Celebrate Summer Reading! Our theme is E Heluhelu Kākou: Mele, and Hawaii’s public libraries will be celebrating the power of storytelling through music, chants, and poetry.

Join guitarist and composer Ian O’Sullivan for a journey into the soul of Hawaiian music—beyond lyrics.

This free 45-minute performance highlights instrumental mele—music that speaks through rhythm, harmony, and technique. Featuring works by early composers like Ernest Kaʻai and Henry Kailimai, and Slack-Key masters such as Ledward Ka‘apana, Leonard Kwan, and Raymond Kāne, the program celebrates the beauty and depth of Hawai‘i’s instrumental heritage. Suitable for ages 11+.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i. This is a production of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program with additional funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the University of Hawai‘i.

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.