As the Hawaii State Public Library System completes its newest public library, the Bond Memorial Public Library will begin its move to the new North Kohala Public Library with a great community “Huki Puke”–passing of the books— starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 23.

In the same manner as the construction of the great heiau of Mookini and Puu Kohola, where smooth stones were passed hand to hand from Pololu Valley, the Friends of Bond Memorial Library are asking people to form a human chain to pass the books from the old library to the new North Kohala Public Library. In this way the community can bid aloha to the library that has served Kohala for 81 years and celebrate the new North Kohala Public Library.

Coordinator, Boyd Bond, encourages individuals and families, community groups, church congregations, businesses, and school classes to participate in the book-brigade line. People should plan to arrive between 8 and 8:30 a.m. for ample time to park their cars and get in line in time for the 9 a.m. opening blessing. Participants are advised to eat breakfast beforehand and to bring water, umbrellas, and possibly beach chairs for rest periods. Bond extends an invitation to all Big Island residents and says that those who arrive a bit later in the morning will be also welcomed into the line.

Bond, figures that 2,500 to 3,000 people are needed to span the 1 ¼ mile distance between the two libraries. Volunteers will be on hand to assist with parking and line formation and transportation will be available within the area.

The event will begin with a blessing at Bond Memorial Public Library followed by a blessing at the new North Kohala Public Library. Bond estimates that it will take about an hour and a half to move the collection of nearly 17,000 books, DVDs, and CDs by passing materials that are banded into small bundles . In the event of heavy rain, the Huki Puke will be held at the same time on Sunday, October 24.

Following the Huki Puke, participants will be invited to walk through the new library for a sneak preview of the building.

To keep informed of the event details and possible date changes, send an e-mail to HukiPuke2010@yahoo.com Through this e-mail, Bond will send regular updates. Information will also be available at Bond Memorial Public Library.

Bond Memorial Library plans to close as of October 18. The staff will spend several weeks preparing the new library for a grand opening at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 8.

Call the library at 889-6655 for more information or to sign on as a volunteer to help with preparing for the book passing and setting up the new library.

More info at: www.hukipuke.com