SPECIAL

BILL'S BOOKMOBILE, a bargain book/video store fundraiser for state libraries; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 1, 690 Pohukaina St., Kaka'ako; information, 536-4174.

WRITING RETREAT, a writing exercise (story, poem, memoirs, etc.) with other beginning and experienced writers, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. May 1, Windward Community College, Hale 'Ākoakoa, rooms 107/109; open to age 16 and older; $5; recommended: writing materials, sack lunch, coffee mug, a morning snack table contribution; registration, 235-7433.

HAWAI'I KAI PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOKSALE, used books (on all subjects, including Hawaiiana, most under $2), CDs, DVDs; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 1 and 2; information, 397-5833.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (celebrated worldwide on first Saturday in May), with distribution of free comics to those with state library card at various libraries (including public libraries in 'Aiea, 'Aina Haina, Hawai'i Kai, Kailua, Kapolei, Liliha, McCully-Mō'ili'ili, Mililani and Lahaina), library hours, May 1; appearances of costumed Star Wars stormtroopers, 10-11:30 a.m., 'Aiea, and Kapolei, and 2-4 p.m., Kailua and Liliha; information, 973-1099.

HAWAII LITERACY ORIENTATION, for those who want to become volunteer reading tutors (training sign-up after orientation); 10 a.m.-12 p.m. May 1, Aloha United Way Building, Vineyard Boulevard; information, 537-6706.

UPCOMING

WAIPAHU PUBLIC LIBRARY Preschool Story Time, for ages 3-5 (children must be accompanied by adult), with stories and songs, 10:30 a.m. April 27, Waipahu Public Library; information, 675-0358.

"A Tribute to Slack Key," with Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner John Keawe, part of the Tuesday Night At the Library series at Kahuku Public & School Library, 6:30 p.m. April 27; free; information, 293-8935.

THE SAKURA ENSEMBLE, free performance of Hawaiian, European and Japanese music, suitable for all ages, 6 p.m. April 28, Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library, Big Island; information, 808-887-6067.

BOOK LAUNCH/SIGNING/READINGS for independent small press Bamboo Ridge Press' release of "No Choice But to Follow," a year-long "poetry chain" written by four local poets, 5:30 p.m. April 28, Kapi'olani Community College, 'Ohelo Building, Tamarind Room; $12 suggested donation at door; reservations recommended, 626-1481.

"SOUL TALK," a performance by Native American poet Joy Harjo, 7 p.m. April 29, University of Hawai'i-Mānoa, Art Auditorium; book signing to follow; information, 956-7619.

KAUI HART HEMMINGS, author of "The Descendants," will read from her works and answer questions, in an appearance sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, Hawai'i Pacific University's English honor society, 2-3 p.m. April 30, HPU, Warmer Auditorium, 1060 Bishop St., penthouse; information, 544-0879.

BOOK SIGNINGS

PATRICIA WOOD, whose father won the Washington state lottery, will discuss her book "Lottery," 2 p.m. April 25, Kaimukī Public Library, Adult Reading Section; free, for adults and ages 12 and older; information, 733-8422.

NENE AWARD WINNING AUTHOR Cornelia Funke will sign copies of her books, including the Inkheart trilogy, 3 p.m. April 29, Barnes & Noble, Kāhala Mall; a percentage of store proceeds to go to the Nene Awards Committee; information, 737-3323. (related event below):

CORNELIA FUNKE, meet-the-author opportunity, reading and question-and-answer session, 2:30-4 p.m. April 30, Hawai'i State Library, Edna Allyn Room; information, 586-3510.

SUSAN YUEN will sign copies of "Bento Box 2," noon May 1, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana; 3 p.m. May 1, Borders Books, Ward Centre; 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 2, Japanese Cultural Center; and 2 p.m. May 2, Borders Books, Waikele; information, 732-1709.

"THE POLYNESIAN TATTOO TODAY," book signing, 7 p.m. May 1, Kāhala Mall; information, 732-1709.

LIBRARY CHANGES

KAPA'A PUBLIC LIBRARY, Kaua'i, has returned to its regular 40-hour schedule: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 12-8 p.m. Tuesdays; information, 808-821-4422.

PASSPORT APPLICATION SERVICE HOURS EXTENDED, acceptance of DS-11 passport application forms, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays; Hawai'i State Library, Federal Documents Section, second floor (Punchbowl Street side); information, 586-3477, www.librarieshawaii.org/services/passport1.htm.

MOUNTAIN VIEW PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY, Big Island, has reopened, following interior renovation/maintenance; hours: 12-8 p.m. Mondays; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays; 808-968-2322.

PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY, Big Island, has reopened following renovations (information, 808-928-2015):

• New hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays; closed other days.

• Passport application service discontinued.

KAPA'A PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS CHANGE (due to staff shortages): 12-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 2-7 p.m. Tuesdays; closed Saturdays and Sundays; information, 808-821-4422.

NEW KALIHI-PĀLAMA PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE: 1-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 832-3466.

PĀHOA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY, Big Island, has reopened: hours 1-8 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; information, 808-965-2171.

KAILUA, KONA, PUBLIC LIBRARY, Big Island, has changed Tuesday hours to noon-7 p.m. (instead of 11 a.m.-7 p.m.); rest of schedule unchanged; information, 808-327-4327.

ONGOING

YWCA BROWN-BAG LUNCH BOOK CLUB, 12-1:30 p.m. third Tuesday monthly; Laniākea (former Richards Street) YWCA; information, 538-7061.

KAHUKU BOOKMOBILE offers books, CDs, audiobooks and free Internet access on Mondays to holders of a state library card; information/varying locations, 293-8935.

NATIVE BOOKS/NĀ MEA HAWAI'I CLASSES, ongoing, including lauhala weaving, lei hulu (feather) workshops (lei, kahili and other hulu items), beginning Hawaiian language, watercolors, hula (beginners and intermediate, young adult to kūpuna) and beginning 'ukulele; various times, Ward Warehouse store; some fees; information, 596-8885.

Youth Speaks Hawaii, slam poetry workshops, 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays, The ARTS at Marks Garage; free; 387-9664.

PLAY READING GROUP, with discussion and dramatic readings, 6 p.m. second Friday monthly, First Unitarian Church; free; bring snacks to share; information, 526-1191.

FOR KEIKI

TODDLER STORYTIME, for ages 1 1/4 to 3 (with parent/caregiver), with interactive stories, sing-along, games and action rhymes, and playtime session with educational toys and puzzles; 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays (except holidays), through April, and September-November; McCully-Mō'ili'ili Library; free; 973-1099.

Preschool storytimE, stories, sing-alongs, finger plays and a simple craft, for pre-school age and older (accompanied by parent/caregiver), 10:30-11 a.m. Sundays, through June 6, Kaimukī Public Library; free; 733-8422.

KEIKI STORYTIME, for preschool age through age 6 (with parent/caregiver), with stories, sing-alongs, finger plays and rhymes, and color or craft project, 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wailuku Public Library, Children's Section, Maui; free; 808-243-5766.

HAWAI'I KAI PUBLIC LIBRARY CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS, library meeting room; free; information, 397-5833:

• Preschool storytime, ages 3-5 (with caregiver), with stories, sing-alongs, finger plays and make-and-take craft sessions; 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, through April 2010.

• Toddler Puzzletime, ages 1 1/4-3 years (with caregiver), with educational puzzles, toys, storytime, songs and finger plays; 10:30 a.m. first Thursdays monthly.

SATURDAY KEIKI STORYTIME, for children 3 and older (with adult supervision), including stories, songs and rhymes; 10:30-11 a.m. Saturdays, Hawai'i State Library, Edna Allyn Children's Room; free; information, 586-3510.

Keiki storytime, with books, games and songs; 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Saturdays, Borders, Waikele; free; 676-6699. Also, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Borders, Ward Centre; free; 591-8995.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Mililani Public Library; free; 627-7470.

Preschool storytimE, stories, sing-alongs, finger plays and a simple craft, for ages 3-5; 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Waikīkī-Kapahulu Public Library; free; 733-8488.