Summer Reading Challenge 2025

The Hawaii State Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge is a core memory from my childhood. It's one of those moments I would look forward to every summer. I remember being so excited to stand in line at the Liliha library waiting for my turn to let our librarian know I finished a book to collect a little prize. It was always a really simple prize like an eraser or pencil but boy did those things give me so much joy. I'm not sure if it was the shear accomplishment or the idea that someone else was celebrating something I loved doing so much.

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When I was given the opportunity to create this year's artwork for the Summer Reading Challenge, you better believe I jumped at it so quickly. This is the second year the library system is partnering with a local artist to illustrate a piece that connects its theme with art. This year's theme is 'Mele.' The theme itself is such a beautiful way of storytelling. When I created the concept behind this artwork, I was inspired by the book, The Kumulipo. It's filled with culturally rich stories. There's a little aunty peeking through the ukulele's sound hole reading The Kumulipo aloud (symbolic of how music can be a way to share stories). The boy sitting on the neck of the ukulele is playing music learned from the library system and the boy leaning back and relaxing is listening to audio books. I really wanted to highlight the many awesome services that our state's library system has to offer.

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Did you know you don't have to be a kid to participate in the program? The prizes have really leveled up! Now you're entered to win four round trip tickets on Alaska Airlines. If you're interested in participating, here's the link: https://www.librarieshawaii.org/summerreading/