The Hawai'i State Public Library System will kick off its Children's Summer Reading Program this month by hosting storyteller Janice Terukina's "Island Kine Stories" at eight public libraries, starting at 10 this morning at the Wai'anae Public Library.

Auntie Jan will share folktales, poetry and games from around the world during the 45-minute free programs.

Her other programs will be at public libraries in Wailuku, Maui (6:30 this evening); Kihei, Maui (10:30 a.m. tomorrow); Lana'i (10 a.m. Tuesday); Laupahoehoe and Honoka'a, Hawai'i (9 a.m and 3 p.m. Wednesday, respectively); Mountain View, Hawai'i (10 a.m., June 21); and Hilo, Hawai'i (10 a.m., June 22). For additional information, visit www.librarieshawaii.org.

PIGEONS, MORE, ON TAP AT LIBRARY

Pearl City Public Library will host four afternoon programs as part of the state library system's Children's Summer Reading Program.

"Rainbow Pigeons" will be at 1 p.m. Monday. Uncle Doug Beter will talk about his different breeds of pastel colored pigeons and the stages of growth for pigeons. The program is suitable for all ages.

Meet and Greet a Guide Dog will be at 1 p.m. June 25. Learn about guide dogs and their work from a handler and dog provided by the Eye of the Pacific Guide Dogs & Mobility Service Inc. The program is suitable for children ages 5 and older.

Celtic Keiki Celebration of Independence Day will be at 1 p.m. July 2. The dancers will perform to songs such as "You're a Grand Old Flag." The program is for children ages 3 and older.

"Get A Clue" about Pet Care from the Hawaiian Humane Society will be at 1 p.m. July 9. Guest speaker Billie Lueder will provide tips on how to be a responsible pet owner. Children attending the program are invited to bring in old newspapers, empty shoe boxes, paper shopping bags with handles, recycled cans and recycled bottles for the Hawaiian Humane Society. This program is suitable for children ages 3 and older.

For more information about the free programs, call the library at 453-6566.

SACRED HEARTS A TOP 10 FINALIST

Sacred Hearts Academy has been selected as a National School of Character award winner — one of 10 nationwide.

Sacred Hearts will be awarded national recognition and a $20,000 grant as a top 10 finalist — $10,000 of the grant will be earmarked for a character education program, and $10,000 to assist other educators in the community.

Students at the all-girls school at 3253 Wai'alae Ave. dedicate 60,000 hours annually to community service.

The National Schools of Character award program has recognized K-12 schools and school districts for providing exemplary comprehensive character education programs since 1998. Winning programs will be recognized this fall at CEP's 14th National Forum on Character Education, Investing in America's Future in Arlington, Va.