ʻUkulele Lending Comes to Big Island Libraries

Twelve Hawaiʻi Island public libraries will launch a new lending collection of ‘ukulele beginning Thursday, Aug. 26.

Library patrons may borrow ‘ukulele for a three-week period at no cost with a valid library card.

‘Ukulele instruments are donated and supported by the Music For Life Foundation and Jake Shimabukuro, co-director of the ‘ukulele sponsorship. The goal of the program is to make ‘ukulele and ‘ukulele-playing opportunities accessible for all by allowing them to be checked out as easily as books at your local public library.

“We are excited to launch our ‘ukulele lending program for the Hawaiʻi Island community,” said State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich. “We are very grateful to the Music For Life Foundation who are generously sharing their talents and making these ‘ukulele accessible to everyone.”

To launch this new service, the public is invited to a Facebook Live musical performance featuring ‘ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m.

Shimabukuro will be joined by special guests from Hawaiʻi Island, musician Kris Fuchigami, artist Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides and videographer Tracey Niimi. Join the free virtual event at facebook.com/jakeshimabukuromusic/.

The ‘Ukulele Lending Program will be launched at the following locations:

• Hilo Public Library 808-933-8890
• Honokaʻa Public Library 808-775-8881
• Kailua-Kona Public Library 808-327-4327
• Keaʻau Public and School Library 808-982-4281
• Kealakekua Public Library 808-323-7585
• Laupahoehoe Public and School Library 808-962-2229
• Mountain View Public and School Library 808-968-2322
• Nāʻālehu Public Library 808-939-2442
• North Kohala Public Library 808-889-6655
• Pāhala Public and School Library 808-928-2015
• Pāhoa Public and School Library 808-965-2171
• Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library 808-887-6067