This is a great place to work(ask for disinfectant and spray well.... Koakapa area), check out movies(more are here that other libraries) or consult ref. materials. The huge building is old and stunning... And beside the 'lolani palace! Fiction is near the entrance, so I discover a distraction each time I visit(unfortunately). People in Hawaii don't seem to read tons, so it's full of diamonds! I prefer to hang out in the gorgeous courtyard in the middle of the library. Oddly, there is dust/spoderwebs (and bad Wi-Fi reception) inside. This courtyard area is cleaned thoroughly (and with love) by librarians and staff throughout the day on weekends. It's relatively quiet on the weekends! My favorite library remains kaimuki's(less underskydwellers chilling everywhere), but this one is prettier and has tons of resources. read more

Books books books......this location quite bigger then the others I've gone to. Location wise I guess is pretty convenient. Though there is a couple flaws for me....public parking is available near the iolani palace, unfortunately it's meter parking, other library's have their own parking lot. Another flaw is they have a couple homeless people hanging out outside the facility and it's a bit disturbing with the smell and smoking that they do especially when we bring our children there. And lastly, today especially....the wait for check out was ridiculous. They need to plan a system that when it gets busy they need employees to help. read more

I like the volume of material you can find at this library. This place is always buzzing with people from all walk of life. With that being said, there are a lot of homeless that use this library to get out of the heat and to sleep. I have encountered full blown snoring and snorting while trying to work on my personal computer. Even people in the bathrooms trying to freshen up in the stalls. I like that I can utilize ancestry.com on their catalog computers for free. I don't understand why they don't have familysearch.org on those same computers when it is a free service and many records on ancestry have to be accessed through familysearch. I was also a little peeved on my visit here. Why in the world if you are allowed only one computer reservation a week does their system not recognize it and not allow you to sign up for a second time? This happened to me and when I asked the librarian to confirm the one I signed up for once someone was trying to sit there. The librarian told me that next time my reservation would be cancelled and I'd have to just wait even though I had been waiting. She wasn't too nice about it either. Then when I tried to sign on it didn't let me yet there were people there earlier in the week who were using these same computers. I was confused and a bit irritated, but I finally got online when I asked the grouchy librarian to check the computer issue which she did from her desk. I'll go back her due to the convenience, but it's not my favorite library on the island. read more

Went there for a new passport. Great for a walk-in. TIP: they do not accept PERSONAL checks or CREDIT/DEBIT cards. You have to go to either 7-11 or safeway (customer service area) and get a "MONEY ORDER CHECK" for the amount needed for the passport (my passport book was $110) and for the money order you need to pay in cash as well. When you go to the library walk up the stairs to your right and go to the back of the library (follow signs for passport). They need your Hawaii drivers license or valid hawaii state ID, and your birth certificate (from the department to of health), passport application, $25 in cash for application fee, and $110 money order check for processesing fee (amount for a passbook). read more

I'd give five stars because this is the only library I'll go to, howeverrrrr the stench of piss down the ewa stairwell made my last visit more unpleasant than usual. Aside from THAT, what a wonderful library we have in Honolulu!!! Organized, clean (sans the stench), helpful reference desk people, and a vast selection of reading on every topic. An example of just HOW varied? Well I had recently taken interest in flower arranging and lo-n-behold five tiers of books on the subject! That's just flower arranging, I didn't even start on the botany section, or horticulture. Sheesh! Everything is fairly easy to find what with all the signs and people around to help you. The natural light and spacious aisles are conducive to one quietly getting lost looking at every book that piques their interest. If you've been wanting to pick up another hobby, or find something new to read, I highly suggest starting your search at The Hawaii State Library. More than likely, you'll find what you want (and what you didn't know you wanted), get comfortable, and start your reading there. read more

I'm a fan of the library but after not having stepped foot in there for at least 10 years, I was a little disappointed that the books I wanted to borrow were either checked out or "lost" or in transit to another library. *sigh* But I did find a couple of other great books to borrow, and am happy about rediscovering my new favorite place. If you're planning to get a library card I suggest going online to review what is needed to apply. My friend, who is a recent transplant to Hawaii, wanted to sign up for a card but she got DENIED. Her ID has her old address and she didn't have anything on her (checks or bills) that show her current address. And she said the librarian was rude to her. yikes. read more

A field trip to the Hawaii State Library happened about once every other month back in the middle school days, since I also visited my home district library weekly. In high school, visits dramatically dropped just because McCully Library was walking distance and I was too lazy to bus it to State. As a kid, I'd sometimes get creeped out by some of the random homeless people meandering around. No one ever bothered me, though, even as a petite child, so I never felt in danger of anything. And I'm a pretty paranoid person.... I like that there is just such a vast collection here and so many different sections to wander through. I do feel intimidated, even as an adult, since it's out of my comfort zone and I'm used to traversing the halls of McCully and even Kaimuki Libraries, but not State. State Library always seems to have an air of sterility and less welcome. That said, I still visit and still borrow books! I loved the Young Adult section and still do, even as a woman headed into her 30s. The public parking is available in meter parking or I believe you can pay for municipal parking. Kind of a pain in the butt, when I'm so used to other libraries having their own lots. read more

When one thinks about the most valuable institutions of the state, the Hawaii state library must not be excluded from the conversation. For not only is it valuable, it is absolutely essential. I haven't visited many libraries outside of Hawaii, but for the vast collection of materials (books, CDs, magazines, microfiches and more), the friendliness of the staff, and the practical ease to access/borrow materials, the Hawaii State Library is truly something to behold (maybe only Hamilton/Sinclair library at UH rivals it, though from what I understand, you've got to be an active teacher/student at UH to borrow materials). You're allowed 21 days to borrow a book until you have to return it. You're allowed one renewal, but be sure to call to ensure there is not a request for the book -- if there is, you can't extend the due date (You can, however, continue to borrow it, and be charged only a quarter per day). And the best part is that you can return the book to any of the other libraries in the system if Honolulu is out of your way. If you can't find a particular book you're looking for, you may put in a request for it and, if you're persuasive enough to convince the buyer as to why they should have the book in their collection, they'll get it for you (my advice: do a lot of name dropping of famous figures). There's even a book club which congregates every last Thursday of the month. I've met some wonderful, intelligent, like-minded individuals through this group, as well as being exposed to a number of books which I wouldn't have heard of before (Contact Jessica Hogan at hslbookgroup@gmail.com for more info). In summary, how can anyone give the library less than five stars? Even if you don't care for books, or even hate reading (pity you), one can't underestimate the importance of the library. I encourage -- nay, challenge -- everyone to read a new book every month. Here are just a couple of lists to start off with: Amazon.com's "100 books to read in a lifetime" located here: http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=8192263011 has an eclectic mix of modern and classic books from a wide variety of genres and countries. Modern Library's "100 best novels of the 20th century" located here http://www.modernlibrary.com/top-100/100-best-novels/ (their non-fiction list is stupendous as well). My main go-to list to find books to read. Thanks to Modern Library, I've discovered many authors whose works I have cherished over the years, and are proud to list as my favorites of all time, including Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac (who wrote the tremendous "On the Road"), James Joyce (who, along with William Faulkner, pioneered the stream-of-consciousness style), George Orwell, Aldous Huxley (these last two authors wrote the two greatest dystopian novels, "1984" and "Brave New World" respectively), and many more. Happy reading! read more

My review is for the system as a whole. I love libraries and I think they are really important to the health of a community. Before I say anything more you guys should know I'm from the city with the #1 library in the country for 2 years in a row, so I'm a little biased! That being said - this library is good, it works. The librarians are always nice, especially at the McCully branch. Things that could be improved: the renewal system is ludicrous. You have to call and talk to someone, AND have a list of the items - and they're only open business hours, OR take the books with you in person to renew. I usually stop at the McCully branch on my way home from work... I'm at work during business hours, and my stack of library books is at home. What to do? Unfortunately, usually that means fines for the few days it may take me to finish reading something. I don't mind paying fines because they're cheap and they go to support something I use and love, but it's still semi-annoying. (I do like that you don't have to pay until you hit $10, though - I look at it as my "usage charge.") An online renewal system would be fabulous. So would a printed receipt with the due dates of all of your items, but that's not a huge deal. They're not great at getting new materials, and I wish their selection of graphic novels was better. But again, I'm biased by growing up with amazing libraries - I get the feeling what I'm used to is the exception, not the rule :) Keep on keeping on Hawaii State Library System - I love to read, and I can't afford to buy all the new books I want, so you fill that need for me. read more

Oh the library! So much things to do in the library. I knew this place existed but never have I ever thought I would end up here ever, especially two days in a row! So you would think I came here to borrow books or audio because it is a library, but no. I came here to apply for a new passport. Because this was the only place that did walk-ins. I didn't realize how massive this place was! I also didn't know how much people came in and out of this library. So many sections filled with people from all over Oahu, I felt like I was in college again. There is a security guard at the entrance who also serves as a person to ask questions. She located me to where the passports and other things are for filing. It's located second floor straight through the doors. You'll see the sign with the passport on it and you've made it. My first visit was with this guy at the information desk. You know, state workers aren't the nicest but they are very informative. Even though he was being a little rude, I knew if I was nice and listened to what he said he would react nicer. And he did. I was too late so I had to go back the next day. Passport Submission: 10AM-1PM. The second day, I was helped by him again. He recognized me and directed me as I should. They gave me a ticket & had me wait. This lady helped me who was again was rude but very helpful. They don't accept renewals but she helped my mom with her renewal paper work. She didn't have to, but she did. I was very pleased with the workers here. I really expected the worst, but I played my cards right and came out a happy camper! read more

I just learned something new when I came here, the Hawaii State Public Library System is the only statewide system in the nation. What that means is it's all under one system, I can get a book from any library in the state and drop it off at any library. My first impression of the library building that came to my mind is the architectural design. I was impressed of the exterior structure and its center outdoor courtyard. There sitting areas available in their open air hallways facing the courtyard. I really like this because you can still study in the library and get some fresh air from nature. When I started looking for books I noticed they have laminated yellow and green signs posted at each end of the book shelves. The shelves with the yellow sign is for references only and the material cannot be checked out of the library, the green is for circulation and these are the ones you can check out. I almost made the mistake in taking one of the reference books till I noticed these signs. The staff are very helpful. They know what area the books are located by looking at the call no. of the book, I was in the business, technology section and the book I was looking for she said was in the sociology, psychology area. I think the last time I've been to a library was since high school and that was like 7 years ago. After getting my books it was time to get a library card. The process was fast and simple, all I had to do was fill in the application and have them process it on the spot. I thought it would go without a hitch but I hit a couple bumps on the road. Here are few things you need to know when getting a library card: Fee for Initial card - Hawaii resident = Free - Military = Free (Must present a document with your name and current residence, the website says orders but the lady at the counter wanted a document so I showed her my vehicle registration card) - Non-resident(5years) = $25 - Non-resident(3months)) = $10 Fees for lost card - Hawaii resident/ Military = $5 - Non-resident(5years/ 3months) = $5 for remaining term This library is great it has most of the books you can probably find, the staff are knowledgeable and helpful, and the library system is one of a kind that benefits everybody. Yelp 365 Challenge - #015/365 read more

Beware of their overdue fine policy. You will be charged for EACH and EVERY day (not just working days) that the book is overdue, even if the library is closed because it is a Sunday or a holiday. In my case, the librarian informed me that I could have dropped off the books on either Sunday or on President's Day (Monday) even though the library was CLOSED. Additionally, she told me that to have the fine excused for those two days, I'd have to prove that there was a extenuating circumstance (like being off-island or in the hospital) that prevented me from returning the book earlier. I wanted to retort, "I was afraid of getting accosted by the homeless individuals camped out in front of the door." Shouldn't fear count as an extenuating circumstance? read more

Hawaii State Library is old, vast, and filled with books. Perhaps that is an understatement since it is the State Library and the Main Branch. It, at some point, had been a large mansion. You can see that in the columns. Then there is the glass doors. It's not a maze. There are directions everywhere. The CD/DVD selection is above you. The fiction (which is everything in that genre) is on the left. The comics/paperback selection is on the right. The new books are in front of you and the help desk is center/right. It's a readable maze I guess you could call it. The Main Branch is a nice place to visit if you want various books about a particular subject. There is a courtyard in the middle. The library is quaint and nice. There is a lawn. It's very relaxing. The side mark is about the parking. It is Downtown so you have to be a bit paranoid about the change you feed to the nice machines near the Hawaiian Church. If that isn't your ticket you have to walk to the other parking in an underground garage. It is this and getting there that poses a challenge. read more

ck is right. Very frustrating. No parking; bad hours. But Charlie is right, too: it's a wonderful library. Too bad the hours are completely inconvenient and there is no parking. It's true -- noone is ever there. When you go, you have the place practically to yourself because of the parking and working hours problems. Frustrating, indeed. Maybe we could be in contact in person, and via email to make some clear suggestions about how we can make the library more available to a wider group of people, without increasing cost. I suggest three ideas: 1. Shift Hours. have three days when the library opens later (11am, for example) and closes later (10 or 11pm), so that people who work can enjoy the great resources and staff. This addresses the problem without increasing cost. 2. Jazz Cafe night. I recommend a weekly "Jazz at the Courtyard" with nice, quiet live music like jazz, a classical music quartet, or instrumental piano, classical guitar, etc. The courtyard in the middle is perfect for this, and it would draw people into the library. Doesn't have to be complicated. Just some nice music from local musicians. People love to mix up good reading and nice music. Maybe have some coffee brewing on a side table for $1 or something.. keep it real simple. 3. Parking. Maybe it is possible, in the evenings, to use the underground parking behind the library? Also, there is more parking on the street at night. read more

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When people use the library's computers, they sometimes make them remove every single personal item from the computer's area when they renew their library card and get another hour (which is annoying). However, sometimes they don't, even when people are waiting. This inconsistency is called a double standard and it causes problems. Visitors shouldn't have to enforce the rules or be negatively affected by people that break them. Also, some librarians are rude and show favoritism, like the woman who renewed my card today. read more

When you get to the 2nd floor, "Federal Docs", you will have to get a numbered ticket and sit in the waiting room until your number is called. Typically, it's been about 10 to 15 minutes per number so you can kind of figure out how long it'll be before your number is called. The waiting area overlooks the courtyard. Since I was 5 numbers away from being called, I decided to read some computer books on Microsoft Office. The waiting room is in the Business, Science and Technology section. So read all you want! read more

Hawaii State Library - Here's the waiting area. - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First time coming here. Came for a passport. It is located on the second floor. Take the stairs on the right when you walk through the entrance, keep going and walk through the door straight ahead, you'll see a court yard below on the left, keep walking and you'll come to a door, enter and you are there. The guy gave me a ticket and told me to sit down around the corner. Within 5 mins they called the 2 numbers that were ahead of me (50,51). 5 mins later they called the number of the guy who came after me (53). 10-15 minutes later they skipped another number and called 55. Maybe another 10 minutes later someone came and called 57 skipping 56. I stood up to walk back to the front and ask for another ticket. But the woman who called 57 ended up taking me. It was a quick process. Maybe 10 minutes. She explained how things were going to work and answered all my questions. Just an FYI because I didn't know. They send your official birth certificate in so you need to wait for it to come back in the mail. They also have 20 cent copy machines if you need to make copies. Located in the waiting area for the passport. Would have been a 5 star if they didn't skip numbers. Maybe they need a better ticket system. Oh and they accept temporary checks. read more

Hawaii State Library - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Agree with Guam A--this branch is excellent. It was one of the 1st places on my "Welcome to your new life in Oahu" tour. There was an open courtyard with a small gathering, that led me to believe you could lease space for special events. Upstairs, I scoped out the rows and rows of cookbooks & biographies after combing the fictional stacks and new additions downstairs. On the way to the cookbooks, I walked outdoors where there were varnished tables & chairs overlooking the courtyard below. Tons of people were spread out all over the tables, enjoying stacks of hard covered and paperback books. The librarian told me I could reserve or renew books online or return books to other branches of the library. I believe you had to return CDs or DVDs from the library of origin. ...Not sure how this service got on the short list of offerings but they even accept passport applications at this location. Overall, l enjoyed my visit & look fwd to spending a lot more time in the bookstacks. read more

I have grown up in love with the library and books, thanks to my mother. To this day libraries not only correspond with me emotionally, but also economically. Sure e-books are instant and amazon is cheap, but what's cheaper than free? That's what I thought. I usually rush in and out of libraries and pile up books in my arms, but because of the size of the Hawaii State Library, I can actually enjoy sitting down and taking my time. Much better than some other libraries, that have charms of their own, where I'm scrunched in a cubic desk next to teens furiously texting each other from across the shelves. I hate to play favorites, so I'm not going to say this is my favorite library. But some things are better left unsaid. read more

Easily my favorite library on the island. Beautiful building with large ceilings, two stories of books galore and a court yard with seating where one can read, study, or even eat undisturbed. A very regal building to say the least which makes the experience a tad more fun.Nice to see a library with such large windows that brings unobstructed natural light. The staff are pretty meek or perhaps just aren't very noticeable. The selection is better than most since the sheer size of the building. The media room is wonderful for film fans. A wonderful way to spend a free afternoon relaxing and amusing oneself with education and entertainment. read more

This is the BIGGEST library I've been to! I thought Kapolei's one was huge but damn! I really love the openness of the place. Alotta spots to study but only downside is homeless people cruise in there too - I don't mind them as long as they're not the lolo ones Very friendly helpful staff, pretty clean location just wish people stopped smoking out front smh - isn't that securities job to handle that kind? I'd visit again for sure read more

Sorry, It's still a beautiful library but not the most efficient place to submit your passport documents. I do not drive anymore and bussed into town from Pearl City for that purpose getting there at 11 am and was told they are not taking anymore people and to return the next day before the library opens at 10. I filled out the form on-line and had all the required documents, photographs, ID's and copies. All they had to do was review the forms for accuracy and have me sign it. I do not need a tutorial on how to fill out a form and It's not like I'm applying for the CIA or one of Trumps cabinet posts. A suggestion for others: Make an appointment with the USPS, LCC or U.H. Manoa and not waste your time. read more

For passport renewal service. I normally do not write reviews, but my experience at the State Library was so disappointing that I felt the need to share. When I first walked in with my parent (I am 17), the young woman at the counter told me I could not process my application because I did not have a copy of my birth certificate. After around five to ten minutes of explaining that I read on the official instructions that a previous US passport would suffice, she finally acquiesced to checking with her supervisor, who confirmed my claims. The person who processed my application was an older Asian woman named Arlene. She seemed frazzled in general and was very rude to me, demanding answers impatiently for questions I had already answered for her multiple times. Every time I asked for clarification, she would raise her voice and tell me, "No! No!" I got none of my questions answered unless they were in her apparent mental script of what to say. I felt like she was questioning my intelligence. My father forgot a money order and needed to run to the post office to get one. He asked, unaware, what time she needed it by, and she very rudely snapped back, "Now! Today, now!" My father then asked what time the passport office closed, so he could make it back on time. She simply raised her voice again, saying, "No, why are you asking, just go!" When my father DID return with the money order and asked for clarification on where to put what information, as the staff at the post office gave him conflicting information, and she grabbed the order from him and looked at it, pointed at the line that said "from," and said, "From, from!" Again, as if she felt we were inferior to her intellectually. Luckily, my father got the message. We eventually completed out application and went on our way. Although I am grateful to Arlene and the staff for processing my application, I do believe that there is a basic standard of respect, patience, and courtesy that should be met between two people. Although I am sure she was very busy, these standards cannot be overlooked. Arlene did not attempt to meet even those basic standards, let alone go beyond any expectations, and it made me very disappointed in the passport office as a whole. I hope the State Library addresses these issues with their staff soon. read more

I love it here. I come here in days where I just want to be by myself. So I grab my bag stacked with pens and notebooks, grab my library card and head down. It's like a five minute walk from my house. Anyways once you walk in its ACed so bring a jacket. Nobody bothers you, everyone just keeps to their own thing which I love because when I work and wanna be left alone, I really do wanna work and be left alone! The workers here are somewhat nice. They help you find what you're looking for. But not much else. They do their job and that's it. All around I love this place:) read more

This is not a review for this branch of the Hawaii State Library, but for the library system overall. I love libraries. I love the concept. I love the reality. I think Andrew Carnegie was inspirational when he essentially used a lot of his fortune to fund the very first public libraries across the US. But sometimes the Hawaii State Library system leaves me scratching my head and wondering "what were they thinking?" On the up-side: it's cheap and it's free. It's a library. On the down-side, the policies seem to be dreamed up by some person in the back office that doesn't want to lend the books out. And the computer system..... well, let's just say that if you lift the cover on the PCs they are using there might actually be hamsters running on a wheel inside to power the dang things. We're talking state of the art 1974. Some of the things I wonder about: 1. You can renew books in person or on the phone. But if it is in person, you have to have the books with you. I went to renew my books once and forgot one of the books at home. They renewed the ones I brought, but could not renew the one I forgot. I said "What's the telephone number here?" The man told me. I pulled out my cell phone and called him. (Note: I was still standing across the check-out desk from him.) He answered the phone and I said, while looking him in the eye, "Can I renew the book now?" He said yes and I had to read off my card number to him again, but I got the renewal. And what was accomplished by that? 2. You can't renew a book if there is a hold on the book by someone else. No matter how many copies they have sitting on the shelf. I called the main branch to renew a book and was told that I could not renew, as someone else had requested a copy of the book. It was a book that was popular a couple years ago, that they have tons of copies of. So I asked "How many copies to do have in stock." The lady on the phone told me "We have 52 copies checked in." I asked how many holds she had for the book "Just one." If 52 copies of the book are checked in and there is just one hold, why can't I renew my copy? Do you really need it back? I asked that question, and after20 minutes on hold and the nice lady appealing to her supervisor on my behalf, they let me renew my book and satisfied the hold with one of the 52 copies that they had still sitting on the shelf. 3. Holds are uneven and unfair. If you request a book and there is a waitlist you are put on the waitlist; but books aren't given out to whoever is next on the list. It is within a branch. So if a book with a waitlist is returned to the your branch, it goes to the first person in the list that wants to pick up at your branch, even if that person is 42nd in line overall. I can get a book that has a waitlist, and when I get a copy of the book, I can put in another hold request. Then when I return the book, if I'm the first in the queue at my branch, they notify me (usually the next day) that the book is in for me. I go down and, low and behold, it is the same book I turned in yesterday. I've gotten books when I've been as high as 90th on the waitlist, and I've been able to recheck the books this way as many as three times while other people waited. I didn't do it on purpose. Took me three times to figure out what was happening and test my hypothesis. I don't work the system this way now that I know. But it isn't a good system. 4. They don't accept your library card if it is scanned in your smart phone. They have the equipment to do it, they just say it is insecure. I use my iPhone for my Starbucks card (as money), my gym (paid membership), grocery loyalty card (shopping). But it is unsafe for the free library? I could photocopy and laminate a physical card and that would be undetectable to them, buy online is unsafe? Tell that to iPhone 6's new payment system. 5. They stamp the renewal date IN THE BOOK. Didn't their mother ever teach them not to write in books? Come on guys. This is the 21st century. Stop running the library like it's 1974. read more

Haven't been here close to 20 years, it's still a great building but to my dismay the children's reading room is a lot smaller than I remember. We just moved downtown so I walked with my toddler in the stroller and it did feel sketchy out front (everywhere downtown does, such a shame they build so much luxury condos rather than affordable housing) anyway, we made our way to the back where the kids books are & it's empty except for the librarian who barely glanced at my adorable son much less say hello (at least we weren't chided when he started to run around). The selection of books was no different than other public libraries. Huge disappointment for the main state library. Salt lake & Kapolei is way better! Bummer. read more

I came here to use the internet and printer. It was busy with all terminals occupied. The system they use to limit usage is terrible because you basically go up to the information desk and find out which computer will be ending soon and then go and wait for the person to (hopefully) leave. I say hopefully because they told me which computer to wait at and the person didn't leave he just signed in for another hour of use. Thanks a lot buddy! read more

I was conducting a literature review on all of the children books about Christmas published in Hawaii in the past 100 years. I called the children's section to find out which print ready reference books I can use to search for books. A librarian answered the phone, and I explained what I was searching for. She told me to search on Google Books and Amazon.com. I learned to not rely too heavily on those tools, since librarians should look at book reviews from reputable book review publications and ready reference resources, so I asked more questions. I asked if the library had print books like Children's Books in Print (in which each edition has all of the children's books by major publisher's for that year), basically trying to give her a direction to where the reference interview can go. But she still said to look on Google Books and Amazon.com. I asked, "Are you a librarian?" and she said "Yes." Not wanting to argue with the lady or come across as a know-it-all, I ended the call. Librarians are supposed to know that to select materials; they shouldn't solely rely on Amazon.com (which has a lot of fake ratings and ratings from everyone, not just experts) or Google Books (which doesn't have all of the books, and a lot of the metadata is flawed). read more

I like going to the library because of the free computer usage and there are a variety of books on different subjects that can be borrowed. My favorite to go to is Pearl City Public Library. It is very quiet and professional. They respect the patrons and the employees follow the same rules as the patrons of being respectful and keeping quiet. This location at 478 S. King Street is the worst library I ever went to!!!When I use the computer at the lobby, people are talking stories loudly and laughing!!!(including the employees, security guards, etc); even when I as a patron say something for them to have respect for other people in being quiet, they just ignore and keep talking stories. What unprofessionalism and a shame that this state library does not have respect for patrons who wants to come to the library to enjoy it without all the noise and rowdiness!!!!!! I am very schocked at this location!! I have been in other libraries, but this is the only library which the securities that they spend a lot of tax payer's money on and their employees do not respect other patrons like myself who want peace and quiet. read more

Its a good library, with ample amount of books and collection. It is the main branch. But what good is it if there is not enough paid parking meters around it? I can count only 10 - 15 nearby metered spaces, and there is a short time limit, meaning that one has to keep going out and put coins in the meter to avoid a parking ticket or get towed away during certain downtown traffic hours. If you are a full time worker, the days you can use this library are Thursday evening for a couple of hours and Saturdays, both days you need to pay for parking. The library is closed on Sundays. Therefore, to summarize, if you are not a retiree, and if you don't live within the 3 or 4 blocks, then you won't be able to use this library without having to pay for parking, if you can find a spot to park legitimately, and if you don't mind coming out to put coins in the meters every hour or two. If you look carefully at the library hours, they are pretty much catered towards the needs of its staff, and not the need of the patrons. That is why you hardly see too many people in the library, even in the Thursday evenings. On the other hand, the other branches are rather crowded a lot of times. read more

Pre-Review Warning: This review is mostly a loooonnnngggg TIP for getting your passport at the library. I haven't been to the State Library in nearly 30 years! I must say, it looks pretty good considering its age. I needed to get a new passport. I went to Costco for the photos. After obtaining an application form at the Kapalama post office, they said that I have to make an appointment, and said that the Hawaii State Library is the only place that takes walk ins (new apps only, not renewals). Street parking is usually available on King Street or Punchbowl. It is metered, but they are the new style meters that take credit cards (at least on Punchbowl it is) so don't worry if you don't have change. Caveats: on weekdays, parking on King is only until 3:30, then it's a tow away zone; Punchbowl parking is later, but meter is a max of 3 hours. The passport apps are taken in the "Federal Documents" section on the second floor in the part of the building past the courtyard. It's to the left after you get out of the elevator in the "Business" section. Just ask the "friendly" person at the information desk and they will direct you. Try to pre-fill in the form if you can. Use a black pen, not blue, like I did. Bring the required docs, i.e. drivers license, birth certificate, expired passport if you have one (don't really need it, but need the info on it), and your check book or money order. Really, the best thing to do is pre-fill in the app online and print it. It asks for info that you might not have! The library doesn't take credit or debit cards! If you need a money order, get it at the downtown post office across King Street. It's $1.20 for up to $500 worth. There are actually two fees to be paid. The app fee and the processing fee. The app fee goes to the State Dept. and the processing fee goes to the library. The app fee must be check or money order. The processing fee can be cash, but must be exact change. If you have everything with you, it will save you lots of time! As far as the library...As Erica W. mentioned, there are lots of, what appears to be, homeless people at the library. They are out front loitering, and inside, sleeping (pretending to read a book), and using many of the internet PCs. I don't expect to let my children go to this library unless the state does something about this. (I honestly don't know what they could do about it.) Libraries used to be a place for us to learn, research, and imagine! That is not what it is now. On top of that, the employees weren't the friendliest or most courteous. It's easy to see why libraries won't exist in the future, in the way they used to, that is... read more

Had to compile some research and professor suggested this library for the archive. Manoa has a vast selection; however the drive is terrible. I opted to head to this library even though it was still far out for me. read more

I've visited this place about twice in the last month after not doing so since I was in junior high (it was for some writing award in school) and I honestly regret not visiting more often! I usually would go to the one located in Waipahu (as that is where I live; and it was a very nice place to be at as well), but I particularly enjoy the library located in town because of the very traditional, gorgeous library architecture and most importantly, it's vast variety of books! This library is huge, and I absolutely love it there! I feel so at home in there; the environment is very tranquil, everybody's just minding their own business reading and browsing the Internet; and my absolute favorite part of this library is it's beautiful outdoor balcony that includes tables and chairs for those who would like to read or write while enjoying the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze. The state library definitely is one of my most favorite places on this island, and I actually will be paying them another visit later on today :-) read more

I always love libraries, doesn't matter where, or how big it is. I always find a book to read. This one is no exception, I just go into whatever section I decide and look for an interesting title. Books are easy to find, and the upstairs is beautiful. However, I wish it had more wall outlets and tables, especially for students. I'd also like to see a wider variety in manga. I only see one shelf reserved for it, and the most mainstream, commonly found manga was nowhere to be seen. read more

I can't say that I actually have used the actual library (like sitting there to study or perusing the bookshelves), but I must say that I do use their online Horizon Portal service and it is AMAZING. My co-workers told me about it and since we work in downtown this library is SO convenient to pick up the books from there (and not have to worry about parking, which I assume could be harsh in downtown). The way the Horizon system works is that you login using your library card and password. Which you get from the library by easily filling out a form - and its free! Unless you lost your card and need a new one, then its $5. When you find your book, you put in your request for it and then wait until they e-mail you, saying its ready. Then you just go, head to the checkout counter, and pick them up. That's it! No searching by call-numbers, and getting lost (like I do sometimes... Its a huge library!) What's even MORE awesome is that even if the library you're picking it up from doesn't have it in stock, they'll TRANSPORT it from a different library. Again, for FREE! So you don't have to wait until someone returns it! Sometimes, with the more popular books they're all checked out everywhere and there is a wait list, but just put a request and you're in a queue for it. DVDs, CDs, and e-books (limited selection) are also available! Haven't tried getting an e-book via the library yet so not sure how it works exactly, but still, super cool! Such an awesome state service you should all be using! read more

Before the summer ended my daughter and I finally made a trip to the State Library. We use to go every two weeks to borrow books but stopped. Oh yeah she got a Nook for her birthday. For what ever reason even though she can download a book easily to her Nook there's something that she loves about holding an actual book. I would encourage anyone to visit their local library. One day everything might go digital and libraries will be just a thing of the past. read more

Everyday should be extended hours till 8pm. Staff are not very helpful. I don't understand the increase in fees for the copy machine. Geez, state deficits allows to scrape funds from all sources with exclusions!!! read more

This is one of, if not the nicest library I've ever been to. There's plenty of tables both inside the AIR-CONDITIONED building and outside in the center courtyard for you to sit and enjoy the FREE WIFI the library offers. The two-story library has a wealth of well-organized books, including MANY MANY foreign language books and audio learning resources. Speaking of audio, their media library is stocked with dvd's and cd's, many in foreign languages as well. The library does serve as a haven for the homeless, so occasionally an unsavory individual will make a section unbearably smelly, and the bathroom is somewhat scary, but well-kempt considering....Even so, the library provides plenty of learning materials and an erudite ambience when I need to get stuff done on my laptop. read more

The great thing about borrowing books from Hawaii pubic library's is that you can borrow from any library and drop it off anywhere! This location is so convenient because it's right by down town. There is a easy drop off box on the side close to Iolani Place! Clean library and so many great varieties of books :) read more

There's not a real wide selection of books available at the library because as some mentioned before, they're always checked out or lost. However, the overall atmosphere and layout of the library is ideal for reading and studying. I actually used to go to the State Library all the time in high school to study for my exams and do homework. read more