Welcome to the Hilo Public Library! Our library is the largest library on Hawaii 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 Hawaii Island artist Henry Bianchini’s donated sculpture “Involuntary Journey” is located in the library’s atrium.
Join us for a fun and educational program involving the native Ohia tree. This program will be conducted by a ROD (Rapid Ohia Death) specialist from the University of Hawaii. We will learn about the importance of Ohia and protecting them from ROD. We will also have an Ohia themed craft.
This program is free and 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 and families are invited to a summer reading program celebration with local artist and story teller Kozmo Mimzi. We will celebrate the snake, the Chinese zodiac symbol for 2025.Our fiesta will include crafts and music. All materials will be supplied.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required. This program is free and sponsored by the Friends of the 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. Program schedules are subject to change. Events will not be held on State holidays.
Our community partner, Partners In Development Foundation, 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 are welcome.
To learn more about the various programs offered by the Partners In Development Foundation visit: Partners In Development Foundation
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.
Celebrate our summer reading challenge with a Mele craft. Ukulele is a beloved instrument of our island and this summer you can make your very own out of cardboard. Colored paper in glitter and metallic provides various colors to make your ukulele stand out. Participants use markers and string to complete their craft.
This program is suitable for kids 5 and up accompanied by a caregiver. This program is free and supplies are provided through the Friends of the Hilo Public Library. Join us in the program room to make your craft.
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.
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.
Tweens/Teens can have fun decorating a musical theme to a small tin. Decorated tins can be taken home as a handy, portable storage for small items. Supplies are provided. No registration required.
This program is free and funded by the Friends of the 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 at librarieshawaii.org/events.
Join us for a fun, hands on activity for ages 4 to adult! Learn about native plants and how they help our environment while making seed balls using local native seeds, clay, and soil. We provide gloves, so you can get your hands dirty. Making seed balls to be taken home to plant or share will help to grow a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. No experience needed. This program is free and all materials will be provided. This event is great for families, friends , and nature lovers of all kinds. Presented by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
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.
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 us the third Saturday of each month to show off the latest projects you have been working on, learn about new techniques, and enjoy the company of fellow handweaving enthusiasts! Open to handweavers of all skill levels. Don’t be “weft” behind in the fun!
Visit Hawaii Handweavers’ Hui for more information.
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.
Celebrate the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge!
Jeff Peterson will perform mele for slack key guitar that trace the history of Hawaiian music from the Monarchy era to the present day, highlighting Wahi Pana—songs that honor the sacred and storied places across the islands, from the mountains to the sea. Jeff brings deep cultural insight and masterful technique to each performance. His passion for the guitar has earned him recognition as a leading solo artist and collaborator, working with a wide range of musicians from Hawai‘i, the U.S. continent, and around the world. This free 45-minute event is suitable for all ages.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and the 2025 Summer Reading sponsors. This is a production of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program with additional funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the University of Hawai‘i.
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.
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 |