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

Dolly Partonʻs 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

Book cover featuring an illustrated boy covering his ears while sitting on a beach.

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!

January: Alex’s Good Fortune, by Benson Shum

February:  A Book for Bear, by Ellen L. Ramsey

March:  Gwendolyn’s Pet Garden, by Anne Renaud

April:  You Are A Honey Bee, by Laurie Ann Thompson

May:  This Beach is Loud, by Samantha Cotterill

June:  Nubby, by Dan Richards

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

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

Event flyer featuring images of ulu, bundles of luʻau, tangerines 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

Featuring live music by Just Kani!

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

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.

Computer stations on a table

Staying safe online and avoiding scams is important for anyone- young or old! Learn how to spot cyber scams, prevent viruses and malware and what to do if you think you may be victim.

Registration is required. Sign up for this basic skills computer class at Molokai Public Library Computer Class Registration Page or call (808) 553-1765

Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

Female using a smartphone and tablet device
  • Introduction to smartphones (and tablets)
  • Navigating key features (calls, texts, apps)
  • Internet browsing and email
  • Security best practices for mobile devices
  • Using smartphones and tablets for digital services like banking and telehealth

Registration is required.  Sign up for Molokai branch classes or call (808) 553-1765

Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

Book cover featuring an illustrated boy covering his ears while sitting on a beach.

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!

January: Alex’s Good Fortune, by Benson Shum

February:  A Book for Bear, by Ellen L. Ramsey

March:  Gwendolyn’s Pet Garden, by Anne Renaud

April:  You Are A Honey Bee, by Laurie Ann Thompson

May:  This Beach is Loud, by Samantha Cotterill

June:  Nubby, by Dan Richards

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.

Event flyer featuring cowboys including Ikua Purdy and Jimmy Duvauchelle

Join us on the library lawn to celebrate paniolo! Featuring presentations by Jimmy Duvauchelle, Phillip “Mango” Stephens, Waipa Purdy & Russel Phifer.

Presented in partnership with ROOTed, ʻĀina Momona, Kanaeokana, Alu Like Inc. and Kaiāulu.

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.

Hands cupping water

Join us for a monthly workshop series to illuminate your path toward financial empowerment featuring 6 key topics:

February Budgeting Basics:  Making Every Dollar Count

March Debt-Free Living: Break Free from the Burden

April The Credit Connnection:  Unlocking Financial Opportunities

May Home Sweet Home:  Preparing for Homeownership

June Retirement Ready:  Securing Your Golden Years

July Teaching the Next Generation:  Financial Literacy for Keiki

Presented in partnership with ʻĀina Momona and 101 Financial.

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.

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.

Huliau performance with Halau Hula Ka No‘eau

Celebrate the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge!

Without “mele”, there is no hula as the dance form is dictated by the poetry of the mele. Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang and his performers of Halau Hula Ka No‘eau will take you on a historical journey of mele; from its foundation of tradition chant, ‘oli, to contemporary hapa haole music. Through their hula they will explore how the poetry generates movement; and the importance of understanding kaona (hidden poetic means) used in the mele and choreography of hula.

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.

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

ALERT | In holiday observance of King Kamehameha Day, all public libraries will be closed on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Memorial Day, all public libraries will be closed from Saturday to Monday, May 24 to 26, 2025.