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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
- March 24, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
- Categories: Learning, Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This program is designed for ages birth through early elementary. Participants will use interactive props and and instruments to encourage musical participation. Attend one class or all ten. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience. Registration is not required and instruments/props will be provided. This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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 24, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Categories: Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This music program is designed for all ages. Students will learn several introductory ukulele chords. Younger keiki will participate in movement activities as older keiki and adults progress to more challenging ukulele chords. We encourage students to bring their own ukulele as a limited amount can be provided for class use. Hilo Library does provide ukulele rentals with a valid library card. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience.
This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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 25, 2026 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Categories: Community, Games, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play and more. 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.
- March 28, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Branch book clubs
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Teens/tweens are invited to join our YA book club. Our engaging discussion will cover The Invisible Wild. An epic adventure steeped in Hawaiian lore, this enchanting novel explores the connection between our world and that of the spirits of the wood, from bestselling author Nikki Van De Car.
The first six teens to register for this program will receive a tote bag from our sponsor, Basically Books, as well as a free copy of the book to keep. Walk-ins for the discussion are still welcome to attend. Books may be requested through the librarians via your library card. Light refreshments will be provided. This program is free and sponsored by Basically Books and The Friends of the Hilo Public Library.
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 31, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
- Categories: Learning, Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This program is designed for ages birth through early elementary. Participants will use interactive props and and instruments to encourage musical participation. Attend one class or all ten. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience. Registration is not required and instruments/props will be provided. This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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 31, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Categories: Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This music program is designed for all ages. Students will learn several introductory ukulele chords. Younger keiki will participate in movement activities as older keiki and adults progress to more challenging ukulele chords. We encourage students to bring their own ukulele as a limited amount can be provided for class use. Hilo Library does provide ukulele rentals with a valid library card. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience.
This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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.
- April 1, 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.
- April 1, 2026 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Categories: Community, Games, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play and more. 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.
- April 7, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
- Categories: Learning, Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This program is designed for ages birth through early elementary. Participants will use interactive props and and instruments to encourage musical participation. Attend one class or all ten. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience. Registration is not required and instruments/props will be provided. This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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.
- April 7, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Categories: Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This music program is designed for all ages. Students will learn several introductory ukulele chords. Younger keiki will participate in movement activities as older keiki and adults progress to more challenging ukulele chords. We encourage students to bring their own ukulele as a limited amount can be provided for class use. Hilo Library does provide ukulele rentals with a valid library card. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience.
This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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 |
