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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
- April 4, 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.
- April 7, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
- Categories: Learning, Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This program is designed for ages birth through early elementary. Participants will use interactive props and and instruments to encourage musical participation. Attend one class or all ten. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience. Registration is not required and instruments/props will be provided. This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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.
- April 7, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Categories: Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This music program is designed for all ages. Students will learn several introductory ukulele chords. Younger keiki will participate in movement activities as older keiki and adults progress to more challenging ukulele chords. We encourage students to bring their own ukulele as a limited amount can be provided for class use. Hilo Library does provide ukulele rentals with a valid library card. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience.
This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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.
- April 8, 2026 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Categories: Community, Games, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings on the library’s lanai from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play and more. 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.
- April 11, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Categories: Arts & Crafts, Community, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Location: Program Room
Curious about loom weaving? Discover and learn how to create cloth on a loom in this hands-on class. This session will be taught by members of the Hawai’i Handweavers’ Hui and is free and open to the public.
Registration is required and spots are limited. Register online at Hawai‘i Handweavers’ Hui Loom Weaving Registration Page (Hilo Public Library is not handling registration.)
Email classes@hawaiihandweavers.org for additional 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.
- April 14, 2026 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Categories: Community, Health & Wellness, Technology
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Location: Program Room
Social Service Navigators from Vibrant Hawai‘i will be on-site to offer resources and services to community members in need.
Get help with SNAP, MedQuest, the Federal Marketplace, digital literacy, mental health resources, domestic violence support, family services, kūpuna assistance, emergency rental aid, and much more. In-person assistance will be on a first come, first served basis. Drop by to talk story and find the support you need.
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.
- April 14, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
- Categories: Learning, Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This program is designed for ages birth through early elementary. Participants will use interactive props and and instruments to encourage musical participation. Attend one class or all ten. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience. Registration is not required and instruments/props will be provided. This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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.
- April 14, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Categories: Music
- Contact: 808-933-8890
This music program is designed for all ages. Students will learn several introductory ukulele chords. Younger keiki will participate in movement activities as older keiki and adults progress to more challenging ukulele chords. We encourage students to bring their own ukulele as a limited amount can be provided for class use. Hilo Library does provide ukulele rentals with a valid library card. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience.
This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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.
- April 15, 2026 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Categories: Community, Games, Learning
- Contact: 808-933-8890
Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings on the library’s lanai from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play and more. 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.
- April 16, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Books, Community, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-933-8890
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.
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 |
