BY JESSALYN KIRCHHOFF<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This week\u2019s Hays Public Library preview proves to be as tropical as it gets for a town located in the middle of Kansas. Grab your leis, or get ready to make your own throughout the week, as this week\u2019s featured event, \u2018Hawaiian Legends,\u2019 is one of many Hawaiian-themed events taking place during the week at the HPL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While this week features a Hawaiian theme, there is not a designated theme for each week at the HPL. Outreach and Library Assistant for the Hays Public Library, Mae Moore, explains this week is a unique occurrence that the community should take full advantage of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEach summer is a little different depending on what the overall theme is,\u201d Moore said. \u201cOther weeks this year, besides this one extraordinary week, during the summer do not have a specific theme beyond the overall Summer Reading Challenge theme of \u2018All Together Now,\u2019 which was implemented as an inclusive theme with activities, programs and even food from different places around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moore has played a crucial role in putting this week together, as well as seeing it through because she has a special personal connection to this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am doing a majority of the programs and presentations this week, or at least I have had a hand in putting each of them together,\u201d she said. \u201cI was born and raised in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii. I took many years, approximately 10 years, of Hula Lessons as well as having members of my family in the Queen Liliuokalani Society and the Queen’s Guard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although Jake Mishoulam, an outreach coordinator for the Hays Public Library, does not hail from the islands, he shares Moore\u2019s passion for Hawaii and holds a great love for myths and mythology. Mishoulam will be conducting the “Hawaiian Legends” discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs a scientist, I enjoy researching topics and becoming, if not an expert, at least well-learned in almost everything,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mishoulam summarizes the \u2018Hawaiian Legends\u2019 conversation as \u201ca program that will be roughly an hour-long discussion of some of the most prevalent myths and legends of Hawaiian Culture, and how some have been adapted into modern media.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mishoulam expands on this summary by going into further detail about the importance of events like \u2018Hawaiian Legends\u2019 at the HPL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe opportunity to better understand different cultures is an invaluable experience,\u201d he said. \u201cGiving members of the community an opportunity to share their culture and heritage with those around them is a powerful thing, and gives families a way to educate their kids in a fun and interesting way about all the different places and people in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moore said she believes that all of HPL\u2019s programs year-round are a benefit to our community because it is a time to be social with others and learn about something new. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSpecifically, this Hawaii week, I\u2019m hoping that it will present as a chance to share my love for my home and teach people about the customs, the dance of Hula, and the love of Ohana (Family) while being together to celebrate all the events of life,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moore hopes that, from these programs, our community will learn some of the history of Hawaii as well as how the people live and love their land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHawaii is a very laid-back mixed group of nationalities and personalities,\u201d she said. \u201cI am hoping to let people know that the Islands are very sacred to the people, but also a great place to visit, if done with respect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rest of the Hawaiian-themed week events are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monday, June 19, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tuesday, June 20, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wednesday, June 21, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thursday, June 22, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday, June 23, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday, June 24, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n