Gretchen in the children's part of the library is a cruel and inhumane person. Patience, Peace, and RESPECT are the qualities we need in a space that children are welcomed into. I understand libraries are known as 'quiet' places. But these should also be safe places for children. This is a free place for children to come for parents and families who may be low income and deserve to have access to resources such as these. I'm DISGUSTED at the level of disrespect and abuse that has been directed towards parents in this space by Gretchen. It is abuse to talk to anyone in the manner in which she has and is completely unacceptable and inappropriate. Especially in the presence of children... I was astonished to hear that so many people have similar experiences and that is absolutely unacceptable. We want to share the Aloha experience with everyone and want to make everyone feel comfortable and SAFE bringing their children to a PUBLIC LIBRARY. This situation is sick and needs to be addressed. Disappointed is an understatement. read more

First things first: HILO LIBRARY HOURS Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11a - 7p Wednesday: 11a - 7p Thursday: 9a - 4p Friday: 11a - 4p Saturday: 9a - 4p Sunday: Closed REVIEW The most pleasant public library I've ever visited. A beautiful, open-air courtyard is at center. The birds seem to love it almost as much as I. A surrounding lanai has lots of seating, including an area with tables. A large meeting room is available by reservation for community groups. On approaching the building, patrons are greeted by a banner promoting the free WiFi access within. read more

This library is very clean and welcoming. I found classical music CDs and Sherlock DVDs. I like the pretty green lizards looking after patrons among the stacks. I would give it 5 stars if it took down all the plastic barriers and I could see the staff's faces, especially since the CDC dropped all their COVID guidelines and restrictions. read more

Hilo Public Library - Hours - Libraries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Huge library with a great kids section. Friendly and helpful staff. Free for residents, low cost for out-of-area library card.

Great place to stop for a quick photo with the Naha stone. Very little parking in front.

People work here are so kind and helpful. The library workers work hard not like the most state workers. I have never seen them talking personal things with co workers or doing nothing. I am very proud of them. Thank you read more

Loved this place but became not eligible to use except for book pickup from state mandates. The classes/ public education that had been going on premandate was exceptional. I will be back on day one of being "allowed". read more

So you wouldn't have thought to stop by a library as a sightseeing spot? Me either, but our travel guidebook pointed out that the Naha stone was located in front of Hilo's main library, so we decided to swing by and check it out. According to legend, there was a prophecy that whoever could lift the 7,000-lb. Naha stone would eventually become ruler of the Hawaiian islands. At age 14, Kamehameha successfully moved the stone, and indeed he did go on to become king of the Hawaiian islands. It's pretty quick to see, but the inside of the library is worth checking out too. The library is built around a central courtyard, with rooms leading off the courtyard containing bookshelves. During the day, the windows are left open, and some book carts and displays are also located out in the courtyard. There's comfortable outdoor seating, wall outlets to recharge your devices, and a pretty landscaped grassy area in the center. Toward the back of the library, there's a quiet room, but honestly, the whole place is quiet and relaxing for reading or working on your computer. Inside, there are some fun and creative book displays for kids and adults, and a shelf of used books that you can buy. I should have left the books I finished on the plane here! Even if you're just visiting and not eligible for a library card, this tranquil and beautifully designed library is worth stopping in for a peek. read more

Hilo Public Library - Open air corridors with side rooms for books. - Libraries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Decided to stop by Hilo Library and check it out since I had never been there before, and I am sure glad I did. This is a wonderful library. It is the biggest one (I believe) on the island, and not only is the selection huge, but the layout of the library itself is really nice. This made me not only feel bad for my public library (Kona), but made me wish we had something like this. The building itself is really cool; open air and in the middle is a huge courtyard. It is pretty amazing (see pics) and very relaxful. A lot of people were actually just chillin, like it was a park of some sort (or maybe for the free wifi). I had originally thought about going here to see what sort of selection of Japanese books they would have. Kona has ONE row of a rack, although I am very grateful for it. I had a hunch Hilo would have more, and wow was I shocked. They had not only a row but 2 entire racks full, both sides. In addition to that, they even had current magazines from Japan. Wow, I had never anticipated that. And not only did they have magazines, you could also borrow them (except for the current issue). Very cool. My wife was very excited about this. She was even more excited when I told her not only could be borrow them here, but that we could return them to any library on the island, no problem. That kind of service was never even comprehensible to her. I also verified with the librarian that we could go online and search for books, and we could order anything and have it sent over to us. I still cannot quite fathom how the library can do such great things like this, but I definitely appreciate it. Add this to the list of places I will visit when in Hilo. For people who don't live here, I would still suggest paying a visit. I think you will be delightfully surprised. Also, make sure to check out the Naha stone (really famous and cool history) right in front of the library. This would be a good stop if you are headed to Rainbow Falls, which is where I went next.....On to the next review. read more

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What a wonderful library! I love the layout of the place. In the middle of the library is open. So you can feel the breeze and watch the rain. Wifi is free with your library card (used to log in), but no wifi in the children's section, which is the place that has air conditioning. You might see some adults, who don't have kids in there to beat the heat. But after awhile it gets super cold. Honestly, the middle is cool enough. I really like the self check! The line for the check out with the librarians can get pretty long. So, it's nice to quickly check out! The reference young lady was really helpful too and really nice! Thanks! Really nice place and people! And great history / folklore! Just make sure that you don't plug anything in the children's section. I got a little spank'n for that one. My bad. Sorry! But plenty of plugs in the middle, computers to use, and lots of great help! :) read more

Love the library here ! Nice selection , but one of the staff is very rude (older lady with short brown hair) was rude about even getting a library card . Heard her being rude about book fees and would it kill her to smile? Maybe we can get self check out it would feel more comforting . Also a lady brought books to donate with her husband and the bag broke the lady behind the desk just stared didn't offer to help. Does she always look so annoyed? But regardless like this library it's clean and well organized . I always find myself hoping not to get her as I wait in line and I've been lucky twice in a row read more

I came to Hilo to visit my sister in law. While she was at school me and my brother in law took both our kids to this library. His son is 16 months while mine is only 4 months so I was pushing her around in her stroller. My brother in law says he likes to bring his son here to play in the kid section while he waits for my sister to get out of school. We walked in and then walked around to the left to enter the kid section. After walking through the doors security ran (and I mean bolted ran) into the children's room and stared at me. For a second there I thought he was going to tell us there was an emergency evacuation with how he ran and how scared his expression was. Security: "Ma'am, you can't have drinks in here! The bottle for your baby is fine but not the drink!" With how dramatic his entrance was , he made it seem like I just brought an explosive into the library. I made a face. I hadn't been able to drink my coffee this morning so I grabbed a red bull on the way here. It's perfectly normal to let me know that drinks aren't allowed but he didn't have to make it so dramatic. I walked out, pounded my energy drink and went back inside. The children's section was wonderful. It was air conditioned which I assume why it was separated from the rest of the library. Beautiful and very clean. Although the librarians in this section could have smiled more and not looked so angry. After a few minutes we walked the rest of the library. There was an open court yard in the middle and benches surrounding it so people could sit and read. My nephew ran into the grass and my brother in law followed. I looked all around to find a sign that said "Keep off the grass" but all I could find was "No cell phone use please." A librarian came out from an office and politely told us we could not be on the courtyard since it was a heiau (for those of you visiting that don't know what that is, it's a sacred place) her name was Michelle and she's the manager of the library. She was kind and told us information about the library and about how one of the benches was antique. She also told us how they were constantly trying to update the children section to make it a dinner place. This library is very nice but I almost felt like I was getting in trouble to many times. The security guards are a bit much with their reactions and since the courtyard if a heiau they should put up a sign that says so or at least to keep off the grass. Some people are ignorant and won't know unless you say so (especially tourists) Beautiful library but it's very old fashioned with rules and I'm better off at a laid off library for kids who enjoy running a muck. read more

Hilo Public Library - Layout of library - Libraries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

My toddler and I love the storytime with Uncle Marcus, she asks about it all week and is so excited to come. However, I have had multiple recent encounters with other staff that have confirmed to me that I won't be returning anymore. With multiple counter staff I have received an uncalled for amount of attitude and unfriendly behavior. I could go into all the specifics but it mainly has to do with their behavior towards my daughter, who is two. My daughter is not a child that yells or destroys things, and I think is pretty respectful. We have never lost or had a late book or been unfriendly towards any staff. But any time she says something a bit loudly they don't hesitate to tell me she needs to be quiet immediately. There's more too. I also have noticed them being snippy with other parents. It's pretty disappointing as my daughter really enjoys storytime but I cannot stomach another curt remark or unfriendly attitude from this place. Thank you for the fun we had. read more

A beautiful and bustling little library. Built around an open-air courtyard, this place was hopping on a week-day afternoon (the parking lot was jammed). Leslie at the reference desk gave me the rundown on their collection, including the Hawai'iana area, a unique asset. This service is a great benefit for Hilo! read more

Hey all, If you plan to go to the big motherland, Hawai'i, make your way here. Hilo is the place. Weather it's by car or bus. There are two huge stones that sit in front of this building. There's a significant history behind it. Go and find out for yourself. I do not have an update on the reference or internal ratings of the grounds. read more

Awesomest library ever. Naha Stone, how can people drive by this without knowing it's significance to Hawaii seriously? Could you move that stone? No way braddah. http://www.donch.com/lulh/naha.htm Read first, then visit. Much of the beauty that exudes from Hawaii comes from it's deep association with it's history and nature. Enjoy this one that can be seen from the road!! No need even stop read more

I mostly use online services to listen to audiobooks, occasionally I need to go to actual library. It's always been clean and the people polite. Being in Hawaii on the Big Island the hours of availability and selection is less than stellar. Still great source of internet access and printing if on a budget. read more

I LOVE this library. It is one of the nicest libraries I have been in. It's big in size and selection, it's welcoming, it's GORGEOUS, and it has a very warm atmosphere and a great sense of community that makes it just feel "right" - a place you can stay a while, relax, work on your computer or read a book. In the middle of the library sits a large outdoor patio, which is just stunningly beautiful. It makes the whole place feel like it bridges the world between indoor and outdoor, books and the beautiful foliage of Hilo. To find your books you must walk the perimeter of this mystical patio, and explore the nooks and crannies around the edges. It has a great sense of exploration, which isn't to say it isn't well organized - just that it makes you FEEL like an adventurer everytime you look for a book. The place also hosts a lot of events and it's always full of people reading, playing on the computers, taking advantage of its internet connection, and just relaxing. It feels like a community unto itself and it's very friendly. For a few months my girlfriend and I were living in Hawaii and we did not have access to electricity or the internet where we lived. It was therefore our pleasure to take the bus into Hilo everyday we could and spend most of our time in between enjoying the city in the library, where I did my work (which was online) and she wrote her thesis. I cannot imagine a nicer place to go in to work everyday. My only possible criticism is that its hours are fairly erratic and a few times the internet died while we were there - but these were easy enough to work around and were easily forgiven. If that's the price for having a place so intimate, so easy to feel at home, then it's an easy one to pay. read more

My favorite library because of the terrific workers and volunteers. The service they give to the public is awesome and helpful. I borrow from here alot as it is near me and plus it's a place of history which should be a historical monument. read more

Beee-eautiful courtyard surrounded by open benches and workdesks/tables with outlets! Sorry, no internet for visitors :-/

We just got our new library cards here, it was easy! The librarian was helpful and showed us that there were alot more options than just borrowing books. Audio books, cd's, dvd's, online renewals... Awesome! We'll be back, and not only to return the books that we borrowed! read more

Hilo's very own public library. Educational and as well as recreational.

The library is around a courtyard with places you can sit and read. When we moved back to Hilo we used the internet here until ours got connected. The staff are helpful and friendly. It should be more days and with longer hours, but unfortunately funding does not allow it. read more

Only been there once, and that was for the Spring book sale. The sale was pretty sweet. Children's books 3 for $1 and paperbacks for 50 cents. read more

I love the Hawaii Public Library System. You can get things shipped from other state libraries to the closest one to you! They also checking your account and renewing books a breeze online. The Hilo library has a nice ambiance with courtyard in the center and lots of good material (including DVDs) to browse. Plenty of speedy computers for online access and friendly staff. Parking can sometimes be a bear and I always seem to show up when they've changed their hours again, but it's worth checking out (no pun intended)! Support your local public library! read more