Hawaiʻi State
Public Library System

• March 24, 2026 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Categories: Computer classes (free!), Learning, Technology
• Contact: 808-323-7585

Feeling lost? Need help with learning that new (or old) smartphone and don’t know where to start?

This beginner-friendly smartphone class will help participants gain confidence in using their mobile devices to stay connected, informed, and safe online. We’ll start by exploring what a smartphone is and how it works, learning the basic features, gestures, and security options that keep your device running smoothly. Students will practice adjusting settings like display, sound, notifications, and accessibility tools to make their phones easier to use. The course also covers how to make calls, send text messages, connect to the internet, and download apps—focusing on Zoom for live practice with video calls and telehealth. We’ll also discuss mobile banking, online safety, password management, and tips for keeping your information secure with multi-factor authentication.

This class is in partnership with Māpunawai and supported by the Hawaiʻi State Rural Health Association. Smartphone Mapunawai Registration Page for Kealakekua or call the library (808-323-7585) for assistance.  Space is limited to 10 participants.

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. 

• March 25, 2026 @ 1:20 pm - May 27, 2026 @ 1:50 pm
• Categories: Books, Community, Culture, Entertainment, Films & Movies, Games, History, Learning, Music, Science, Technology, Writing
• Contact: 808-323-7585

Calling all super fans! Swing by the library after school for a mini Jeopardy-style trivia game packed with your favorite fandoms – from Marvel to Middle-earth, and everything in between!

This event is free and suitable for ages 6 and up. Snacks included.

All materials are generously provided by Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.)

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.

• March 30, 2026 @ 3:15 pm - 3:50 pm
• Categories: Learning, Research, Science, Technology
• Contact: 808-323-7585

Science sparks at your library!

Each month brings a surprise hands-on science activity – mix, build, explore, and discover something new! For curious kids ages 6 and up. Come spark your imagination!

Recommended for children ages 6 and older. Young children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Program sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.)

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.

• April 1, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
• Categories: Books, Learning, Writing
• Contact: 808-323-7585

Meet author/artist Caren Loebel-Fried who will share her “behind-the-scenes” in the making of her latest book, Finding Home, a Hawaiian Petrel’s Journey. With stories, photos, and art, Caren will take you on a journey through her adventures in ʻUaʻu colonies throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Learn ways that you can help the ʻUaʻu, and get ideas about how to tell your own stories, too!

Caren Loebel-Fried is an award-winning author and artist from Volcano, Hawaiʻi. Caren has written and illustrated nine storybooks to date, including Manu, the Boy Who Loved Birds, A Perfect Day for an Albatross, and Hawaiian Legends of the Guardian Spirits. Caren’s love of seabirds is fueled by fieldwork on Midway Atoll with the albatross census team, and research of the ʻUaʻu, the Hawaiian petrel, and other seabirds on their breeding grounds throughout the Hawaiian Islands. With art and stories, Caren aims to bring people closer to the natural world in the hope that they will want to help care for it.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.).

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. 

• April 14, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Categories: Arts & Crafts, Learning
• Contact: 808-323-7585

Discover the art of block printing in this hands-on workshop for teens and adults. Participants will learn the fundamentals of printmaking while creating a custom bird design.

• April 27, 2026 @ 3:15 pm - 3:50 pm
• Categories: Learning, Research, Science, Technology
• Contact: 808-323-7585

Science sparks at your library!

Each month brings a surprise hands-on science activity – mix, build, explore, and discover something new! For curious kids ages 6 and up. Come spark your imagination!

Recommended for children ages 6 and older. Young children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Program sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.)

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.