Molokaʻi Public Library

Address

15 Ala Malama Ave, Kaunakakai, HI 96748, United States (Mailing Address: P.O. Box 395, Kaunakakai, HI 96748)
Directions

TEL: 808-553-1765

Photo of Molokai branch building

About

Welcome to the Molokaʻi Public Library! Designed by architect Harry K. Stewart, our library opened on May 21, 1937. It is a 3,627 sq. ft. library located in central Kaunakakai and serves as a hub for many community activities.

Ohana Readers and Imagination Library logosThe Molokaʻi Public Library participates in ʻOhana Readers, a literacy program that focuses on reading with family as an affiliate program of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program offers high-quality, age-appropriate Imagination Library books each month to children who are under the age of five.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is a ZIP code based mailing program. Families must live in these specific Molokai ZIP codes to participate. 

To register, click your ZIP code to download the registration form or visit the branch. You may return the form by mail or drop it off at the branch. The participating library will also offer programs that complement the books the children receive, and will provide other activities to promote literacy and reading.

For more information, visit the ‘Ohana Readers website.

Upcoming events at this branch

Story Time with ʻOhana Readers
Book cover for Gift & Box featuring illustrated parcels on a red background.

Join the Molokai Public Library and ʻOhana Readers, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to read a different story each month and complete a new activity each week. Receive a free book bag the first time you attend and collect a button for every story! Earn entries weekly toward the monthly prize drawing.

September:  Gift & Box, by Ellen Mayer

Register Maui County keiki from birth to 5 for the ʻOhana Readers program to receive free books in
the mail each month.

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.

Ko Koā Uka, Ko Koā Kai
Event flyer featuring ʻulu, citrus, luʻau leaves and assorted vegetables.

“Those of the uplands share their crops, those of the seaside share their catch.”

Join us for a community Barter & Trade gathering! Bring your homegrown or farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to share with others! We also welcome and encourage value-added products made from locally sourced, homegrown, or farm-fresh ingredients.

General Guidelines

By maintaining these guidelines, a community barter & trade system can thrive, fostering sustainability, unity and cultural preservation.

  1. No Cash Transactions
    • Money is excluded entirely
  2. Fair Trade
    • Trade items of similar value (e.g. 3 avocados for 1 loaf of banana bread)
  3. Trust & Honor
    • Participants trust each other to offer equitable exchanges without oversight
  4. Quality Standard
    • Ensure traded items are fresh, clean and safe for consumption

Added-Value Guidelines

  1. Transparency
    • List ingredients and note any allergens (e.g. ʻulu chips made with peanut oil)
  2. Ingredient Sourcing
    • Prioritize using farm-fresh, homegrown or locally sourced ingredients
  3. Packaging
    • Use eco-friendly packaging
  4. Quality Standard
    • Added-value products should comply with DOH food safety standards

Presented in partnership with ROOTed, ʻĀina Momona and Sustʻāinable Molokai.

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.

Read To Me International Family Literacy Night
Book cover for The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! featuring speech bubbles and a sassy illustrated pigeon with its wings on its hips on top of a yellow background.

Join us for an evening of fun read-alouds, music, and reading resources! Families and educators welcome!

We will be reading The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer… and The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

Registration is required to attend the event, so that we can provide you with the free book, activity supplies, etc.

Register for Read to Me International Family Literacy Night

If you have any questions, please email Read To Me International Foundation or call/text Dannah (pronounced like Day-na) at 808-674-7667.

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.

Talk Story Time
Logo for the Executive Office on Early Learning featuring a blue nēnē goose; on a background of green carpet with colorful wooden blocks

The Executive Office on Early Learning is traveling across Hawaiʻi to listen, share, and dream together. Parents, keiki, kūpuna, and neighbors: let’s talk story about what matters most to your ʻohana and community about early childhood. Be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of keiki in Hawaiʻi!

Keiki can join the librarian in the children’s area for Story Time.

FREE book for all attendees AND an entry to win one of 10 Ready for School Bags generously provided by the Molokaʻi 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.

Story Time with ʻOhana Readers
Book cover for Gift & Box featuring illustrated parcels on a red background.

Join the Molokai Public Library and ʻOhana Readers, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to read a different story each month and complete a new activity each week. Receive a free book bag the first time you attend and collect a button for every story! Earn entries weekly toward the monthly prize drawing.

September:  Gift & Box, by Ellen Mayer

Register Maui County keiki from birth to 5 for the ʻOhana Readers program to receive free books in
the mail each month.

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.

Book Club
Book Club

In person or via Zoom! Join us in reading and discussing the following titles on the third Wednesday of each month:

January 15:  Into the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah

February 19:  Paddling My Own Canoe by Audrey Sutherland

March 19:  Being Mortal by Atul Gwande

April 16: No Time to Spare by Ursula K. Le Guin

May 21: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson

June 18: The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright

July 16: An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin

August 20: Magellan by Lawrence Bergreen

September 17: Grant by Ron Chernow

October 15: All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley

November 19: James by Percival Everett

December 17: The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn

New members are welcome to attend! Call (808) 553-1765 for more information and/or Zoom link.

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.

Collage of book covers

Molokai Public Library Book Club picks for 2025

Newspaper Launch & Exhibition
A collection of various historical Molokai newspapers displayed together, showcasing different nameplates.

Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center is proud to announce the release of eight Molokaʻi newspapers on the Moaʻe Molokaʻi Digital Repository! This release includes 917 newspaper issues = 1,556 pages of newspaper!

Join us for a launch event and exhibition showcasing the newly released newspapers and celebrating the stories they shared with our community. The exhibition will be available for viewing during library hours from September 22-26, 2025.

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 with ʻOhana Readers
Book cover for Gift & Box featuring illustrated parcels on a red background.

Join the Molokai Public Library and ʻOhana Readers, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to read a different story each month and complete a new activity each week. Receive a free book bag the first time you attend and collect a button for every story! Earn entries weekly toward the monthly prize drawing.

September:  Gift & Box, by Ellen Mayer

Register Maui County keiki from birth to 5 for the ʻOhana Readers program to receive free books in
the mail each month.

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.

Wildfire Awareness with HWMO
Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization fact featuring a glowing brushfire.

Did you know 99% of wildfires in Hawaiʻi are started by people?

Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) is here to support you in wildfire preparedness and community resilience. Wildfire safety starts with awareness. Hear from Erin Peyton, Firewise & Outreach Coordinator for Molokaʻi, to understand both how wildfires behave and the steps we can take to reduce their impacts so we give ourselves, our families, and our neighborhoods the best chance to stay safe.

We want every resident to feel empowered with clear, practical information. Small actions around your home and yard can make a big difference, and there are steps you can take today to reduce your vulnerability to wildfire. When residents know what to do and why it matters, our communities become stronger, safer, and more resilient 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.

Learn About the Free Career Resources of Goodwill Hawaii
A female volunteer assisting a female applicant

Goodwill Hawaii, in partnership with the American Job Center, is offering free career services to residents on Maui, Lanai, and Molokai! On the last Friday of each month from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, specialists from the American Job Center will be at the Molokai Public Library to assist with the following:

  • School
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employment
  • Work Clothing & Tools
  • Training
  • Internship Opportunities

Learn more at the Goodwill Hawaii website or call the Maui American Job Center at (808) 270-5777. No appointment is 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.

Hours

Date Time
Monday 9:00AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM-4:00PM -
Tuesday 9:00AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM-4:00PM -
Wednesday 12:00PM-4:00PM & 5:00PM-7:00PM -
Thursday 9:00AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM-4:00PM -
Friday 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday CLOSED - CLOSED
Sunday CLOSED - CLOSED

Access

Parking spots 2
Parking fee Free
Handicap parking spots 1
Book drop off Yes
Restrooms Yes

Services

Computers 7
Magazines 50
Newspapers 5
WiFi Yes
Friends' book store No
Free computer classes Yes
Meeting rooms No
Photocopying Yes
Test proctoring services Yes

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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.