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

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.

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.

Cartoon animals reading books. Storytime

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.

photo of a light brown and white dog's face and front paws

Tina is a certified Therapy Dog with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, delighting in the company of people of all ages, with a special fondness for children. She loves a good book and eagerly awaits your visit to read to her and offer some gentle pets.

This program is free and suitable for ages 5 and up.  Parent or caregiver must be present when child is participating in this program.  This program is to help young readers feel comfortable practicing their reading skills in a relaxed environment.  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. 

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.

Children's Storytime

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.

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.

cartoon picture of a police station

 

Do you need a keiki ID card or to update the photo on a current one? Officers from the Hilo Police Department will be here to do just that. This is a free service and prior registration is not required.

About keiki ID’s:

The Hawaiʻi Police Department provides free keiki IDs at community events around the island throughout the year. A photograph of the child is taken and laminated onto a department-issued identification card with emergency information about a child. Parents are then given the keiki ID card. Remember to update your keiki’s photo at least yearly as there will be changes to physical characteristics with age.

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.

Cartoon animals reading books. Storytime

 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.

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

HOLIDAY CLOSURE | In observance of General Election Day, all public libraries will be closed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE | In observance of Veterans Day, all public libraries will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE | In observance of Thanksgiving Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, November 26, 2026.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE | In observance of Christmas Day, all public libraries will be closed on Friday, December 25, 2026.