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.
Come learn the basics of knitting with Karen.
The first project will by an easy to finish potholder, or hot pot pad square.
September 19th @Noon to 1pm
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.
Come talk story with the Hawai‘i Climate Commission and share your ideas, concerns, and vision for our islands. Your in-person feedback will help guide the development of the Climate Action Pathways (CAP), a plan to build more affordable, safe, and healthy communities for everyone in Hawai‘i.
This is your chance to make your voice heard and be part of the solution as we work together toward a climate-resilient future.
For more information, visit the Hawai‘i Climate Action Pathways website. Copies of the CAP and executive summary are available at your local 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. Program schedule is subject to change.
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.
Ever wondered how to access ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines from the library? This workshop is for you! Explore the library’s digital collections through the Libby app.
We’ll guide you through the essentials of connecting to the Libby app via your smartphone and/or tablet. You’ll learn how to sign into Libby, navigate around, browse and search for titles, borrow titles and place holds, manage notifications, and much more!
Registration required. Please click the “Confirm RSVP” button below to sign up or speak to a librarian.
Mark your calendar and be sure to bring your smartphone and/or tablet for hands-on learning.
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. Program schedule is subject to change.
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.
Accepting Art: All of Oct. 2025
Display Date: Tues, Nov. 18 – Sat, Nov. 29, 2025
Teens/Tweens may submit “Inktober” or ink art in the Children’s Room throughout all of October 2025. Submission forms and rules will be available to pick up in the Children’s room.
Submitted ink art will be displayed on large display boards. Displays will be in the teen/young adult area from Tues, Nov. 18, 2025 – Sat, Nov. 29, 2025.
If you would like your art returned, please fill out the back of the submission form. Any returned art will be available Tues, Dec. 2nd, 2025 – Tues, Dec. 16th, 2025 in the Children’s Room.
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.
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 | 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.
ALERT | In holiday observance of Christmas Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025.