Question: Where can I donate hardcover books ranging from history, architecture, graphics, medical, etc.?

Answer: For starters, you can donate books to your public library.

We thought Manoa Public Library might have been a good candidate for some donated books, since a recent story said the library might not have enough books to fill its shelves after it undergoes a renovation to double its size (see www.starbulletin.com/news/090308_Library_needs_1M_for_books.html).

However, the public is asked to withhold any book donations to Manoa Library for now.

“;There is limited storage space for the remainder of the library's collection and furniture during the two-year construction phase, and there is no room to accept donations at the interim library in the portables at Noelani Elementary School,”; said Paul H. Mark, spokesman for the Hawaii State Public Library System.

Once the library reopens, donations will be welcome.

In the meantime, all other libraries are continuing to accept book donations, although what officials really are looking for are monetary donations, Mark said.

The state library system has set up special trust fund accounts to accept monetary donations for start-up collections at the new Manoa Library and the new North Kohala Public Library on the Big Island.

The donations are tax-deductible.

“;Monetary donations will allow library staff the flexibility to select and order a wide variety of materials and avoid unnecessary duplication of titles, which often happens through book donations,”; Mark said.

Checks are accepted at any public library.

Make checks payable to the Hawaii State Public Library System and indicate which library you'd like to receive the money—Manoa, North Kohala or any other public library.

The designated library will receive the full donation, Mark said.

Mahalo

To the fine officers of the Kaneohe Police Station, namely Officers John Kapapa and Sioape Lautaha Jr., for their rescue of victims caught in the flash flood at the offramp from the H-3 freeway to Kamehameha Highway on Monday night, March 9. These officers, as well as the firefighters who were also at the scene, are not recognized as they should be on their hazardous and courageous performances unless the news media reports the event or it involves many people. Also, I'd like to commend a victim-turned-hero, Petty Officer James Brown of the USS Lake Erie, stationed at Pearl Harbor, for rescuing me from the rapidly rising “;river”; and assisting two women in another vehicle. Be vigilant and thankful for the many services these people perform, many times at the risk of their own welfare. A daily note to the public of their good deeds will not be enough to thank these men and women for their service.—Ronald Yamaoka, M.D., Kailua