Question: Are there any organizations that accept old encyclopedias as well as brand-new books, mainly on history and travel, as donations?
Answer: You should have no trouble finding a home for your “new” used books, but “old” encyclopedias, depending on the age, might be outdated and therefore difficult to place.
Another reader inquired about donating maps, and we’d suggest that you both start with the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, a nonprofit group that helps support Hawaii’s 50 public libraries. It accepts donations of books, artwork, vinyl records, CDs and DVDs, maps, puzzles and games that are in good condition. It resells many of the items at events throughout the year. The money raised funds literacy programs at public libraries statewide, as well as grants for librarians and college scholarships for aspiring librarians, according to the group’s website.
Because the charitable organization doesn’t want to be put in the costly position of disposing of items that have no resale value, it lists what it will and won’t accept on its website, at 808ne.ws/folhlist.
To answer the first question: Encyclopedias older than five years and travel books older than 10 years old are not accepted, unless the latter have many pictures, are focused on Hawaii or the Pacific, or have significant literary value or vintage value. New and used books in good condition on historical subjects are accepted.
To answer the second: Maps are accepted, and those focused on Hawaii and the Pacific are especially prized.
Call the Friends at 536-4174 or contact the group through the electronic form on its website for more information.
Q: Do they take magazines?
A: No, unless the magazines are about Hawaii or the Pacific.
Living Treasures
The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii is accepting nominations for the 2018 Living Treasures of Hawaii, recognizing high achievers who have demonstrated excellence in their fields and continue to preserve and perpetuate the islands’ distinctive cultural and artistic heritage. The honor, bestowed to one or more individuals annually in Hawaii since 1976, was inspired by the Living National Treasures (Ningen Kokuho) of Japan, according to a news release from the mission, which is the umbrella organization for Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Hawaii.
Honorees are selected based on their continuous growth and learning in their particular fields, consistent sharing of their expertise, and steady and significant contributions toward a more harmonious and compassionate society for all.
An organization or person may nominate a candidate by submitting a nomination form and up to three recommendation letters. All nominating materials are due no later than Aug. 1.
Nomination forms may be picked up at the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii office, 1727 Pali Highway, or downloaded at 808ne.ws/LTnom. Completed nominations may be submitted by mail to the preceding address, by fax to 522-9209, by email to admin@honpahi.org or dropped off in person at the office during regular hours.
For more information, call 522-9200 or see the website.
Mahalo
On April 8 my husband and I ate dinner at Zippy’s Waipio. As we walked in, we noticed a young mother and her two daughters to the right of our table. They had completed their dinner and were ready to leave. To our surprise, at the end of our meal, the waitress informed us that our tab was paid by this sweet lady. I wish we could thank you personally for your generous act of kindness. I will carry this forward to bless others, as you have blessed us! — Blessed recipients
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
