The goal of this award program is to support our keiki by advocating for books created in Hawaiʻi in which they can see themselves and each other. How does it work?
Love My Library Day HLA and HASL teamed up to promote libraries in the community on the first annual Love My Library Day. We gathered in Ala Moana Beach Park for a book-inspired costume contest, games and crafts, and sign-waving. We were joined by State Librarian Stacey Aldrich and librarian supporter and state legislator Jenna Takenouchi. Big mahalo to the HLA Advocacy Committee and to HASL member Meera Garud for making this day possible. HIDOE School Library Conference HASL attended the HIDOE School Library Conference on August 10th and 11th at the Prince Waikiki. We loved seeing current and prospective members and talking story about the ways we can support each other and support our keiki. Don’t forget; registration for the Hawaii Library Association and Hawaii Association of School Librarians joint conference will open soon! Upcoming Events
Mahalo for all that you do for our keiki! With aloha, Caitlin Ramirez President, Hawaii Association of School Librarians Aloha library colleagues, the devastation on Maui and the Big Island is heartbreaking. We have two HASL members on Maui and they have both been in touch to let us know they’re safe. We’ve assured them if they wish to relay information and/or specific needs, they can rely on us to share with the HASL community. We’ll continue to reach out to them and provide support as we’re able. HIDOE Superintendent Hayashi has visited the three West Maui public schools still standing: Lahainaluna High School, Lahaina Intermediate School, and Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School. Despite sustaining wind damage, the campus buildings and classrooms are in good condition structurally. Cleaning and testing of both air and water quality will take place in the coming days, and reopening dates will be determined once campuses are confirmed as safe for students and staff. HIDOE is encouraging families of all displaced students to enroll their children in the school closest to their current housing. Hawaii Library Association leadership and our leadership have initiated discussions about ways we can help the Maui community going forward. We’ll share information about this effort as we have it. If you have ideas or would like to be involved, please reach out at [email protected], we welcome your engagement. In parts of the state not directly impacted by the wildfires, the school year is starting. HASL Executive Board is also getting into gear. At the end of last school year, the board said goodbye to three members: Elodie Arellano, Diane Mokuau and Daphne Miyashiro. Elodie is the librarian at Ahuimanu Elementary School in Kaneohe. She has served in HASL as Secretary and VP of Membership. We asked Elodie what she enjoyed about being a board member and she shared that meeting other members on the board and helping with events the organization sponsored were highlights. Daphne Miyashiro is the librarian at Kalani High School in Honolulu. She has served on HASL as chairperson of the National Library Week Committee and Secretary. Diane Mokuau is the librarian at Molokaʻi High School and has served many roles in the past, but most recently held Director of Awards. Mahalo to Elodie, Diane, and Daphne for your leadership and hard work! We also welcomed three members to our executive board: Jenn Duncklee, Keikilani Meyer, and Sandy Domion. Jenn Duncklee is a recent LIS grad from UH Mānoa. She is our new Secretary. While Jenn is on the board, she hopes to advocate for school libraries in the islands. Besides strengthening literacy, school libraries offer a safe space for creating, learning, and exploring and are instrumental in the teaching of information and digital literacy in the modern world. Keikilani Meyer is a librarian at Kamehameha Schools. She is our new Director of Awards. Keikilani aims to use her time on the board to increase Native Hawaiian representation in our profession and mentor Native Hawaiian LIS students. Among the many strengths she brings to the position is grant-writing experience and programming experience. Sandy Domion is the librarian at McKinley High School in Honolulu. She is our new VP of Membership. Sandy brings with her a broad range of experience including working at Waialua High and Intermediate School as an English teacher and librarian, at Maemae Elementary as the librarian, GT teacher, and yearbook creator, and currently serves as the librarian at McKinley High School and an instructor with Hawaii Online Courses. We appreciate you stepping into these roles and look forward to working with you Jenn, Keikilani, and Sandy. Left to right: Jenn Duncklee, Keikilani Meyer, and Sandy Domion To all of our members and to everyone in the Hawaii library community, we hope you are safe and that you continue to be able to provide the support your school community relies on.
The Hawaii Library Association held its annual conference on November 18th & 19th with both virtual and in-person events. I wanted to share some of my take-aways with you. Lessa Kanani‘opua Pelayo-Lozada, the current ALA president, opened the conference by sharing her thoughts on the kuleana of librarians today. She underscored the need for libraries to uplift diverse voices and protect students’ right to read. Across the country, libraries are facing a wave of book challenges and bans and, while Hawaii hasn’t been an epicenter of censorship, it’s in our students best interest to be proactive and prepared. You can find helpful resources at UniteAgainstBookBans.org. ALA also provides a printable PDF pamphlet with the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statement. If you are a HIDOE employee, you can find the state Materials Selection Policy and Controversial Issues Policy here. Educating yourself and your school community about this issue might feel like a risk. You can find the courage you need by reaching out to your community of library colleagues and educators including HASL members and leaders. Sacred Hearts librarian and HASL member Laurel Oshiro presented her experience genrefying the library. While it was a daunting task to accomplish, the changes have empowered Laurel’s students to use the library with more independence and with greater access to print resources. Reorganizing the books also allowed students and volunteers to play a more active role by reshelving books quickly and correctly, which frees Laurel to focus on other responsibilities, such as planning instruction and programming. Laurel drew on the expertise and assistance of others during this process. Kaimuki High School librarian Renea Ruark shared a color-coding system which became the backbone of the new organizational structure. Lauren Nielsen, who was a practicum student with Laurel at the time, assisted with critical steps of the projects such as determining categories, assessing book genres and topics, and physically rearranging the books. Laurel’s willingness to move beyond tradition and reimagine library policies and practices to meet students’ needs more effectively is an example we can all follow. Laurel generously shared the files she created in this Google Drive. After so many virtual events in the past three years, it was a joy to gather in person at the Saturday evening HLA social at the Bishop Museum. Several school librarians and HASL members were in attendance including Susan Clark and Eden Peart (pictured here). Seeing these new and old colleagues and friends reminded me how important it is to nurture relationships with library professionals. I rely on my friends in the library community for inspiration, support, feedback, encouragement, guidance, and celebration. While it’s hard to take the time away from our day-to-day responsibilities, I encourage you to participate in events like the HLA conference in order to fill your own bucket and return to your library communities with renewed passion and insight. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season! Caitlin Ramirez, HASL President School library professionals from across the state came together in August for the HASL/HIDOE joint conference. The two-day event featured national literacy advocate Donalyn Miller. Donalyn is an award-winning teacher and author of books including The Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild. Ms. Miller presented on the joy of reading, increasing student access to books, navigating slumps in reading motivation, and books for a better world. A diverse group of local library professionals joined Ms. Miller as presenters, highlighting the abundance and variety of literacy resources available to students in our state. This included Mid-Pacific Institute Librarians Nicole Goff and Dave Wee discussing strategies for source evaluation with students, HSPLS librarian Danielle Todd showcasing digital resources offered by Hawaii’s public libraries, HIDOE librarian Janice Lee sharing ideas about teaching visual literacy, just to name a few. Many of our valued vendor partners joined us to promote products and services that support student success as well as answer our questions and develop an understanding of our interests and needs. Mike Sweeney from The Library Cooperation, Courtney Mach from Swank Motion Pictures, and Elizabeth Ross from Zoobean ran sessions to help attendees make the most of their products. Infinium Interiors even gave away fun and functional library furniture to a few lucky recipients. Finally, there were exciting hands-on activities featuring maker-space tools like a Glowforge Printer and button-makers. Overall, the conference was a validating and inspiring way to begin the new school year. We want to say a very heartfelt mahalo to the committee organizing the conference for all their hard work. The committee was led by HIDOE’s Joanna Dunn and included HASL executive board members Meera Garud, Danielle Fujii, Susan Clark, and Caitlin Ramirez. We look forward to future conferences. We hope you’ll join us for another exciting professional development opportunity in November; the Hawaii Library Association’s annual conference. American Library Association president Lessa Pelayo-Lozada and UH Manoa Creative Writing professor and poet No’u Revilla will keynote the conference, which will also include an in-person social at the Bishop Museum to celebrate the Centennial anniversary of HLA. Current HASL members get a discount on conference and social registration. Visit the conference website for more information and to register. Two students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa Library and Information Science (LIS) program, Alita Charron and Phuong Nguyen, are the spring 2021 recipients of the Robert and Rita Blair Memorial Award. This award is presented to graduating students who show special promise in providing library services to children and youth. The LIS faculty select awardees based on high academic standing and strong evidence of professional leadership.
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