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

Story Time Bear on green grass with background flowers, palm trees, and ocean

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.

Lego

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.

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.

image of person on laptop

Are you new to computers? Are you a little unsure/uncomfortable online? Need a digital skills refresher? Join us for free computer classes each Wednesday in January!

This four-class series will cover the following topics: (1) Computer Basics, (2) Using the Internet, (3) Email Basics, and (4) Online Safety. 

Registration is required. Sign up online at Hilo Public Library’s registration page or call the library at (808) 933-8890.


The Hawai’i State Public Library System is partnering with Māpunawai, Inc. and the Hawai’i State Rural Health Association in providing 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.

Learn the basics of knitting or just sit and knit with Karen.  Pick your yarn and get your knit together.

All materials are provided thanks to the Friends of Hilo 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.

Story Time Bear on green grass with background flowers, palm trees, and ocean

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.

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.

Hobbit Door

Welcome to the hobbit, world of Bilbo Baggins. In honor of J.R.R. Tolkien’s imaginary world of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, we invite you to make your own hobbit door.

Paint your door using acrylic painting pens. Design it with sharpies and markers to make your door special. Lastly, affix a special door hinge to complete your door that can be attached to something in your home.

We hope to see you here. This craft is suitable for children 5 and up 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.

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.

image of person on laptop

Are you new to computers? Are you a little unsure/uncomfortable online? Need a digital skills refresher? Join us for free computer classes each Wednesday in January!

This four-class series will cover the following topics: (1) Computer Basics, (2) Using the Internet, (3) Email Basics, and (4) Online Safety. 

Registration is required. Sign up online at Hilo Public Library’s registration page or call the library at (808) 933-8890.


The Hawai’i State Public Library System is partnering with Māpunawai, Inc. and the Hawai’i State Rural Health Association in providing 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.

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

ALERT | In holiday observance of Christmas, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
On Christmas Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 24) all public libraries that normally offer evening hours will close no later than 4 p.m.

ALERT | In holiday observance of New Year's Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
On New Year's Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 31) all public libraries that normally offer evening hours will close no later than 4 p.m.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, all public libraries will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Presidents' Day, all public libraries will be closed from Saturday to Monday, February 14 to 16, 2026.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, March 26, 2026.