Naha, Okinawa – Gov. David Ige and First Lady Dawn Amano Ige today visited the Okinawa Prefectural Government where they joined Japanese dignitaries in signing a Sister Library Agreement between the Hawai‘i State Public Library System and the Okinawa Prefectural Library.

Mrs. Ige presented the Okinawa Prefectural Library with two books — “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 include educational facts about Hawai‘i, activities for children, a glossary of Hawaiian words, and information about Hawai‘i’s ten climate zones.

“I hope young readers and their families will come to the Okinawa Prefectural Library and borrow these books to learn about Hawai‘i and perhaps visit us one day,” said Amano-Ige. “I am confident that this affiliation will promote early literacy, cultural exchanges, and establish a global community for our next generation.”

“We are excited to connect with our sister libraries in Okinawa,” said Stacie Kaneshige, director of the Public Libraries Branch, Hawai?i State Public Library System, who attended the signing ceremony. “This agreement will engage our youngest generation through an exchange of books that celebrate the unique cultures of both Hawai?i and Okinawa.”

The Okinawa Prefectural Government gifted two books for children in Hawai?i – “Inochi no Matsuri” which translates to “Festival of Life;” and “Eisa Daiko De Chimu Don Don” or “Eisa Drums Are Pounding and Exciting,” a picture pop-up book on Okinawan traditions with explanations in both Japanese and English.

On Nov. 1, Gov. Ige and First Lady Amano-Ige visited the Okinawa Prefectural Library to take a tour. They are scheduled to return to Hawai‘i on Nov. 3.