
“It’s incredible that a middle school girl on Lāna‘i could have access to all of the books in the Hawai‘i State Public Library System statewide, for free!”
I grew up on Lāna‘i and loved the library. Lāna‘i is a small place and has only one library – the Public Library. I was an avid reader and would always participate in the summer reading programs, getting small prizes for keeping and completing a reading log. At an early age, I learned how to request books from other libraries across the state. I found it incredible that a middle school girl on Lāna‘i could have access to all of the books in the Public Library System statewide, for free! I still find this quite amazing! My fondness for libraries continues to this day, and I am grateful to all of the staff and volunteers who make these libraries into welcoming and accessible places.
– Megan

White Whale
Robert Siegel
ALERT | Libraries will observe the Independence Day holiday July 3–5, 2026. Most libraries will be closed Friday, July 3; however, ʻAiea, ʻĀina Haina, Hanapēpē, Hawai‘i Kai, Hilo, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kīhei, Liliha, Makawao, McCully-Mōʻiliʻili, Princeville, Thelma Parker, Wahiawā, Waialua, Waimānalo, Waikīkī-Kapahulu, and Waipahu will be open July 3 and closed Saturday, July 4.
ALERT | All public libraries will be closed in state observance of King Kamehameha Day on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
ALERT | In observance of Memorial Day, all public libraries will be closed from Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25, 2026.