Library services in Kaimuki, Honolulu, Hawaii... I had some time between appointments, so I went to explore Kaimuki Public Library. It's been a very long time since I last visited. I forgot that the entrance to the free parking lot is on Harding Avenue. There's some stairs to climb to the entrance facing Koko Head Avenue. I got a space in the shade (from the building) since it was late afternoon! Inside, it was nicely air-conditioned and had a convenient restroom. The right side was the Children's area and the left side housed Adult reading material. I was so happy to find the book that I was looking for! I was able to use the self checkout machine, but there was a line for human assistance. I needed to "desensitize" my book so that the alarm wouldn't go off. I sat at a table to read and a staff approached me and said that he was able to help me now. I told him I could just sit and read a bit... the book was getting good! I heard the warning announcement... fifteen minutes until closing. I decided to head on out and desensitized my book on the way out. Downstairs, in the meeting room, there was a program going on! How to make Pasta Jewelry - for free! I actually didn't use any pasta, but made a bracelet with all kinds of beads - even glow-in-the-dark stars! I always wanted to make a red, gold, and black bracelet! LOL! Anyway, it was a very productive experience! I found two things that I didn't expect to find! I'll be back! read more

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The parking lot is a bit interesting as it wraps around the back of the building. The spots directly under the library are very tight so be careful! There is also a drive up book drop off that's convenient and some street parking right by the entrance but beware there are some tow away zone times. This location just got a self service kiosk which was really quick and easy to use. I just scanned my card and then scanned my book and I was done! I tried to get my baby a library card but they said she had to sign for it. Oh well, something to do when she gets older! They have a great summer reading program with incentives and prizes for kids and adults. Can't wait until next year's one! read more

What a great library!!! In general I feel Oah'u has a really terrific library system- pretty old school, but that's AOK. Kaimuki's branch is nicely organized and has a good array of activities for children. read more

We had to use the library to print some material off. This was your basic no frills library with lineoleum floor. AC was cool. Easy lot parking. read more

As a kid growing up in Kaimuki, I spent a lot of time in this library as my parents wanted to instill the value of education to me, and reading was a big part of what my parents wanted me to do. What did I actually do? Like a clown, I just mostly horsed around in the library with my friends! Edjumacation was the last thing on my mind as a kid, and P.E. - physical education was my bag baby! Too bad god didn't give me all the gifts to be a professional athlete, so at the end of the day, I realized that my parents were right about expanding my learning, and getting a good education. After spending my early years at the Kaimuki library, in my later years in school I found myself using the libraries at the University of Hawaii - (Hamilton Library, & Sinclair Library). A lot has changed over the years since I last been to the Kaimuki Public Library. Looks like the Kaimuki Public Library kept up with the maintenance of the place, as the library looked very clean, and neat. What I wasn't surprised of seeing is the computers they had there for public use, because when I was a kid, we were still living in the stone ages as there were no computers. Lol! Also, I saw DVD's you could rent out, and of course stations within the library where you could hook up your own laptop to use within the library. I know I had signed up for a library card as a kid. I remembered my library card to be green colored, & I bought some kinda cheap plastic thingy to laminate my green paper library card. I don't know what happened to my library card, as that library card is long gone, but since I was already at the library looking around, I decided to see if there were any records of me having a library card. When the helpful library clerk looked on the computer system, it showed I did not have a card, so I promptly signed up for a new library card. (Yay for me!). I don't plan on using the library on a regular basis, as now-a-dayz one can get information instantaneous via their phone, or computer at any given time/place. But still, having a library card is good as I was thinking that one day when I do retire (and have a lot of time to kill), I'd swing by the library to read a book, magazine, or newspaper. :D read more

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I made the transition to Kindle books some time ago, and made great use of the Hawaii State Public Library System's Kindle collection for some time now. In the course of doing some family research, I had to borrow some books on Hawaiian history that weren't available on Kindle. That meant a physical visit to the library. Kaimuki Public Library is a nearby local library, easy to get to with lots of parking. I've been going there for over 30 years since I went to college at UH Manoa. The layout hasn't changed in that time- children & young adult on the right when you first walk in, adult on the left. It felt like walking through a time warp. But there are signs of change: Wifi is available, also there are public terminals to access the internet. I soon found the books I was looking for, but one was reference only. It wasn't available to check out. So I found an open carousel and read until the library closed in several hours. It's basic, but it met my needs for the day. Will repeat when needed and recommend! read more

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This library is extremely quiet. It is old looking, but I like the take or give a seed exchange they had. They also have ample seating, and it is clean. read more

Kaimukī Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This is medium sized library with a parking lot. Quite busy with young and old patrons. The public computers seem to constantly filled with users. They have a clean vintage small-tiled restroom. The library is appropriately quiet, so one can hear the toilet flushes! Overall, a tidy and busy library. The right half is filled with children/young adult literature and the left with more adult items. There are also magazines, tapes, CD's and other materials to borrow. read more

Kaimukī Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

OPEN. - modified but open. You can browse live the various new fiction or non-fiction. It is clear they want you to browse and borrow and not linger. The checkout was very interesting -- they took a laundry container and attached a yardstick underneath so they could pull it back from a table. The table is where you place your books to be borrowed and your library card. The check out person then pulls back the laundry bin with the yardstick and processes your books. All is slided back to you when finished. Definitely a DIY solution. No automation - but it works! Nice to get to borrow books again since I love to read 1-2 hours a day. Not quite normal but I am happy for the compromise. read more

Kaimukī Public Library - The DIY apparatus - and the detailed instructions! It works.... - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We came here yesterday to borrow some books. Our home library is Hawaii Kai public library but we didn't think that we would make it in time. Hawaii Kai library was gonna close at 5 and Kaimuki library opened until 6. Growing up in the area, my mom always used to take us to the Kaimuki library. My mom would always have us join their summer reading program. Even as an adult I would go to that library. It's a good library and they have a lot of resources. Well it's been years since I last came to Kaimuki library and they made a few changes. I only went to the children's side so I'm not sure if they made changes on the adult side. Anyway, the children side looks so much better. It's such a welcoming environment for the kids now. They have comfy seats for the kids to sit in and they have a large play area with seating around for the parents. In the play area they have a huge rug and shelves full of toys for kids to play with. There's puzzles, foam letters, stuffed animals, all kinds of things. As soon as my daughter saw that section she just ran over there and wanted to start playing. And when it came time to leave she didn't want to go. I'd bring my daughter back to this library again. They did a good job catering to children's needs and making it more kid friendly. read more

Kaimukī Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Having lived on three islands, I can honestly say that the Kaimuki Library is my favorite library of them all. Hilo's public library is AWESOME for it's ambiance, but as far as staffing, book selection, and just being a good local resource... Kaimuki Library...go, read, learn, grow, and support your local library! I love this place. read more

Still my fave library! Even with covid restrictions in place. Signage is posted, just follow the directions. Miss Carol is super friendly and helpful, I really appreciate her. She reminds me of every loving elementary teacher I ever had. Currently, book returns are only accepted through the external book drops (to the immediate right of the front doors and the drive thru return drop box behind the library). read more

Security and privacy assured, easy to reach via The Bus, surrounded by great restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, friendly Kaimuki people. I grew up in Kaimuki since I was 11 years old and moved back to Kaimuki after an 11-year hiatus in Seattle. Public libraries are the BEST BARGAIN IN TOWN & I couldn't survive without their e-books on Libby Overdrive. Mahalo and aloha, Kaimuki Library ohana! read more

This library is located on Koko head Avenue across the street from Kaimuki Christian Church and School. There's a parking lot available, but can be limited too especially after school. The library entrance is located upstairs. Before the library had a section by the entrance of free magazines, seeds, and other reading material, but I guess they took that away to make more room. The check out section and the reference table is in front and usually have little to no people in line. I like the library online checkout option. You can do it at your convenience at home and search for books. You can reserve it at the library desired and an email will be sent to notify if your books are ready for pickup. This location always got my book order correct and if I had any questions, they were able to answer it promptly. Highly recommend this library :) read more

First time here and they have a small meeting room downstairs where they have demonstrations and book sale. Stop by and join one of the events such as the Sunday afternoon at the movies and Adult coloring night read more

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The Kaimuki Library is the BEST! I live in Aina Haina so I usually went to that library but because of the April Floods the library has neen closed for repairs! What a blessing that happened so I came here. Oh my goodness! They have so many free activities & workshops! Today, May Kealoha presented Plants for our healing! She was so enthusiastic & personable! Such good information & good energy! She showed us books & posters moreover she had samples of food & plants! I really liked thay she mentioned that we may not spend the $ to try new things so she brought us all these healthy foods & tea to sample. Such as: Spinach & whole wheat tortillas, green salad with lots of tomatoes & carrots, fruit tray filled with strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, red & green grapes, dried apricots, nuts, chocolate truffles, seaweed salad, salsa with chips, honey & different jams & marmalade! Her New Hope church friends made kabocha, kalo & a delucious chicken soup with green papaya! May even had different teas: noni & mamaki! Also, she had so many plants to share which i love to garden & didnt know all these native plants have healing power! I am just amazed of her generosity! God Bless May & her friends! Also want to Thank Randy & Kaimuki Library for a wondeful event!! read more

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I go to this library almost weekly! I am a big fan of libraries in general but this one is perfect for its location. It's a great place to study or meet someone to co-work efficiently. If you have a library card, Internet access is free and you just input your library card number and pin. They have a lot of areas in which to work including the quieter one in the adult section (to your left as you walk in) and the one where talking is allowed in the kids section (to the right as you walk in). There are some cool art installations in the lobby usually and there is a water fountain (to fill up your water bottle) and clean bathrooms as well. I go on Sundays and it is usually busy but not too busy. The children's room is really comfortable and the volume is perfect for me. The AC is pretty cold here so bring a jacket! The parking is ample in the lots- both below and up above in the back. read more

Whoever said public libraries are a dying breed should visit this library. On a weekday afternoon or weekend, this library is filled with people of all ages, and the parking lot is full. They have a big selection of books, DVDs, magazines, and one side of the library devoted just for kids! Hawaii's public library system in general is awesome. Here's why: 1) borrowing books and audio CDs are completely free 2) overdue fines are cheap and go to help support its very existence 3) DVD rentals are only $1 for one week (better deal than the $1 kiosks) 4) the online catalog system simplifies searching and also lets you request items to be delivered to any library of your choice, and you can elect to receive an email alert when your item is ready for pick up 5) great repository for unwanted books, magazines, plastic bags 6) computer stations are available for free web surfing (you must make a reservation) 7) free wifi Not even Starbucks can compete with that. read more

One of the few open on Sundays! Good parking, neat counter with colorful slang (pic for pleasure) and friendly staff. I really like the high ceiling and large artsy murals. It's fairly easy to access from Waikiki. read more

Kaimukī Public Library - this is awesome - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Ah, the Kaimuki Library- an institution in the community since the mid-60s. One of the better public libraries in the state. Offers many event activities for patrons both young and old. Friendly and helpful staff. Trivia: the original library location and building is located diagonally across from the current location, the mauka/ewa corner of this intersection, across from Kaimuki Christian Church. You will see how small a footprint the original bldg. had. read more

Uptight employees here & annoying announcements over PA system! Also no one sanitizes computer stations after use!! Ewwww!

This library is quiet. Of course, it's a library. But the quiet isn't from a lack of users. The quiet is from a respect of place. The librarians are knowledgeable and funny. There are programs from summer reading and story hour to family movie night. They are closed on Saturdays but I find the extended evening hours most helpful. There is parking (and street parking if the lot is full.) There is a drive thru book drop - great for after hours. The stacks have a good selection. I always find more than I had intended. What isn't there can easily be brought in from another location. Audio books, language tapes, computers & internet, seed swap, current bus schedules, Friends of the Library book sales downstairs...Kaimuki Library has it all! I don't need to go to the library today but writing this review has inspired me. I think I'll stop by for a library fix. read more

Kaimukī Public Library - All the best libraries have seed swaps. - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love this library it's my second or third time here. It's quiet and the workers are very nice and friendly. The reference desk is very helpful. I went in looking for several types if specific books and came out with a stack! Now let's see if I will read them all by ...June 4th!! Lol read more

Kaimukī Public Library - Cute kids section - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The library allows people to enter at the beginning of every hour, and you're allowed to be inside for 45mins before cleaning starts. You can only go in once per day. No seatings except for computers. read more

My new favorite study spot! Pros: -Easy and ample parking space -WiFi (log in with library card and pin) -Big tables, small tables, tables w/ dividers are available for studying or getting sh!t done -Bathrooms -A/C -Great lighting for studying/reading -Friendly staff Cons: -Closed on Saturdays and reduced hours on Fridays (1-5pm) -No eating/drinking inside the library (which I understand) Overall, my favorite library of the Hawaii state public libraries. People are generally considerate enough to keep their voices down and the library is very clean. For those of you looking for someplace to study at and not have to spend money just to use their space (like at cafes), definitely check this place out or another public library that's closer to you. 2018 Yelp review #39 read more

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Closed for renovations currently- until after April 2017. So no Sunday library open for people living town side for at least until after April. Longer if construction takes longer. read more

So...I guess this isn't a review on the services that the library has. This is about mean people lol. So on the day we came to get books for the kids we got here inadvertently 5 minutes from closing. We walked in the door and at least 3 workers were there at the front. Realizing that we wouldn't be able to get any books we were about to leave when my 4 year old asked to use the bathroom...so now Its about 2 minutes from closing and I ask the lady standing inside the door if I could at least take my son to the restroom. She looks to the lady sitting behind the desk to the right of the entrance and she looks at me and you could tell she had that look..she didn't look at me and say no but she tells the other lady to tell us. I was like WTF. I get it I was late and I'm sorry I really didn't know the hours, kinda just took a chance...but hello my 4 year old wants to pee...I was so disappointed, mad actually...I took my son out towards the parking lot and had him pee on a nearby tree! This lady didn't have to be a bitch. Anyway sorry for venting lol. Bottom line....let's be nice to each other! read more

Of the libraries closest to Hawai'i Kai, this is my favorite. It's got more parking than Hawai'i Kai and Aina Haina, and their book drop off is convenient to drive up to! While my kids are older, families with younger children might prefer this one as it has the largest children's section of the three - there may be larger ones in other areas but I haven't gone to all the libraries. Plus, it's in Kaimuki, where you can drop into some great restaurants and cafes for breakfast, lunch or snack! read more

Out of all of the HSPL branches, Kaimuki Public Library is the one I frequent the most due to the convenient location, friendly circulation workers and librarians, and its cozy vibe. This library may not be as aesthetically appealing or resource rich as some of the libraries on the west coast (Seattle Central Library!), but it is still able to capture its community's interests pretty well by having a decent selection of manga, books written in East Asian languages, and consumer-friendly, "how-to"-type materials. Also, the free magazine table rules! On a lucky day, I've picked up fairly recent (2011, earlier 2012) copies of Time, National Geographic, and Allure to flip through at home. Other nifty things include: -Free storytime for children on Sundays at 10:30am (as of 10/27/12) -Cool cultural programs revolving around crafts, local theatre, music, art and more. If you have a library card, you have access to: -E-books, digital audio and music that can be borrowed without leaving your home. -A tidy selection of online databases that can help supply one with credible research (Encyclopedia Britannica Online, Academic Search Premier, etc). -Free full-text articles from Honolulu Star-Advertiser (June 7, 2010 - Present) via the online database also named "Honolulu Star-Advertiser." No more pesky paywall?! -Computer & laptop use -A good selection of non-fiction, fiction, reference, children's and YA materials, of course! -And free WI-FI?! If this place was open 24/7, I'd never leave! -- -Edit- Another thing cool for people interested in doing genealogical research is that through their Electronic Resources page, one can access the library edition of Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest Online for free. All you have to do is click on this link: http://librarieshawaii.org/serials/databases.html Limit your subject to "genealogy" and click on either "Ancestry Library Edition" (this one can only be used within the library, so you might have to ask a librarian for help on that) or "Heritage Quest Online" and sign in with your library card number and your pin. Through Heritage Quest Online, I was able to find out that my great-grandparents owned a jelly factory in Kalihi in 1940. So cool! read more

I literally haven't been in a public library since....1989? In high school and college I used the school library so much has changed since then. The last thing I remember about Kaimuki library was it was always so darn hot because they didn't have air conditioning. The shelves were all pretty rusted from wear-n-tear and of course, b/c of the open windows it was very dusty. Fast forward to last weekend 24 years later. I step inside and the first thing I noticed was it's air conditioned! There is also a medal detector and security guard sitting up front. I'm not sure what this is for?? I guess libraries may have housed the riff-raff at some point?? Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised. Everything is clean, the added bonus is the free WiFi and the many seating areas to park on and do my work. The downside of course is this is not a Starbucks so no food or drinks and the outlets are hard to come by if you're going to plug a lap top in. The hours of course are not as convenient as a Starbucks but hey, at least it's another option right? read more

Call me a nerd, but I LOVE this library, and I love that I can walk to this branch from my house! There's plenty of parking, though sometimes this branch gets busy, in which case you can street park along Koko Head Ave. in front of the library, or park at the nearby municipal lot. It's spacious inside, with lots of seating. It's nice to see it so busy, especially on Sundays! Which brings me to my next point: they're open on Sundays, when most branches are closed! The trade-off: they're closed on Saturdays. I can live with that. I often come here for the magazines. There's quite a selection for a neighborhood library, located to the left of the entrance, in an L-shaped area. Once, I was on the hunt for a special fashion magazine found in the New York Times called "T" - and was surprised that they had it! The librarians here are always so friendly and helpful, no matter how odd the request. The one who helped me locate the "T" magazine went through the trouble of pulling out back issues of the the New York Times before realizing they were stacked in the magazine section! The Kaimuki branch is also active in hosting events, mostly for the keiki! They are listed on the HSPLS website, and they also have a free newsletter - you can subscribe to the emailed version online, or pick up the hard copy newsletter at the reference desk. Support your neighborhood library! read more

Best library in the world!! because the staff are friendly and efficient and patient and helpful; it is near our home; some current books are immediately available to check out; or, we can request books that might not be readily available which they will retrieve for us; WE LOVE KAIMUKI PUBLIC LIBRARY! read more

We had donated boxes of books to this Library. Easy drop off on the back side at the back door loading zone. Return items: Nice drive through drop off post on the side. Open on Sunday 1000-1700! (Closed Fri + Sat) YELP 365 - 109/365 read more

Free WiFi? Ebooks? Renewal Online?! The Hawaii state libraries have certainly stepped up their game in the past year, and I am one satisfied patron. I also love the library loan feature. Although I don't get to vacation in Hanalei, my latest book can be from Kauai and arrive at Kaimuki Library in a matter of days... The staff members at this particular branch are friendly and efficient. The location is convenient (treat yourself to Jewel Or Juice after working up an appetite with all that perusing) and the neon open/closed sign is entertaining (Midwestern tavern vibe). I haven't noticed the lack of air conditioning, but I guess dressing in layers is a good idea. Before making your way to the library, make sure to check out the hours, especially around the holidays. [bonus for the bladder-challenged: clean non-beach public restrooms!] read more

Ok, so I'm biased because I spent many childhood days in this library. I loved going to the children's section and picking out a book and reading it with my tutor. Now, I return as a teacher to check out book for my students. I'm so happy we still have awesome libraries where kids can learn to enjoy books! read more

I really love coming to this library to study! It's quiet, cool, and there's plenty of desk space to throw your books out on and read. They have a decent selection of DVD's to rent, as well as CD's, and their magazine rack has a wide selection of rags to choose from. I was told that they will be getting WiFi in the near future, and that will make this place even better! There's only one gripe I do have, and it's really only a minor one. There's a security guard that works there, a tottering older gentleman, and boy does he do his job well. A little too well, if I might say so. I've been hassled about having a water bottle in the library, which I keep in my backpack [I wasn't drinking from it, it was just visible, which is apparently still a threat to books everywhere]. I've also seen him lurking over people's shoulders while they read or study, or look for books, which I find to be quite rude. Not enough to knock down a star, but I do get annoyed seeing him walk around. read more

Very.. quaint library. Staff is very approachable and friendly. Coming here recently definitely brought back good ole memories when I frequented this place as a kid, looking for Magic School Bus books/videos to rent, reading books about animals, etc. Ahhh... the simple times.. No AC :( This made me sad, especially since I was trying to study and escape the summer heat. No Wifi :( This made me even more sad, but no wifi equates to me concentrating more? I guess you win some, you lose some. read more

I've visited three libraries on Oahu and this is a very good one. It is unique in at least two ways. This location is one of the few ones that is open on Sundays. This library also has a waiting list for netbooks. They check them out for three weeks at a time, so I waited about 6-7 weeks before one was available. They emailed me and gave me three days to pick it up. The library is situated on a hill and people park bikes in front. The people working there have helped me with various issues and they are friendly and knowledgeable. The computers for public use are the same as the computers in the other libraries. They're pretty fast and the PCs have the major applications and browsers. They let people use them for one hour at a time and you must wait an hour to use one again or you need them to reset your library card. They will reset it if there is nobody waiting and there is an open machine. read more

Trying to get info on how to borrow book on-line...one of the librarians gave me a handout... the other one really didn't seem interested in helping me...oh well, I'll figure it out...too bad...there was one that was really nice and helpful...it's a people thing...some do their jobs with care and others seems to be there to collect a pay check... read more

I've been going to the McCully-Moiliili public library for so long I forgot what a library could be like. The two locations have similar accommodations with their amount of computer terminals and large area for kids and a knowledgeable staff on hand, along with two bathrooms and a water fountain, but I do believe that the Kaimuki library is superior because of its very large reading area (about three times that of McCully-Moiliili) and the way there are an abundance of single desks instead of larger four seater tables. This set up is important because when you are at the library you don't want to socialize at all, especially as everyone is supposed to keep quiet. The other thing that makes Kaimuki Public library superior is its staff. While McCully-Moiliili library does have one very good librarian who can direct you to books you want and books you might like, she is not usually seated behind a desk where the Kaimuki help desk librarian is, and consequently you do not get to ask her as much as you'd like to. In addition Kaimuki Public library is superior in those who check out your books (McCully-Moiliili check out counter librarians are nice, but often seem depressed), and in one important and overlooked aspect, the security guard. The Kaimuki library security librarian probably does not have to do with the very large homeless population in the McCully-Moiliili area, so maybe that's a reason, but she does seem so much more positive than the security guards at the McCully-Moiliili library who often have a sour or careless attitude which can absolutely put a damper on your experience there. Because of its study space the Kaimuki library even feels like a university library and is much more conducive to real work which I saw several patrons doing. At the McCully-Moiliili library you feel a bit stressed because of the lack of seating, which is actually quite minimal because no one really wants to sit next to a stranger if they can help it. Libraries, group tables are not great! I think Kaimuki library actually has a better selection of books too. Part of the job of a librarian is to curate a book collection and I think whoever is doing that at Kaimuki library is doing a great job. The fashion section in particular is good here. McCully-Moiliili library has an amazing first floor for kids, but because of the overall atmosphere and the questionable area I think Kaimuki library is a better choice, even though the kids section might be smaller. Kaimuki library is just cleaner and friendlier and in a better area with a lot more interesting stores nearby, like Via Gelato for instance. I would absolutely go to Kaimuki library if it was closer for me. From the staff to the generous seating to the excellent selection of books and the help on hand, everything seems geared towards staying a while checking out books, which by its very nature is a longer activity. I have not wanted to read books in a while and wanted to going here. McCully-Moiliili library does have activities but they are squirreled away in a back room somewhere. The Kaimuki library does its activities in more open areas I think, which encourages participation. I like that the Kaimuki library also has some activities geared towards adults where the McCully-Moiliili library has next to zero. If you need the computer I have to say the customers at Kaimuki library seem much more friendlier than at McCullly-Moiliili, who seem much more cross. This probably has to do with the way the Kaimuki library computers are set up a little farther apart. I like the warmer lighting at Kaimuki library as well. McCully-Moiliili uses the more blue daylight bulbs which gives a colder feeling. read more