Hawaiʻi State
Public Library System

• May 12, 2026 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
• Categories: Community, Culture, Entertainment, Learning
• Contact: 808-377-2456

A special, family-open edition of Stories We Carry.

Mother’s Day is May 10th – and we’re keeping the celebration going. Because this gathering is about something even wider than one day. It’s about the people who built us. A mother. A grandfather. A teacher who saw something in you before you saw it yourself. A neighbor who showed up. A sibling who told you the truth. A friend whose belief in you changed the direction of everything.  Every one of us carries at least one story like that. This is the space to share it.

This is an intergenerational storytelling circle – all ages are welcome. From keiki to kupuna. From 5 to 105. Because stories don’t belong to one generation. And every voice in the room matters.

You might hear a child speak about a grandparent. A parent share about a teacher who changed their life. A kupuna tell a story their family has never heard before. A family – sitting together – listening to each other in a completely new way.

This is not a performance. Not a lecture. Not a program. It’s a circle of real people, sharing real stories, in a warm and welcoming space.

And yes — there’s more.

We’re celebrating. Which means special prizes and a raffle on the night. Every person who shares a story will be entered. Every person who shows up has a chance to win. Come for the stories. Stay for the surprises.

How it works

Volunteers are invited to share a brief story — just 3 to 5 minutes. If you’d rather listen, that’s just as welcome. There’s no wrong way to be here.

No preparation needed. No perfect words required.

Just bring yourself — and the story you carry.

Come as a family. Come with a friend. Come on your own.

You’ll leave knowing the people around you a little better.

And maybe — just maybe — understanding yourself a little more too.

Stories We Carry gathers every second Tuesday.  All are welcome.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change.

• May 14, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
• Categories: Arts & Crafts, Books, Learning, Reading programs, Storytime (for kids)
• Contact: 808-377-2456

Join Aunty Beth at Storytime! We read books, sing songs, and make a craft. Suitable for children 2-5. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. See you soon!

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change.

• May 15, 2026 @ 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
• Categories: Games
• Contact: 808-377-2456

Interested in playing basic Chinese mahjong? Stop by the library for a chance to play! Tables are open for players with 6+ months of experience playing.

Classes are available in July and August; please call or ask at the Reference Desk to sign up.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.

• May 20, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
• Categories: Branch book clubs
• Contact: 808-377-2456

May’s book club pick is Orbital by Samantha Harvey.

The Aina Haina Book Club will meet on Zoom.

For more information or to register to attend, contact the library at 808-377-2456 during open hours.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.

• May 21, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
• Categories: Arts & Crafts, Books, Entertainment, Learning, Music, Reading programs, Storytime (for kids)
• Contact: 808-377-2456

• May 22, 2026 @ 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
• Categories: Games
• Contact: 808-377-2456

Interested in playing basic Chinese mahjong? Stop by the library for a chance to play! Tables are open for players with 6+ months of experience playing.

Classes are available in July and August; please call or ask at the Reference Desk to sign up.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.

• May 28, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
• Categories: Arts & Crafts, Books, Learning, Music, Reading programs, Storytime (for kids)
• Contact: 808-377-2456

Join Aunty Beth at Storytime! We read books, sing songs, and make a craft. Suitable for children 2-5. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. See you soon!

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change.

• May 29, 2026 @ 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
• Categories: Games
• Contact: 808-377-2456

Interested in playing basic Chinese mahjong? Stop by the library for a chance to play! Tables are open for players with 6+ months of experience playing.

Classes are available in July and August; please call or ask at the Reference Desk to sign up.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.

• June 6, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
• Categories: Arts & Crafts
• Contact: 808-377-2456

The O’ahu Master Gardeners present a program on low-water plant ideas for home gardens! Learn about xeriscape gardening and make your own succulent wreath to take home.

Space is limited; call or sign up at the Reference Desk to reserve a spot.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.

• June 17, 2026 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
• Categories: Branch book clubs
• Contact: 808-377-2456

June’s book club pick is On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong.

The Aina Haina Book Club will meet in the library for a brown-bag lunch and discussion.

For more information or to register to attend, contact the library at 808-377-2456 during open hours.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.