How the Kapa‘a Library Book Exchange helped us get through COVID
In October 2019, two avid readers and lifetime members of the Friends of the Kapa‘a Public Library, Judy Shabert and Doug Wilmore, designed, built and donated a beautifully-painted, small, yellow building located in front of the Kapa‘a Public Library to be a source of free books available to the public at all times. Children and adults soon took note of the “Take a Book, Leave a Book” Book Exchange, and its shelves became filled with an ever-changing assortment of books for all to enjoy.
Little did they know then that only six months later all six of the public libraries on Kaua‘i would be shut down and our island residents would be left without books to read while we sheltered at home for months. Fortunately, that little yellow building remained open, and books continued to flow in and out at an increasingly higher rate. Lani Kawahara, the Kapa‘a Public Library manager, tells us that the Book Exchange has become a real asset for all ages of readers, especially during these difficult times.
Recently, we noticed that Judy and Doug stopped by to spruce up the paint and add a plexiglass roof to protect the contents. We are ever so grateful to them and to all those who have contributed books this past year. And we are hopeful that the “Take a Book, Leave a Book” Book Exchange will continue to be a source of enjoyment to our community for many years to come.
Isobel Storch is a resident of Kapa‘a and president of Friends of the Kapa‘a Public Library
Kaua‘i deserves better from chief of police
Mahalo to Ken Kashiwahara for responding to Raybuck’s disparagement of Japanese Americans.
Being born and raised on Kaua‘i, I find it hard to know that Kaua‘i’s police chief made comments mocking Japanese Americans. I don’t understand how those under Raybuck’s command can tolerate the working conditions. I don’t understand how those in leadership positions can tolerate working with Raybuck.
I don’t understand how Raybuck was given the red-carpet treatment. How was he even selected above others for the position? Were ethics and morals considered?
Kaua‘i people deserve better. My family and friends on Kaua‘i deserve better. Visitors to the island deserve better.
Isn’t there someone else, possibly a local police officer, who understands the ethnic diversity on Kaua‘i, who will not bully anyone regardless of ethnic group, that can be the police chief?
Mahalo for each of the readers of this letter.
Jan Grayson, ‘Aiea
