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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
- June 25, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Community, Culture, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Location: Program Room
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. 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.
- June 25, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Books, Community, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Join us for a story time and information session with Aunty Hazel from Ohana Literacy Assistance. This is a non-profit organization that provides reading and literacy assistance to Big Island families. Children attending will be given a free book suitable for their reading level provided by Ohana Literacy Assistance. This program is free and registration is not necessary.
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.
- June 25, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Categories: Community, Culture, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Location: Program Room
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. 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.
- June 27, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Books, Community, Reading programs
- Contact: 808-933-8890
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.
- June 30, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Categories: Books, Reading programs
- Contact: 808-933-8890
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.
- July 1, 2026 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
- Categories: Books, Community, Reading programs
- Contact: 808-933-8890
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.
Part journalistic offering and part memoir, Kuleana interrogates deeper questions of identity, legacy, and what we owe to those who come before and after us. Sara’s breathtaking story of unexpected homecomings, familial hardship, and fierce devotion to ancestry creates a new narrative about Hawai‘i, its native people, and their struggle to hold on to their land and culture today.
(Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)
- July 9, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Books, Culture, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Meet the author Erzsi Palko and listen to her read her gorgeous picture book “Under the Ohia Tree”. Each family participating will receive one free copy of the book. Erzsi will follow her story time with a craft related to nature.
This program is free and suitable for ages 5 and up. Parent or caregiver must be present when child is participating in this program. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first come first served basis. This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Hilo Public Library. 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.
All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- July 15, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Categories: Community
- Contact: 808-933-8890
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.
- July 18, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Books, Community, Reading programs
- Contact: 808-933-8890
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 |
