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Hilo Public Library
About
Welcome to the Hilo Public Library! Our library is the largest library on Hawai‘i Island and opened on Jan. 20, 1951. The Naha, one of two historic stones located in front of the library, is believed to be what King Kamehameha lifted to affirm the prophecy that he would unite the Hawaiian Islands. Well-known Hawai‘i Island artist Henry Bianchini’s donated sculpture “Involuntary Journey” is located in the library’s atrium.
Upcoming events at this branch
- September 12, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
- Categories: Arts & Crafts
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Let’s celebrate library card sign up month with a book themed craft!
Children and teens are invited to drop in and decorate a bookmark. We will supply the blank bookmark and a variety of crafting materials to create your design. All you need to bring is your imagination! Limit one bookmark per participant, while supplies last. Children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Mahalo to the Friends of the Hilo Public Library for sponsoring this program.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required.
All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- September 16, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Categories: Arts & Crafts
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Do you want to learn more about kendama or build your skills? Snarkle Rocks Education will host an interactive kendama demonstration and beginner-friendly workshop featuring Kendama USA player Jimmy Covington. Participants will learn foundational kendama skills through group instruction, trick demonstrations, and hands-on practice, with support available for all experience levels. Loaner kendamas will be available for beginners who want to try. Following the structured workshop, participants can continue practicing, ask questions, and play together in a relaxed, facilitated setting.
Please note: The maximum participants will be limited to 20 people. This will be on a first come first served basis.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is suitable for ages 6 and older. Mahalo to the Friends of the Hilo Public Library for sponsoring this program.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- September 17, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Categories: Culture, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Aloha kākou! Please join us for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes led by Kumu Edna Baker. Kumu Edna will show us how to include using the Hawaiian language in our daily lives and much more.
Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome.
No registration needed.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change.
- September 17, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Books, Community, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Our community partner, Parents and Children Together, will be hosting a special story time and craft. Join us in the children’s room for this program. Recommend for ages 2 and up with adult supervision. Caregivers and families welcome.
To learn more, visit: Parents and Children Together
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- September 17, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Categories: Culture, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Aloha kākou! Please join us for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes led by Kumu Edna Baker. Kumu Edna will show us how to include using the Hawaiian language in our daily lives and much more.
Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome.
No registration needed.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- September 24, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Categories: Culture, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Aloha kākou! Please join us for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes led by Kumu Edna Baker. Kumu Edna will show us how to include using the Hawaiian language in our daily lives and much more.
Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome.
No registration needed.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change.
- September 24, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Books, Community, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Join us for a story time and information session with Aunty Hazel from Ohana Literacy Assistance. This is a non-profit organization that provides reading and literacy assistance to Big Island families. Children attending will be given a free book suitable for their reading level provided by Ohana Literacy Assistance. This program is free and registration is not necessary.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required.
All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- September 24, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Categories: Culture, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Aloha kākou! Please join us for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes led by Kumu Edna Baker. Kumu Edna will show us how to include using the Hawaiian language in our daily lives and much more.
Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome.
No registration needed.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- September 26, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Books, Community, Reading programs
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Meet our newest therapy dog Adaka! This program is designed to give children and teens a chance to enjoy reading aloud with no pressure and no judgment. However, if you don’t want to read to the dog, you can just visit. All the dogs that participate are specially trained and can help kids of all ages practice reading aloud without judgment. If you want a comfortable setting to practice your reading fluency, reading comprehension, or comfort with canines in general, this is the event for you. Registration is not required.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required.
All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- October 7, 2026 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
- Categories: Books, Community, Reading programs
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This program is designed to give children and teens a chance to enjoy reading aloud with no pressure and no judgment. However, if you don’t want to read to the dog, you can just visit. The registered therapy dogs of K9 Therapets Hawaii visit the first Wednesday of the month. All the dogs that participate are specially trained and can help kids of all ages practice reading aloud without judgment. If you want a comfortable setting to practice your reading fluency, reading comprehension, or comfort with canines in general, this is the event for you. Registration is not required.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required.
All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
Hours
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | CLOSED - CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | CLOSED - CLOSED |
Access
| Parking spots | 50 |
| Parking fee | Free |
| Handicap parking spots | 3 |
| Book drop off | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Services
| Computers | 10 |
| Magazines | 50 |
| Newspapers | 8 |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Friends' book store | Yes |
| Free computer classes | No |
| Meeting rooms | No |
| Photocopying | Yes |
| Test proctoring services | No |
