Kalihi-Palama Public Library

Took my 3^rd 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!

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…

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.
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.

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.

Well, I don’t know what happen to the previous review. Probably the person in charge deleted it bec she was guilty. Anyway I will give the staff a good 5 stars for being so accomodating and helpful.1 star or less for Brenda who is rude who doesnt really smile. She taught she is the best boss in town. her work ethics is very frustrating. Sorry to say… But thanks for our library. I visit library for books not for you.

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.

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 1^st 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+

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.

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.

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. :)

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!