‘Mystery’ is the word for kid movies

Aiea Public Library will screen a free series of "mystery movies" during winter break. All shows are December DVD releases and begin at 2 p.m. The movies are suitable for ages 5 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The library is located at 99-143 Moanalua Road. Call 483-7333.

» "Mystery Fantasy Movie" (Dec. 27): Soren is a young owl captivated by his father’s epic tales of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole, a mythic band of winged warriors who fought a great battle to save all of "owlkind" from the evil Pure Ones. Rated PG.

» "Mystery Sci-fi Movie" (Dec. 28): Dom Cobb is a skilled thief who excels at the dangerous art of "extraction," stealing valuable secrets from the subconscious during the dream state. Rated PG-13 (parental guidance suggested).

» "Mystery Family Adventure Movie" (Dec. 29): A magical nanny offers assistance to a young mother of three unruly children who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. Rated PG.

» "Mystery Animated Comedy Movie" (Dec. 30): Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow minions, Gru is planning the biggest heist in the history of the world until he meets up with three orphaned girls who make him view things differently. Rated PG.

» "Mystery Animated Comedy Movie" (Jan. 3): Instead of scaring villagers away like he used to, a reluctant ogre agrees to autograph pitchforks. He is tricked into signing a pact with Rumpelstiltskin, a smooth-talking deal maker who alters the course of his life. Now the ogre must undo all of Rumpelstiltskin’s mischief in order to reclaim his family. Rated PG.

It’s puppet time at Salt Lake Library

Puppeteer Christy Lipps and Balloon Monsoon will present a fun program at Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Lipps is presenting popular children’s holiday stories using handcrafted puppets and songs. Balloon Monsoon will give away balloon sculptures.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Call 831-6831.

Museum notes eclipse, birthday

Bishop Museum is holding two special events in the coming week:

» In honor of Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s birthday, the museum will offer free admission tomorrow. Pauahi, born Dec. 19, 1831, was the great-granddaughter of King Kamehameha I. Her husband, Charles Reed Bishop, founded the museum in her honor.

Enjoy a garden tour at 10:30 a.m., "Living Stories" that bring local stories alive with dramatic presentations and an interactive hula demonstration at 2 p.m. Visit Hawaiian Hall for all events.

Also, all museum exhibits will be open and planetarium shows will be held throughout the day. Call 847-3511.

» Join a free eclipse party on the museum’s Great Lawn from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to see the first total eclipse of the moon in three years, from 9:42 p.m. to 10:52 p.m.

The moon will be within the Earth’s inner shadow and turn reddish copper.

Volunteers from the Hawaiian Astronomical Society will be on hand with large telescopes to help participants observe the moon, or see it from the museum’s large observatory telescope. Also, catch a film on eclipses in the planetarium.

The event is free, but RSVP at 848-4176.

Center celebrates birthday with crafts, tales and cake

Children’s Discovery Center celebrates its 12th birthday tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Highlights include crafts and games, an interactive story time with John Weaver and free cake and ice cream. Local girl Wendy Calio, who plays Nina from Disney’s "Imagination Movers," hosts a dance party from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Interactive exhibits on the three gallery levels also will be open.

Join the fun for the special admission rate of $7. Call 524-5437.