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Hawai‘i State Library
The Hawai‘i State Library is an authorized Passport Acceptance Facility. Learn about passport processing hours and requirements.
The library’s Audiovisual Section, which houses an extensive DVD and CD collection, is open daily. Monday through Friday the AV Section closes from 11:00 am to 2 pm. The AV Section is open for browsing Thursday evening, and all day Saturday.
About
Welcome to the Hawai‘i State Library, the flagship of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System! With financial assistance from Andrew Carnegie, the present location was acquired and the existing building was built and opened on Feb. 1, 1913. We have a variety of special resources, most notably our Hawai‘i & Pacific Section, the Edna Allyn Room Children’s collection, and also the Federal Documents Section, which has been a Selective Federal Depository Library since 1929. We are located in the historic capitol district of Honolulu, next door to the only Royal Palace in the United States.
Upcoming events at this branch
- February 28, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us for Children’s Storytime on Saturdays at the Hawai’i State Library. Families can enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts. Best for ages 3-5; all ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
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 schedule is subject to change.
- February 28, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Categories: Arts & Crafts
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Days are getting brighter! Make something pretty to hold your sunglasses at the Hawaii State Library.
This beginner-friendly class will teach you a simple and customizable design.
Must be able to do a single crochet.
Materials will be provided.
Space is limited, call (808)586-3520 to reserve your space.
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. Advanced requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but ot required. All programs are subject to change.
- March 2, 2026 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am
- Categories: Books, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us in the Edna Allyn Room for Children for lap-sit storytime! Bring your babies (0-23 months) and a blanket for stories, interactive rhymes, and songs in this 30-minute program.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
All programs are subject to change. 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.
- March 5, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
- Categories: Books, Branch book clubs
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us for our Silent Book Club, a monthly gathering for those who enjoy reading in a quiet, shared space. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month, in the Language, Literature, and History Reference Area and Courtyard of the Hawai‘i State Library.
Participation is simple. Bring a book of your choice or select one from the library’s collection. There are no assigned books, no deadlines, and no required discussions—just the joy of reading in companionable silence.
All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or an adult caregiver.
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.
- March 7, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us for Children’s Storytime on Saturdays at the Hawai’i State Library. Families can enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts. Best for ages 3-5; all ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
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 schedule is subject to change.
- March 7, 2026 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Categories: Culture, Entertainment
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us as we kickstart the Year of the Horse! Enjoy a short introduction to Chinese Lion dancing and a live performance. There will be lions big and small, drumming, and good cheer for the new year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Hawaii.
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.
- March 9, 2026 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am
- Categories: Books, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us in the Edna Allyn Room for Children for lap-sit storytime! Bring your babies (0-23 months) and a blanket for stories, interactive rhymes, and songs in this 30-minute program.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
All programs are subject to change. 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.
- March 14, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us for Children’s Storytime on Saturdays at the Hawai’i State Library. Families can enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts. Best for ages 3-5; all ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
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 schedule is subject to change.
- March 14, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Categories: Arts & Crafts, Culture, Learning
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Learn the art of lei making at the Hawaii State Library on the 2nd Floor, Art, Music & Recreation Section.
We will be making ti leaf lei just in time for your next graduation celebration or family lūʻau.
All supplies will be provided, just bring yourself and/or a friend or family member.
Space is limited, reserve your space by calling (808)586-3520.
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.
- March 16, 2026 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am
- Categories: Books, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us in the Edna Allyn Room for Children for lap-sit storytime! Bring your babies (0-23 months) and a blanket for stories, interactive rhymes, and songs in this 30-minute program.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
All programs are subject to change. 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.
Hours
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | CLOSED - CLOSED |
Access
| Parking spots | 0 |
| Parking fee | Metered |
| Handicap parking spots | 2 |
| Book drop off | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Services
| Computers | 54 |
| Magazines | 208 |
| Newspapers | 24 |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Friends' book store | Yes |
| Free computer classes | Yes |
| Meeting rooms | No |
| Photocopying | Yes |
| Test proctoring services | No |
