Hawaii State Public Library System – Kapolei Library

Wooowww this library is NICE! If all the libraries looked like this, I would definitely stop in more often. Unfortunately even Kapolei is a ways away from Makaha when you commute by bus.
I was here with my sister and niece, and my niece had an awesome time looking through the books and wanting to take them home. It’s a very clean library and very modern and cozy/​comfortable inside. So glad we could park free and that there was a lot of spaces.
As for the customer service (or people service? I don’t know if you can call library visitors customers) I think the library could do better.
I stepped to the desk nearest to the children’s section where there were a bunch of fliers for various events and I picked up a flier for the Super Hero event (this was the end of summer or beginning of fall I believe). I then smiled and very politely asked about the super hero event to the woman sitting behind the counter – I even used deferential tone like I always do when talking to employees practically everywhere… but this woman still looked at me with an «ugh» face, and replied in an almost condescending manner.
It was one of those moments that makes you walk away thinking «well sh*t… what the hell did I do to you?! what the hec was up her a**?!?»
The reason I was asking is because I am a costumer, as you can tell by the pictures in my profile. I am a part of the Costumer’s Guild of Hawaii and we volunteer at various events for kids and charities, most notably Star Wars events and Super Hero events. Some of the Guild show up in costume at library events around the island. I am one of the FEW costumers on the west coast and I have been thinking that kids on our side of the island deserve to meet some of their favorite heroes just as much as anyone else does.
I’ve been wanting to ask the local libraries if they would like costumers such as myself to show up when they have reading times or events that might coincide with our costumes. We have actually come to Kapolei library a few times in the past, but I wanted to ask about upcoming events we could show up to in the near future.
Unfortunately, being vindictive and holding grudges is a character flaw of mine that I’m not willing at the moment to be rid of, and because that woman treated me so rudely, I don’t particularly care anymore about their upcoming events. I also don’t want to recommend anyone volunteering here… but… I have to think of the kids, which makes it so hard. Can’t let crappy people ruin it for the kids.
So, for now, rather than be spiteful and try to stop costumers from volunteering here, I’m just going to write about my experience in a Unilocal review and give this library a two-​star rating. It would have been five if it weren’t for that woman but I’m sure a lot of you know just how much of an impact people can make on your experience… and she ruined the whole experience for me. With the nice interior, the welcoming design, the atmosphere amongst the other people in the library, that woman does not fit in at all. I get the impression she should be working at a prison instead.

I took my kids here to borrow books since they’re on Fall Break and wanted them to do something productive and fun! Nice library and big! My biggest complaint is that I don’t remember it being so hard to get your kids a library card. It came down to something so simple as the address (our current) I had on the application and the address on my DL (our previous) not matching. I got a «I’m sorry I can’t issue a card unless I have proof of this address here (on application).» I was then asked «maybe a vehicle registration?» Say, what? I only brought a drivers license and my debit card; and I wasn’t going to walk back to my car and dig for my registration. I’m a little disappointed with that since I thought getting your kids library cards would be easy peasy. They also have security guards that keep watch. One even got crazy (I’m being sarcastic) and ordered other kids with a «No running.» Can’t help but laugh since you have inmates on furlow days not returning showing up on the news; and here they run a library and their books stricter, maybe even better, than the prisons. SMH.
So note to future library card recipients. Be sure the address on your license matches on the app. If it doesn’t just make sure you write the address on your license down (even if not current) or else your poor kids will leave disappointed with no books in hand.

I jammed the copy machine.
I felt bad and embarrassed, there was a woman waiting to use the copy machine behind me.
I told the worker at the reference desk what had happened, i was very apologetic.
She seemed a bit irritated. Maybe it was my attitude towards the situation that she didn’t like, or that that was the 100^th time the machine jammed & she had had enough so she was going to let some of her frustration out on me.
I follow her to the copy machine and she says (twice) «there is another copy machine upstairs». Twice, because she assumed i didn’t hear her the first time & she wanted to just rid her self of the copy machine illiterate me.
I probably wont use the copier again lol.

By far one this is one of the best Community Libraries I’ve ever been on this Island. Considering the City of Kapolei has an abundance amount of land space that the Kapolei Library was built into a HUGE 2-​story building! I don’t know the exact date/​year this Library opened but everything seems to feel, smell, looks new. Bottom floor of the Library houses the Main Circulation Check-​Out Stations as well as Kids Books, Displays, Copy Machine, and many historical information posted on walls, stands, and displays. Top Floor are MORE BOOKS, couch seatings, Audio/​Tapes, Computers and more desks. Restrooms are available on both floors and there is an elevator for those who needs assistance to get to the second level of the building. I haven’t had to deal with any of the Staff Members here since I only come here to work on my papers or read assigned articles for my classes. There are Security Guards monitoring all activities inside the library. Ample amount of Parking as well as street parking. BONUS — Thibrary is open until late (8pm) twice a week on Tuesdayfsf and Wednesday evenings. I’ll definitely be visiting this Library more often!!!

Our first visit to the Kapolei library and we had a great time! I’ve heard so many great things from friends who live in the area and it didn’t disappoint. My two little girls don’t start school until the end of August and are in need of some brain stimulation.
FREE PARKING: We often visit the main library Downtown and having free parking was wonderful! I’m always worrying about forgetting about our meter expiring and getting a parking ticket. There’s a huge lot with ample free parking out back.
FREE BOOKS: I love free things and the ability to borrow unlimited free library books is amazing! As a kid it feels like you just got $ 100! I know my kids aren’t going to be able to read all the books we borrow but this age is very much about teaching them to love reading. My Grandmother Aiko passed away last year and the greatest gift she gave me, other than a penchant for freshly baked cookies, is a love of reading. Every two weeks she’d take me to the library when I was a kid and I’d devour book after book after book. The children’s room at Kapolei library is huge and I was actually pleasantly surprised by the variety. I was able to find almost every book on my list for my 11-​year old son as well as a ton of audio books for my daughters to read in the car.
FREE DREAMS: I know that people complain a lot about America and all it’s problems, but every time I go to the library with my children I feel like we’re the luckiest people on the planet. How many children around the world aren’t given the gifts of education and the joy of reading? We get to enjoy the dreams and imaginations of so many amazing authors through our public library system. Libraries are a gift so be sure to enjoy them with your family!
SIDE NOTE: We can barely carry all our books back to car but that’s okay. My daughter likes to pretend she’s a pirate and all our books are her treasure. Argghhhh…

My favorite library in the island. Pretty huge compared to most of the other ones around the state. Two stories of books and tables and chairs to read them on. I take my daughter here to kill time and get out of the heat when we have business in kapolei.
This library is also very organized and very clean, even the bathrooms. The only thing that is messy is the children’s area lol but that’s to be expected since children like my daughter take books from everywhere and leave them everywhere lol.
Love that they have reading programs and activities and events for kids, though I’ve never attended or participated I’ve read it through their flyers.
Also. K-​Dramas!!! I know I know, you can watch them online anytime BUT now I can just rent the DVDs watch them anywhere and have a kdrama marathon on the big screen without worrying about it lagging or if the wi-​fi is out lol.
There is a big parking lot and street parking is also available but it can get crowded. Overall, great library, friendly staff and A/​C!

This is the most beautiful library I’ve ever seen. Two-​stories high and very organized and clean. There are many couches and seats that make for an awesome place to study and read. There’s a huge selection of dvds, audio books, second language resources and cds, and literature of all types. I love the selection of diy books and recipes. The foreign language section is a little limited unless you are searching for an Asian language– but that doesn’t mean that it is lacking… I wish there were more books in italian, but there are many different options that would suffice. They have a great children’s section– they even have field trips and story time. keep in mind, this place is VERY strict regarding the noise level, outside beverages and phone usage within the library. No bottles on tables, no whispering into a phone and heaven forbid that device not be on vibrate!!! Rules are enforced to the t and i understand– but sometimes the dirty look from the security guard in the mustache reminds you what’s it’s like to be 7 years old again and being scolded for talking out of turn ;-) … not that he is unfriendly. Anyway– it’s really nice because they have these glass cases showcasing cultural items and even perhaps upcoming events inspired items that have some great, new info in topics I would have otherwise been ignorant of/​in. I really like this place, though… but I go in on a mission to look for one thing– and get distracted by everything else!!!

I got tired of paying Apple for books on my iPad when I only read them once. I searched for a library in my area and came across the Kapolei Public Library. I could spend hours here, I would even go on my lunch break if I was wanting a new read. They have a great selection of books and the staff is so friendly and nice. They seem to have a large crowd all the time (which makes me happy, as a person who loves to read). Right before I left the island, I donated all the books I have bought over the years to the library. I hope they’ll continue to do well.

This library is huge! As in 2 stories huge! You don’t see that very often in our libraries, but this one is really nice and spacey.
There is a bunch of seating area, computers to use the internet on, and bathrooms on both levels I believe. I haven’t wandered around too much since I don’t get to come here often, but it seems the younger crowds books are on the lower level, and adults are on the second floor. There is a pay phone still here, as well as a pencil machine. No, not a sharpener, but a machine that actually sells pencils for $ 0.25! I’ve never seen that before. They also have a self-​check out machine for just books. I haven’t tried it, but seems to be popular.
My only complaint would be when I came to use the bathroom, it didn’t smell too good. I noticed maybe 30 minutes after I left, a cleaner came through so hopefully that was fixed.
Overall, this is a nice library. It’s nice to see libraries are still very popular despite the whole E-​Book/​Kindle phase.
#15 of 100 2015

The Kapolei Library is the nicest library that I’ve been to Oahu. It has been open for just a little more than ten years, and it is bright, airy, and spacious. I’ve never seen it crowded, and since I frequent it during my lunch break or immediately after work, I’ve never been there where there are many kids. That may be different on weekend. The library staff is very friendly, and they have a great collection of audiobooks (which I listen to on my daily commute). While I love that I can walk the 3 blocks from my office to the library, there’s also copious parking, and there’s a park is right across the street. I can imagine it’s a great place for families with children to spend a few hours, and then head to the park to work out «the wiggles».

This library is neat in that they host a variety of events for the young and old. I like taking my kids to the large children’s books area to help them find their own books. There are plenty of seats and desks, as well as computers to look up the books you want. This is a clean library and the bathrooms are clean too. Checkout is fast and easy — with self checkout stations available.

First Unilocal review of 2015! Chee! My 2015 new years resolution is to visit the library often and read books! Anyways, this is a very awesome and beautiful library. Like many other libraries other than the Hawaii State Library, they will not have all of the books that you would like or trying to search for. The exterior and interior of this library is really nice. It looks really new and it just might be by the looks of it. There are two floors. The first floor is mainly children and teen fiction and non-​fiction books and the second floor is mainly for adults and young adults. There are several desks in the area if you want to sit down and read a little or do some studying. The second floor has more. There is free wi-​fi circulating throughout the library, you just need your library number and pin code. There is security surrounding the premises to catch you if you are talking on your phone or doing something fishy so you better watch out. There are restrooms on each of the two floors. Overall, this is a nice and quiet library to go to if you live out far in the Kapolei area. There is a ton of parking in front of the library.

WOW, what a nice facility. New, quite with good variety of books, videos and intent access. We go regularly, every 3 weeks.

My children beg me to take them here! We absolutely love this library. I have six children and we come here and spend hours! Free entertainment! The dollar movies are great too… Just don’t be late on returns. Readers are great leaders!

I’ve always loved this library since I was in 7^th grade. I remember me and my best friend volunteered there but only did that for a couple of weeks. I remembered it was just, clean the books and highlight everything on these print out paper. Its sounds boring but it was something to do.
I have wanted to work here because i really do love the library. Its exactly what it is, peace and quiet while reading your favorite book. I don’t look for anything particular in the library but i mostly look at the hawaiian history books and some times I even look at other types like korean history, china, I like to read and learn how to write it as well. Also other times you’ll find me in the animé section haha
Point blank: this library is awesome, its beautiful, I wouldn’t mind working here myself!

I like that this library is very prompt on opening their doors in the morning. 10AM.
If you don’t like the stairs, they have an elevator on the Leeward side of the library, but beware… the elevator goes up slow and does a startling drop at when it reaches its destination going up, which makes it feel like the cables will break or when going down, it rumbles before it descends.
They have outlets for laptops and devices. Lots of tables and chairs to sit on, but the chairs aren’t always the comfiest. The couches are better for comfort.
They have a large range of movies, and if you don’t see a movie… you may request one. Audio selections are just as great!
I like that this library has various themes depending on the holiday or event. Right now they have tons of Military Exhibits with model airplanes and tanks. Its great to see the models and see the books next to them to learn more about history.

God this library is glorious. I know it’s newer so of course it’s pristine and all, but it’s just so beautiful! The staff are pretty helpful and their YA section is sooooo great! Plus they have self-​checkout, which is bomb. I want to live here.

Definitely one of the newer libraries on the island. It is well lit and has a good amount of books and computers. The past two times I’ve been here there were people actually using the library! I thought libraries lost their touch, but it was nice to be proven wrong. Everyone minds their own business and the times I did need help, the staff was present to help. It’s in a great location too: right across of a park and it has a large parking lot for the crowds of people itching to get to the library.
*Be aware that on the days there are children readings it can get quite noisy on the first floor.

Ah the public library system. I haven’t been to one in a while I had never thought of the public library as one to hang around and kill time. But here I was stopping off at Kapolei Public Library. I wanted to the peace and quiet to do some writing. This two story library is pretty fabulous, although going up and down the stairs with little kids trying to pass you isn’t too much fun. I am beginning to revisit the public library system as a means of an alternative to just sitting at home and trying to do what I normally do at either Starbucks or just anywhere where I can to find time to write.
If you are in the area, this library is great. Quiet and can help you put yourself in a good mood. The books here can be limiting in choice, but more often than not, you can find whatever you need here. I do love getting into a good book, whenever I get a chance to. This place is pretty much the go-​to place, if you are just stuck of ideas on what to do, come over here. They have dvd’s that are totally cheaper than Blockbuster and Netflix, but you do need to return them after a week. That’s the only crappy part. Love the air conditioning though. I guess that’s why a lot of people come here during the summer months. I would too.
Just like hanging out at the mall, only difference is plenty of books and its alot more quiet here. Libraries have their place in society and I am glad I am revisiting and rediscovering this library as a means of making use of the facilities before something happens. This library is well maintained and pretty much spotless. Quite immaculate indeed. I never really had to use the librarian’s help to facilitate my need to get a book, when I can just browse the category I need and find a random book in the subject and find a possible gem among the others.
Time can be slow here, especially if you are bored and not mentally engaged with what you were going to do here in the first place. Do not overlook your public library system, like I do. It’s one of those places where you may need them when you least expect it. Overall, this is a low cost place to spend your time, if you need to. While you don’t really need to borrow anything, it helps if you are needing the item more than you want to and need to finish it at home. Directly across the Kapolei community park and near by the Kapolei shopping center, this library is just the place to fit my needs, when shopping and the movies just ain’t what it used to be anymore.
A+

Rediscover Your Library
On a tight budget? Haven’t been on a vacation for a whie? Need a place to entertain your kiddos? Need something free for once that is satisfying? Look no further than your local library!
Tips
1. Books
A good book will take you to places you have never been. You can RSVP books online on your account if it’s not available. They will send it from outer island as well.
You can also read E-​books with your library account for free. Uh, ask your local librarian about this because I like the old fashioned way. I need to flip the pages. My cute ballerina book mark holds my place. Knowing that I have a due date to turn it in pushes me to read it.
2. Keiki Fun
Kapolei’s childrens librarian is entertaining. She sings, dances, does finger plays, and provides art for the children. It’s usually held on Mondays and Thursdays.
3. $ 1 Korean Dramas (The Entire Collection!)
Yes, you read right. $ 1 to rent the entire collection of «Stairway to Heaven.» Rain your my Korean version of Justin Timberlake. If it’s not available you can RSVP it and they will deliver it to the nearest library. You can get notified through the mail.
4. Spring and Summer Reading Program
They have adult, young adults, children, and babies reading programs. This year for the adults they offered $ 50 gift cards to Target and Safeway or an ipod shuffle. Plus there was a weekly prize when you turned it in.
5. Air Condition
Spend some quality time with your family during these hot summer days and dive into a book. I think the Kapolei Library has the 2^nd biggest childrens section in the state.
6. Forget RedBox or Blockbuster express
You can rent a DVD for $ 1 for the whole week.
7. Free Magazines
The nex location it’s at the front of the young adult section.
8. Entertainment
Usually held on the weekends. They offer a mixture of entertainment during the weekends. This summer they have had a Zumba, Japanese drums, Mad Science of Hawaii, information about hurricanes, just a variety of differnt venues for differnt people.
9. 35 cents library bags
These things are durable. They have never let me down by breaking on me. Great investment to carry your books. Purchase them at the check out line.
10. Free Interenet
All you need is a library card and your pin to sign in to use the library computer.
Remember to silence your phone or don’t even attempt to use it in the library. The security guards have lighting speeds and catch me every time. So save the humilation and step outside to make the phone call.
The staff here is so helpful and seem to enjoy their job. The library is well kept and clean. Bathrooms are maintained well. Plenty of parking next to the structure. As good as it gets!
Unilocal Challenge 365: ²⁄₃₆₅