Gov. David Ige and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige were joined by Japanese dignitaries at the Hiroshima Prefectural Library to commemorate the signing of the Sister-Library Agreement.
The agreement, between the Hawaii State Public Library System and the Hiroshima Prefectural Library, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Sister State Agreement between the State of Hawaii and Hiroshima Prefecture. “This sister-library relationship, the first in Hawaii’s history, is just one example of Hiroshima and Hawaii working together as sister states, promoting a love of reading and sharing the islands’ unique culture and aloha through books,” Amano-Ige said in a release from the governor’s office.
Mrs. Ige donated two books to the Hiroshima Prefectural Library: “Leilani Blessed and Grateful” by Iolani School teachers Greg Bowman and Alan Suemori, illustrated by Jamie Tablason, and “Snow Angel, Sand Angel” by author, poet and educator Lois-Ann Yamanaka, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky. The books, according to the release, feature educational facts about Hawaii, Hawaiian activities for children, a glossary of Hawaiian words and information about Hawaii’s 10 climate zones.
“I hope young readers and their families will come to the Hiroshima Prefectural Library and borrow these books to learn about Hawaii, and perhaps visit us one day,” Amano-Ige said.