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

therapy dog

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. 

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 board games

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.

Olelo Hawaii text with taro leaves background

Aloha kākou! This August, please join us at Hilo Public Library for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes led by Kumu Edna Baker. Kumu Edna will show us how to include using the Hawaiian language in our daily lives and much more.

The Thursday morning sessions are scheduled from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome. No registration 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.

Olelo Hawaii text with taro leaves background

Aloha kākou! This August, please join us at Hilo Public Library for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes led by Kumu Edna Baker. Kumu Edna will show us how to include using the Hawaiian language in our daily lives and much more.

The Thursday afternoon sessions are scheduled from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome. No registration 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.

image of board games

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.

Olelo Hawaii text with taro leaves background

Aloha kākou! This August, please join us at Hilo Public Library for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes led by Kumu Edna Baker. Kumu Edna will show us how to include using the Hawaiian language in our daily lives and much more.

The Thursday morning sessions are scheduled from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome. No registration 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.

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.

Olelo Hawaii text with taro leaves background

Aloha kākou! This August, please join us at Hilo Public Library for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes led by Kumu Edna Baker. Kumu Edna will show us how to include using the Hawaiian language in our daily lives and much more.

The Thursday afternoon sessions are scheduled from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Program suitable for adults, all skill levels welcome. No registration 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.

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.

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 Statehood Day, all public libraries will be closed on Friday, August 15, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Labor Day, all public libraries will be closed August 30 to September 1, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Veterans Day, all public libraries will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

ALERT | Northstar Digital Literacy will have a scheduled downtime on Thursday, July 17 starting at 6pm HST, in order to implement improvements. Northstar will be unavailable during this time. We expect the downtime to last 2 hours. Mahalo for your patience.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Thanksgiving Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Christmas Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of New Year's Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026.