This is the first public library I've been to on the island since moving here. It's a bit on the smaller side compared to the ones I've frequented on the mainland, but it's better than not having one nearby at all. I love taking my boys here in the morning, there's no crowd and we pretty much have the whole kid/teen section to ourselves. It's calm, quiet, and peaceful. The only downside are the chapter books for my two older boys, all of which they have already read prior to moving here or have no interest in (girl books). read more

This library has gone down hill. Hardly anyone uses it, mostly using the computers. What a waste, you hardly see many cars in the parking lot except for the workers in the back part of the lot or when the YMCA overflow parks there. There seemed to be more programs or community activities there before. I guess the head librarian has changed. read more

Cute little neighborhood library. The staff is very friendly. I would recommend placing your books on hold online first so that you can ensure that you will have the books that you want to borrow. Putting it on hold online means that they will get your book from whichever library location has it and will bring it to the location nearest you. Extremely convenient. read more

Ok this is a very small, but perfect. The upstairs loft is perfect for studying. Computers are always available and the Janitor Cleans it often. Staffing is are always there to help you. Such a positive bunch of staff. Security and Staff welcomes you either Hello, Good Morning, How are you. My advice to get into this parking lot is to come from North King Street, take a right on Kalihi Street. Slow to approach the walking bridge, Signal your blinker and enter the first RIGHT. See to Believe. read more

Kalihi-Palama Public Library - Honor Backs are BACK. Thank you Kalihi for bringing this back. I love your book sales that is tucked away by the water faucet. CHEAP!! - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Worst experience ever at a library and that's saying alot because I love our state's libraries. I called today on my way to this library to borrow 2 books they have checked in at this location and asked if it was possible to pull them for me since I know they're closing at 4. She informs me that they are closing in 12 mins but still pulls them for me. I know I can make it because I'm close. Unfortunately I run into a 4 car accident on the freeway but still manage to park and run to the door right at 4pm. The sign still says open but the security guard sees me, grabs the sign and turns it to the closed side while this other blonde hair woman (not exaggerating) stares me in the face and locks the door. I hear the click of the lock and everything. I explain to them through the door that I just called and show them my library card and say I just want to check out... literally a minute or so to check out 2 books they've pulled already. The girl shakes her head and grabs another lady. I tell that lady that I just called (probably spoke to her on the phone) and explained that I just got here and just want to check the books out. She shakes her head and says god knows what through the door (can't even hear her) because she didn't even have the decency to open the door and just let me explain. I get closing time is closing time and if I was even 5 minutes late, I know I'll have to wait till the next day but LITERALLY NOT EVEN ONE MINUTE, you've got to be kidding me. I'm sorry if you're in a rush to leave your job but it doesn't excuse you to be so damn HEARTLESS to let me take an extra 1-2 minutes of your time to check out books you've literally pulled already! This is all at now at 4:02pm... seriously I would've been done and checked out already instead of arguing with me. I'm not there to browse, use the computer, use your restroom... just be a decent, human being and think about how you treat someone. You knew I rushed there too but you didn't care even when I made it there on time and for books you have at the desk; I'm so shocked and I've never had a door shut on my face like that. No frickin aloha- shame on you lady and to the blonde hair woman and security guard. I will never step foot in this location ever again. read more

I lost my library card (again) and they were able to find my information quickly - after you fill out the library card form. Libraries are a great resource for children and adults. I come here to find books for my class and they love it. I love being able to provide different books to them. Kalihi-Palama Library can be seem on H1 - behind Bishop Museum. It can be a little tricky if you're not familiar with the area. I would take Kalihi Street and it'll be on your right side. **Before the YMCA** There's a decent amount of parking stalls for the library. Kalihi-Palama Library has many resources and is not as large as other libraries on the island. A great place to read books, help your child with reading, and of course the librarians :) read more

No public restroom Went here to read a bit while I waited in town and needed to use the bathroom. It was reserved for staff only. Had to leave and go to the McDonald's at Kamehameha Shopping Center. read more

Hooray for libraries! We frequent many locations in the state library system (Liliha, Kaneohe, Kailua, State Library, Pearl City, etc.) and take advantage of the many services they offer. A lot of the services are unique to each location. For example, at this particular location, you can renew your passport. Pretty neat. The Kalihi-Palama library is pretty tricky to find if you're not familiar with the area. Because it's on a one way street and because it's so close to the highway onramp and offramp, you have to really plan ahead when coming here - you don't just "happen by" this library. If you're coming from the West, take the Likelike exit. Once you exit, you have to change over to the far right lane INSTANTLY because the library entrance is right there. If you blink, you miss it. It's easier to approach the library from Kalihi street (heading mauka). The library is located just past the highway. There isn't much parking available - just a few stalls right in front of the library. Half of the parking lot is shared with the YMCA next door. read more

I always come here! My go to library, i mostly go for the manga section with is all upstairs and they have a big variety from shojo to shonen! librarians are kind and non-judgmental on what books you get! read more

I'm all for FREE! Take advantage of your civic liberties and read some free books, or break the bank and rent dollar dvd's and music, or simply beat the heat with your kids! This library has better hours than some other town branches (they open past 5pm on a few days -- when working people can go!) and they have a great kid program. They have craft activities, story times, pajama nights, and guest story tellers. Go down and pick up a schedule or check the newspaper for the schedule. While the library is pretty small, they do have a lot of the new books hitting the stands and lots of kids books and a teen loft. They also have a parking lot which is more convenient than some of the other libraries. read more

Kalihi-Palama Public Library - Lots of kids Monday night crafts and story time - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Normal library. We did have a problem with them continuously saying we didn't turn in books or that they were late even when that was not true. We got tired of dealing with the proving we turned things in on time or at all and just stopped going. They even reported it on our credit two times after we proved we did turn a book in. If you don't know, once something is reported it doesn't matter if you are correct, it is still a pain to get it all fixed. After the last run around we just stuck with the base library. read more

I give this library 5 stars for its children's story time on Tuesday mornings with "Aunty Brenda"! Being an early childhood educator myself, I hate to admit that I am really critical when it comes to "education" programs. However, Aunty Brenda runs an EXCELLENT story time for toddlers and preschoolers. Story time is every Tuesday morning, 9:00 and 10:30. Aunty Brenda incorporates a few books, a few songs, and an eco-friendly craft that relates to the stories (using all recycled materials, or repurposing them). She is a very animated story teller, and she incorporates many literacy techniques into her storytelling. She also has a great memory and remembers the children's names, even after they've visited only a couple of times. My daughter LOVES story time at Kalihi-Palama Library, and the best part, it's FREE! read more

Your friendly community library at your disposal. Best part of the library - like Starbucks, is that it's FREE to hang out here and read to your hearts content. As long as you are not doing anything illegal; are considerate, and definitely quiet while in the library, you should be golden. I was here at the Kalihi-Palama Public Library recently to do some research for my on again, off again 1st novel. While I could have easily have gone online to get the resources I needed, I knew that visiting the brick and mortar of the library system is old school and very much apart of the community. Plus its a great way to get out of the house and treat yourself to new surroundings, rather than being at your desk working on the computer or on your mobile device. The Kalihi-Palama Public Library is apart of the Hawaii Public Library system, the state department in charge or overseeing this location and all libraries statewide. The Kalihi-Palama library is located on Kalihi Street, nearby is the Bishop Museum and Kamehameha shopping center. Since this location is the nearest to my work, it was easy to get here on a lunch break. If you are like me, Bus routes #2, #2L, and #1L zips through the area, but you would need to walk a couple of steps off of North School Street to get to the library. The library itself has private parking, so that's great for y'all who drive and hauling borrowed books to and from your home. The borrowing system that the library is famously known for is amazing. You get a library card, which is like an identification and credit card at the same time. You have a definite window to review and read what you borrow. Then you would need to return it before occurring late fees. The library is basically a self service thing, if you know what you are looking for. If you don't, the friendly staff at the library will help you in any way that they can. I usually frequent the Kaimuki library, since it's closest to my home, but I've been known to hit up other locations where I need to be. I had to get a new library card, since my old one didn't really work anymore. This library has all sorts of genre of titles, magazines, DVD's, and other materials. Whether you are hear for a love of books and reading, or need to study or do research, as I have, the library is an excellent source of entertainment, when your bank account is sufferring the blues. While it may be boring to some people, its great to be here, if you have a love for reading, learning and discovering new things. This library is clean and spacious. Never a complaint. Sometimes, there are kids playing around, but that's what libraries are. Many books and just the sheer quietness that you tend to enjoy when life gets too crazy and loud. Take advantage of this free service - well, not free, since your tax dollars are funding the library system. It'll be worth your while to come and enjoy the library. Support local! A+ read more

Went in to re-apply for a new library card. The place has not changed!! Most of the staff have either resigned or left, unfortunately, but I did spy one of two of them. Warm and friendly, they deliver the same service that I remember years ago. :) read more

When I hear an enticing interview on a podcast, or come across a "must-read" book list, or stumble across a recommendation on Facebook, or my kid becomes inexplicably obsessed with strange stories about a blue cat I have a special, go-to place. Amazon.com And that place has indeed served me well throughout the years. However, a couple of months ago my husband finally convinced me (after about five years) to take the kids to the Kalihi Library and, holy hells, did you know this place is full of books and you can take them home fro FREE?!!! It's crazy! They're completely free. I have two Anthony Bourdain books gazing at me seductively from my bookshelf and I did not have to pay for them. They are FREE TO READ. And when I'm done I can choose more books and take THOSE home for, you guessed it, FREE! And I don't end up with a bookshelf bursting with books because we are constantly switching them out! It's really mind-boggling, I don't know why people aren't more excited about this thing. I will still use Amazon for important change-your-life books because I highlight the bejesus out of those things, but the library has been amazing. My children love it and are reading more than ever. We go there as a family on Monday evening since they are open until 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and it is awesome family time. As a self-proclaimed bibliophile it brings me great joy to watch my kids running around and returning with stacks of books. The library is such a validating place, simultaneously delightful and painfully quiet it makes me feel like I am fulfilling some sort of parental duty. Who exposes their children to lots and lot of words? I do. BOOYAH. The front desk has always been friendly and helpful, the bathroom is easily accessible, and there is ample parking on Monday evenings. I love the library. It is a magical place. read more

What to do to entertain a 4-year old, take him to the library. This was my hang out spot back when I was in middle and high school as well, yes I was a book worm and I loved hanging out here. The staff are always so nice and friendly and everyone that comes by usually don't bother you and go straight to reading themselves. I love how they have the kids section so spacious and right in the front of the library. I enjoy taking my son here, they have lots of books and puzzles that he enjoys trying to solve when I want to catch on some of my reading myself. They have kid friendly atmosphere with lots of tables and chairs and I love how they have story time reading as well, I only noticed because the place is surrounded by thank you notes from kids about stories that have been read to them. This is the cleanest and most organized public library I have been too, other than the state library. Also a plus is lots of parking and they close at 8:00pm on Wednesdays. Note to parents: You can apply for your kids library card only if they can write their full name on their own. :) I have to wait another year... read more

Very convenient location. It's located right next to Kalihi YMCA gym therefore, it works out for daddy to go to the gym while we sit in the quiet library to do homework. They have their own private parking and it's easy for people to go in and out. Inside the securities are very welcoming. Their books are sorted in their assigned locations and their signs and decorations makes it easy to distinguish what books are in that area. They have many chairs and tables for people to use during studies and reading. What I personally like is they have full trust on their customers. They have a section in the front near the restrooms where they sale some books at a cheap price. And they have a money box located right behind the security to deposit the money for the books you are buying. So be trustworthy!!! When I needed help in the past to look for certain books I would ask the help desk, Aunty Brenda! She is very cheerful and very helpful. She finds resources very quickly and she doesn't only write it on paper for me she also walked with me and helped me find the books I needed. read more

Came in at 4:45pm 15 mins prior to closing Was aware of closing time and literally had a lady come up to me saying they close five and to "hurry" handed me a white sheet to download an app if my library card wasn't present I obviously did not care because close time says 5pm but she was just standing there looking at me and my kid look at books! Learn how to be patient or get another job RUDE as hell! I do not care if you close in 15 minutes because I had 15 minutes to look for something my kid would like! read more

Took my 3rd grader here after school to get his first library card. Don't ask me why we didn't do this sooner. Son made a bee line to the James Patterson books (Middle School) and promptly found three series novels and 4 disc DVD set. Yes, mahalo, library gods for allowing my son to broaden his vocabulary and for allowing me time to actually work at home. Lol! read more

All the Library clerks were very nice and helpful,although some are not working there anymore,just needs restructuring and fix shelves it look so crowded.One star goes to Brenda,the loud,rude,unfriendly boss who doesnt smile at all.Sorry Momma but its time for you to retire,hope a replacement would be awesome! read more