S4, E11: Indigenizing Library Spaces at Hale Laʻakea Library w/ Cindy Texeira and Sarah Gilman Sur

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In this episode, we chat with Cindy Texeira, Librarian at Windward Community College, and Sarah Gilman Sur, Head Librarian at Windward Community College in Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi, part of the University of Hawaiʻi system.

Together, they have been working to make the library a space where Native Hawaiian students feel a true sense of belonging. This work includes collaboration with Cindy’s daughters, Kainani and ʻAulani Wagner, both students in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Library and Information Science program, to develop a plan for indigenizing the library space at Hale Laʻakea Library at Windward Community College.

Listen as they share how this work began, the wins and challenges along the way, and what the future holds for the Hale Laʻakea Library at WCC. It’s an inspiring conversation, and we hope it resonates with you as much as it did with us.

Hosts: Joan Vigil & LaRee Dominguez

Date of recording: January 9, 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

Ice Breaker Books...

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Articles...

• Ea in the stacks: Indigenizing library spaces at Hale Laʻakea | University of Hawaiʻi System News
• E Naʻauao Pū, E Noiʻi Pū, E Noelo Pū: Research Support for Hawaiian Studies

Indigenizing Spaces via…

• Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea and Ka Malu 'Ulu o Lele Activation Exhibits
• Keiki Reading Day
• Kānaka O Ke Kai Author/Speaker Series
• Lumi ‘Ohana

Language, Dictionaries & Classifications...

• ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
• Wehe Wiki Hawaiian Language Dictionaries
• S3, E4: Maawn Doobiigeng Classification System w/Anne Heidemann & Melissa Isaac

Clubs & Organizations...

• Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club
• Kanaeokana
• Harold K.L. Castle Foundation

Historical Figures...

• Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani