Hawaii State Public Library System

Good, clean library, but on the small side. Like that it is open on Saturdays. Also, parking is not hard to find in the shopping center it is located in. Some of the people working there are not so friendly as I would expect a library worker to be. just sayin.

I spend a lot of time in libraries but this was my first time at Aina Haina. It was my WORST library experience ever, as far as wheelchair access. There is a nice ramp up from the very tiny parking lot. The restrooms sport a lovely blue and white «wheelchair accessible» sign that made me hopeful. But here is NO possibility of getting even a small power wheelchair into the restroom. The sharp turn immediately upon entering the restroom door is so tight, my wheelchair couldn’t make the turn I got stuck. I can’t think of many things more embarrassing. A crowd gathered, including 3 men. They offered to carry me to the toilet while they worked to unwedge my wheelchair. No thanks. I got free from the humiliating doorway and went outside, thinking I could go across the driveway to Starbucks or next door to McDonald’s. Headed first for McDonald’s, but the sidewalk ends at the end of the library property. Just drops off. So I tried to cross the driveway to Starbucks, but found there is no wheelchair ramp in that direction, either. I wish I’d had my camera with me so I could’ve photographed the VERY steep curb down to the sidewalk to the road I’d have to cross. My chair would’ve tipped over face-​first if I’d tried. There are several painted sidewalks along that block. I went all the way to the end of the block, but there is no wheelchair ramp anywhere, not even at the intersection. Possibly a manual wheelchair with enough clearance could make the steep dip, with a second person helping. But no way a power scooter or wheelchair with only a few inches of clearance could make it.

The Aina Haina Library is a great little library situated in the Aina Haina Shopping Center. I’ve been frequenting it more and more to the point where people are recognizing me and my daughter. They have a nice collection of in-​house DVDs, CDs, and (of course) books. But the wonderful thing about the Hawaii State Public Library System is that you can order anything from anywhere and pick it up at the library of your choice. Yes, you’ll have to wait for more popular items (newer releases of books, CDs, and Movies) but it’s worth it. I’m still waiting for season 4 of Game of Thrones… I think I’m #90 in the line.
Books and CDs are free and DVDs (including Box Sets) are a $ 1. You can borrow as many books as you want but you’re limited to 10 CDs or 10 DVDs. I know because I’ve hit my limit before.
One of the really nice things about this library is that it has lots of room for sitting, reading, and doing work. Not pretend work like people do at Starbuck (which is across the street). Real work… because it’s a library. There’s free wifi if you have a library card. And if you don’t have a library card you can get one of those for free too!
They have story time for kids, movie nights, an honor system used book store, and a little room in the back for presentations, workshops, and other goings on.
I have to say, out of the other libraries in the immediate area (Kaimuki, Hawaii Kai, and Aina Haina) this one is my favorite. Nothing against the others, it just seems like this library is better cared for and is used more frequently by the area residents.
The staff are very friendly and courteous. They’re always willing to make recommendations and to help find things for you. Check it out and check out a book today!

Really good library and there’s a Starbucks plus other awesome stores nearby. Good place for kids to hangout after school or if the publics needs a computer. I was disappointed today though cause Unilocal displays today’s hours closing at 8pm. Which is only in Monday’s, rest of the week closed at 5 pm.

It’s a quaint, sleepy little library, with a used book store inside (it’s a pay box honor system), read along time for the kids, cubicles for the adults, and plenty of tables for family time.
Of course, there’s free wifi (log in with your library card number and pin, which is the last four digits of your phone number), and it’s nice and quiet. Parking is a breeze in the Aina Haina Shopping Center, bathrooms are nice and clean, and the best part is you can order whatever book you want from any of the libraries in the state, and they’ll have it for you in less than 2 days. It’s amazing.
Cubicles are great for studying, and there’s always plenty available. The only downside is that their cubicles do NOT have outlets nearby (minus one star).
Renewing your books is a breeze – you can do it online with the click of button, over the phone, or in person, as long as you have the books with you.
Just take a look… it’s in a book… the reading rainbow!

From a mother with small children’s perspective this was not a good experience overall. Plenty of parking to be had if it wasn’t a busy shopping center parking lot.
It was an act to get from minivan to front door of library branch.
The children’s section is not super– friendly to the toddler set, but after first visit this past summer, I did return recently to check out the storytime.
The storyteller was very kind and made for sure I felt invited bring the children back to do the craft afterwards. (I had left the room before the stories were quite completed due to a restless child or two)
I recommend this library to mothers of 1 to 2 children, especially if you live close by for convenience.
However, I have found that other branches are more toddler/​preschooler friendly in general layout and hands-​on activities available such as puzzles, stuffed animals, etc.

4.5
Who ever purchases new books is excellent. I stop by multiple libraries since I travel alot and use the facilities, wifi, desks. I find great books in the new arrival section at this library. Display window changes to provide on going info. Clean, staff helpful if asked. I think they figured out climate control, it was pretty warm for a while. Security guard a little old, not sure what her function is. Except for occasional parking issues, ITS A GOOD LIBRARY.

Great library! The new fiction and new non fiction books are located up front right when you walk in! Lots of computers/​laptops for Internet use. Watch out for the security! She’s tough (keeping the little rug rats in line!):)

For such a small neighborhood library, it is definitely cute! The staff here are helpful and efficient in knowing where and what to find. I felt it was quieter than other libraries I have been to in the past. I love the quiet environment and my son loved their book section which was nicely put together. Even I got lost in looking at hiking and cook books. I noticed that this location was very active. Lots of people bringing their little ones in, practically all the computers were taken for those using the internet. I also love how they have full collections of books from the authors, just all together-​not spread out here and there. Sometimes, I’ve been to other places and books seemed all over the place (probably from other people), but they have their system down over here. Definitely a gem in Aina Haina.

Another small community library located around the Aina Haina Shopping Center. Not sure if the library was built around the shopping center back in the day, or vice versa. But anyway, this library is very quaint, 1 story building. I come here sometimes for some peace and quiet, when distractions at home are too much and the malls are crazed with people. After eating at Mama Phở, I came to the library and just did some book reading. It’s one of those things where people take libraries for granted. Just 10 minutes in the library and it feels like time just stands still.
Haven’t used the restroom there yet, but I hope it is clean. lol. The ambiance is comforting and it is quiet. When the only thing you can hear is whispers and shuffling of people’s feet, then it’s pretty darn quiet. While this library is smaller than the other ones on the island, it serves its purpose for those living in Aina Hina who want a book or two, without having to go to the Hawaii Kai or Kaimuki branch to get it. The parking situation is the same with the shopping center. Plenty of parking, but it can get hairy during meal times, when everyone is searching for food.

This library is conveniently right by Aina Haina Shopping Center. Walking into the library, I felt like I was in elementary school again. It still has that same musty smell that all the library here have. I have never been to this library until today but it gave me the same comforting feeling. It is not a huge library but still a good size. It is clean and gives you a warm feeling.
The bathrooms are clean as well. ^_^*~

My daughter so looks forward to going to this quaint neighborhood library … if only she could get the hang of using her «library voice» !!! the staff is GREAT and they have a ongoing book sale with great finds and lot’s of free magazines.

This is my library of choice. It’s small, clean, and comfy. Carpet throughout gives the library a nice warm feel. Limited on books and audio-​visuals, but I usually reserve items through the online system and pick up my items when they arrive. My children and I visit the library once a week, and the library staff is friendly and very helpful. Their ongoing book sale has great prices, too. Summer Reading program here is fun. Aunty Alice is awesome with the kids!

This is one of our favorite libraries. They have, for some reason, a LOT of free magazines to take. Yay! The librarian kindly foisted them off on me as she was putting them away and even helped me find my favorites.
They have a large, open space and a nice kid’s section with small tables and many kid book displays. I’ve also had good luck in finding what I need in the adult fiction section and the crafts section (my two faves).
Three or four spaces are right in front of the library, otherwise park in the lot over by the bank. Be careful crossing as people ignore the speed bumps and it’s actually a sort of road from the elementary school to the east.

A trip to Doe Fang for a special Uncle Clay Icee creation, a peanut butter and red velvet cupcake at Cake Couture, a scoop of Roselani ice cream from scoops, wash it all down with pizza and 1 token games at Chuck E. Cheese, maybe even paint yet another plate and mug at Clay Café. All this to bribe a child’s love of reading and enter a world of fantasy in a book.
Wal-​greens will soon take over and this town will change, drastically.
5+ stars for public libraries
— 5,879,987,946 stars for Wal-​greens