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

Olelo Hawaii text with taro leaves background

Aloha kākou! 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 and repeats in the afternoon. This series will end on September 11, 2025. 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! 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. This series will end on September 11, 2025. 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.

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 and 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.

VIP Cards

Celebrate Library Card Sign up month with your own all access pass card. Participants use playing cards to design their own VIP access cards with cute animals. Images are transferred onto the cards through carbon tracing. Once transferred, use markers to outline your very important animal. Lastly color in your animal and give it a name. Attendees may choose various colors to make their pass stand out.  To give your pass a layer of protection, it is laminated with a special pouch.

Join us in the programming room. All supplies are provided free from the Friends of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

swatch with ball of yarn and knitting needles

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.

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 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.

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

ALERT | Network Maintenance – Friday, Sep 5, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Access to online services maybe unavailable during maintenance.