The Hawaii State Public Library System will offer free programs and events statewide this holiday season, from special story times and movie screenings to Christmas concerts and craft workshops. All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Contact the host library as soon as possible if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed. Other holiday events might be added; contact your local library for details.

We Ring for the Holidays!: The Honolulu Handbell Ensemble will present Christmas concerts at two libraries. The ensemble is directed by Anne Craig Lum and comprised of handbell choir directors and advanced ringers from Oahu churches. They will perform holiday music using English handbells and chimes.

» Today, 10:30 a.m., Hawaii Kai Public Library, 397-5833

» Dec. 17, noon, Hawaii State Library, 586-3520

Paka‘a Lanakila!: The Spring Wind Quintet will perform this special commissioned work narrated by composer Jon Magnussen as well as classical and seasonal music at two libraries.

» Today, 11 a.m., Kailua Public Library, 266-9911

» Dec. 10, noon, Hawaii State Library, 586-3520

Christmas ideas demonstration: Volunteers from Oahu Association for Family and Community Education Clubs will demonstrate how to make simple and economical decorations and gifts, and provide food ideas for Christmas. Food samples will be offered. The program is suitable for ages 12 and older.

» Today, 10:30 a.m., Aina Haina Public Library, 377-2456

» Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library, 831-6831

Seventh annual Holiday Music Festival: Tuesday, 6 p.m., Kahuku Public & School Library, 293-8935. The performance will feature Vocal Motion, the award-winning show choir of Kahuku High School; a Brigham Young University-Hawaii string ensemble; a keiki chorus; and an adult women’s choir. This program is suitable for all ages; refreshments will be served.

Make a Holiday Season Potpourri Angel Ornament: Wednesday, 5 p.m., Kealakekua Public Library, 323-7585. Using basic sewing skills, create an angel ornament with flannel fabric, cinnamon sticks, potpourri, felt and tulle. Visit the library to see two samples on display or for more details. This craft program is suitable for ages 5 and older.

Sugar Plum Fairies & Teddy Bear-ies: Uncle Bwop and Auntie Melinda Wing will present an interactive family holiday story and music program at eight Maui, Molokai and Lanai public libraries. The husband-and-wife storytellers and musicians will share tales, songs and skits about this magical time of the year. Children are encouraged to wear costumes and bring their favorite fairy or teddy bear. The program is suitable for ages 3 and older.

» Wednesday, 3 p.m., Molokai Public Library, 553-1765

» Friday, 10:30 a.m., Kahului Public Library, 873-3097

» Dec. 10, 11 a.m., Lahaina Public Library, 662-3950

» Dec. 15, 2:15 p.m., Lanai Public & School Library, 565-7920

» Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m., Kihei Public Library, 875-6833

» Dec. 20, 11 a.m., Hana Public & School Library, 248-4848

» Dec. 21, 10 a.m., Wailuku Public Library, 243-5766

» Dec. 22, 10 a.m., Makawao Public Library, 573-8785

Special holiday-themed story time: Thursday and Dec. 15, 10:30 a.m., Hawaii Kai Public Library, 397-5833. Keiki can listen to stories, sing songs, recite rhymes and create a simple craft. Suitable for ages 2 1/2 to 5.

Japanese shakuhachi bamboo flute performance and demonstration: Friday, 3:30 p.m., Molokai Public Library, 553-1765. Christopher Yohmei Blasdel will play the shakuhachi and demonstrate how it works in this program sponsored by the East-West Center and the library.

A Magical Christmas: Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m., Hawaii Kai Public Library, 397-5833. Magician Alan Arita will perform a Christmas show followed by a craft activity and light refreshments. This program is suitable for ages 3 and older.

Holiday season puppet times: Dec. 11, 3 p.m., Kaneohe Public Library, 233-5676, and Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m., Kapolei Public Library, 693-7050. Puppeteer Christy Lipps will present her favorite seasonal children’s stories in a lively puppet show featuring handcrafted puppets, finger plays and songs.

A Visit with Santa Claus: Dec. 14, 9:30 a.m., Pearl City Public Library, 453-6566. Keiki can tell Santa their Christmas wishes and receive a goody bag. Parents are encouraged to bring a camera for a photo op with Santa. Registration is requested; please contact the library.

Holiday Family Storytime: Dec. 14, 6 p.m., Mililani Public Library, 627-7470. Preschoolers through sixth-graders can participate in this program of holiday stories and songs.

Spring Wind Quintet Christmas concert: Dec. 17, 1 p.m., Kapolei Public Library, 693-7050. The quintet will perform Christmas music and provide a brief overview of its instruments. Kids will learn how the musicians produce specific sounds from the instruments and how they perform together as a group.

Mele in the Light of the Ancestors: Dec. 21, 6 p.m., Molokai Public Library, 553-1765. Lono Music performs at this program sponsored by the Friends of Molokai Public Library.

"The Polar Express": Dec. 22, 5 p.m., Wahiawa Public Library, 622-6345. Watch the heartwarming, computer-animated movie based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.

Children’s story time: 10 a.m., Dec. 23, Wahiawa Public Library, 622-6345. Christmas-themed story and craft.

Paul H. Mark is the information specialist for the Hawaii State Public Library System.