‘Ukulele lending at your library

Male playing an ukuleleHave you ever wanted to learn how to play the ‘ukulele or just needed one to play? You can now borrow Hawaii’s favorite music instrument at a public library! The ‘Ukulele Lending Program is available at all Hawaii’s public libraries. Patrons may use an ‘ukulele at no cost with a valid library card, a completed Loan Agreement, and photo ID.

Each ‘ukulele kit will include 

  • One ‘ukulele
  • Battery-operated tuner – view a video tutorial on how to tune the ‘ukulele
  • Carrying case

How do I borrow an ‘ukulele?

  1. Call a participating library to check availability
  2. Complete a Loan Agreement. One ‘ukulele will be allowed per library card.
  3. Minors interesting in borrowing an ‘ukulele must bring a parent or guardian to present a valid ID.
  4. Visit the participating library with the completed agreement, a valid library card, and photo ID.

What you need to know

  • Three-week loan period
  • ‘Ukulele kit must be borrowed and returned in person to the owning library
  • Do not return in the book drop. The ‘ukulele is fragile and will be damaged

HSPLS is grateful to Leo Daquioag and Jake Shimabukuro of the Music for Life Foundation and partners for making this program possible by donating the ‘ukulele instruments. The goal of the lending program is to make ‘ukulele and ‘ukulele-playing opportunities accessible for all by allowing them to be checked out as easily as books at a local public library.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Labor Day, all public libraries will be closed August 30 to September 1, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Veterans Day, all public libraries will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Thanksgiving Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Christmas Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of New Year's Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

ALERT #1 | Hawai‘i State Public Library System will be conducting network maintenance on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. HST.
Access to our online services will be unavailable during this time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our systems.

ALERT #2 | Mountain View Public and School Library's bookdrop is temporarily closed.