CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM The Friends of the Library of Hawaii opened their new bookmobile bookstore Saturday. The renovated vehicle, located at 690 Pohukaina St., is open Mondays through Fridays and offers a variety of reading and audio materials. CLICK FOR LARGE

Bookmobile becomes benefit bookstore

The Friends of the Library of Hawaii have converted a decaying bookmobile into a new bookstore that is now selling used books.

The new store, called "Bill's Bookmobile," is located at 690 Pohukaina St. in Kakaako, where the Friends are situated. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

A grand opening was held Saturday, featuring a lion dance, entertainment by the Royal Hawaiian Band and free refreshments.

The renovation of the bookmobile, in storage and "cannibalized" for parts for the past seven years, was made possible through a gift made in memory of Bill Harper, an avid reader and supporter of public libraries, according to Byrde Cestare, executive director of the Friends.

She said Harper's estate donated more than $6,000 for the renovation, which cost almost $10,000 in all. The vehicle was hauled from Kaneohe, professionally cleaned and refurbished, and fitted for shelves and air conditioning.

The bus can hold 2,200 to 3,000 books, and proceeds from sales will help support the state's 51 public libraries.

Cestare said the Friends have more than enough books to stock the bookmobile year-round and still have enough left over for their popular sale of donated books every July.

"We are overwhelmed with donations of books," she said.

The Friends will also accept donations at the bookmobile.

For more information, visit www.friendsofthelibraryofhawaii.org.