Hilo Public Library

Address

300 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, United States
Directions

TEL: 808-933-8888

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

Indivisible Book Club
How Democracies Die book cover
Discussion of How Democracies Die; What History Reveals About Our Future.
A 2018 bestseller about democratic back sliding and how elected leaders can gradually subvert the democratic process to increase their power.
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.
Cinema Classics: “The African Queen”
The African Queen movie cover

Location: Microfilm Room – Popcorn will be served. Bring your own beverage. Sweater/jacket also recommended.

Lights! Camera! Action! Please join us for a film screening of director John Huston’s classic feature – “The African Queen” – starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Film summary: In WWI East Africa, a gin-swilling Canadian riverboat captain is persuaded by a strait-laced English missionary to undertake a trip up a treacherous river and use his boat to attack a German gunship.

This film is rated PG; parental guidance is suggested. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Approximate runtime: 105 mins. Seating may be limited. Public performance rights provided through Swank licensing.

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. Program subject to change without notice. 

Snacks & Raps With Mr. Kneel
Real Meal poster advertising eating healthy with Mr Kneel

Let’s kick off summer reading with Mr. Kneel !

Children and teens are invited to join our summer reading kick off celebration with Mr.Kneel. We will have fun raps and some healthy snacks to take home.

This program is free and suitable for ages 5 and up. Parent or caregiver must be present when child is participating in this program. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first come first served basis. Mahalo to the Friends of the Hilo Public Library for funding this program. Registration is not necessary, and inquiries are welcome.

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.

Read To A Therapy Dog
Girl reading to dog

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.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Hawaiian Language Classes (Morning Session)
olelo hawaii class, local trees backdrop

Location: Program Room

Aloha kākou! Please join us at Hilo Public Library 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.

The Thursday morning sessions are scheduled from 10:00 am – 11:00 am and repeats in the afternoon. Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome. No registration 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.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Hawaiian Language Classes (Afternoon Session)
olelo hawaii class, local trees backdrop

Location: Program Room

Aloha kākou! Please join us at Hilo Public Library 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.

The Thursday afternoon sessions are scheduled from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome. No registration 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.

Teen and Author Book Talk: The Seekers by Jack Bartley
The Seekers Book Cover

Meet teen book author Jack Bartley.

Jack Bartley will discuss his 2nd post-apocalyptic Hilo-set book, The Seekers. This is the sequel to the first book in his series, Hilo Dome.  Q&A will follow the author’s  talk. The Seekers  release date is scheduled for May 5th, 2026.

Book Summary: “When Mauna Loa awakens, survival depends on the wisdom of the past. Hilo Dome: Volume 2 fuses Hawaiian mythology, post-apocalyptic suspense, and expert wayfinding in a high-stakes odyssey where culture, community, and courage are the only paths to salvation.”

Limited free copies of The Seekers  will be available after the program. This program is suitable for ages 12 and older.  Adults are welcome!

Mahalo to Jack Bartley and 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.

Discover Loom Weaving
woman using cloth loom

Location: Program Room

Curious about loom weaving? Discover and learn how to create cloth on a loom in this hands-on class. This session will be taught by members of the Hawai’i Handweavers’ Hui and is free and open to the public.

Registration is required and spots are limited. Register online at Hawai‘i Handweavers’ Hui Loom Weaving Registration Page (Hilo Public Library is not handling registration.)

Email classes@hawaiihandweavers.org for additional information.

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.

Read To A Therapy Dog: Meet Adaka
Adaka Dog

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.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Hawaiian Language Classes (Morning Session)
olelo hawaii class, local trees backdrop

Location: Program Room

Aloha kākou! Please join us at Hilo Public Library 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.

The Thursday morning sessions are scheduled from 10:00 am – 11:00 am and repeats in the afternoon. Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome. No registration 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.

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

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ALERT | All public libraries will be closed in state observance of King Kamehameha Day on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

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.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE | In observance of Statehood Day, all public libraries will be closed on Friday, August 21, 2026.

ALERT | In observance of Labor Day, all public libraries will be closed Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026.