Nancy Eckman (left) and Mihaela Stoops with People for Educational Equality show some of the boxes of books to be given away.

LAHAINA — A free book giveaway, prizes and reading aloud sessions from some of Maui’s local readers is planned for Saturday, March 11, in front of the Maui Friends of the Library Bookstore in the Outlets of Maui, across from Kate Spade.

Pre-schoolers through eighth grade children are invited to attend and choose from more than 250 brand new and like-new books.

There will be “story time” on the stage with a new read starting every half hour. Along with one free book, young participants will all be able to draw to win prizes of other books, school supplies, activity books, composition books and gift cards.

The event, running from 10 a.m. to noon, is sponsored by People for Educational Equality (PFEE) and the Maui Friends of the Library. Free parking is available in the Outlets lot at Papalaua Street, where directional signs will lead the way to the event.

“Since this weekend is the start of spring break, we thought it would be an ideal time to provide incentives to read books,” said Barbara Potts, president of PFEE. In addition to planning the event, the group also purchased $1,000 in new books for the give-away. Maui Friends of the Library will be providing gently used books as well.

People for Educational Equality helped fund an extensive volunteer tutoring program for Lahaina children in grades three through eight prior to the COVID-19 shutdown.

“We are just getting started again but will be planning other activities for kids in the near future,” said Potts.

Maui Friends of the Library Store Manager Debra Pestrak added, “We’re excited to support this community effort to encourage our keiki to read more. We hope the giveaway will draw lots of students on break from our local schools.”