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.

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.

Join fellow toddlers for weekly story times as we share books and songs with one another. Books are read by the librarian during this time to promote the love of reading with our youngest readers. Music provides a wonderful outlet as little ones enjoy moving around after a story. Once our time of stories and music concludes, children and their loved ones may spend time enjoying our story time toys.
We hope to see you. This program is suitable to children up to age 5 accompanied by an adult.
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.

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.

Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play. We also have an assortment of other board games to choose from.
Please check out games from the Reference Desk and enjoy them quietly on the designated lanai tables. You may also bring games from home to share.
Program is suitable for ages 8 to adult. Children must be always accompanied by an adult.
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 and will not be held on State holidays.

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.

Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play. We also have an assortment of other board games to choose from.
Please check out games from the Reference Desk and enjoy them quietly on the designated lanai tables. You may also bring games from home to share.
Program is suitable for ages 8 to adult. Children must be always accompanied by an adult.
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 and will not be held on State holidays.

Join fellow toddlers for weekly story times as we share books and songs with one another. Books are read by the librarian during this time to promote the love of reading with our youngest readers. Music provides a wonderful outlet as little ones enjoy moving around after a story. Once our time of stories and music concludes, children and their loved ones may spend time enjoying our story time toys.
We hope to see you. This program is suitable to children up to age 5 accompanied by an adult.
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.

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.

Lego enthusiast build various things with Legos. Participants are invited to use their imagination and build for One (1) hour. Finished pieces are showcased in our glass display case located near the lanai at the end of the hour.
This program is held in the programming room located near Hilo Friends bookstore. This program is suitable for kids up to 12 years old.
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.

Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play. We also have an assortment of other board games to choose from.
Please check out games from the Reference Desk and enjoy them quietly on the designated lanai tables. You may also bring games from home to share.
Program is suitable for ages 8 to adult. Children must be always accompanied by an adult.
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 and will not be held on State holidays.
| 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 |
| Parking spots | 50 |
| Parking fee | Free |
| Handicap parking spots | 3 |
| Book drop off | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| 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 |
ALERT | Support Hawaiʻi’s communities by donating canned and nonperishable food items at your local public library now through November 14.
ALERT | Scheduled website maintenance will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 9:00pm to 9:30pm HST.
During this time, some online features may be temporarily unavailable.
ALERT #2 | 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.