Pahoa Libraries Celebrate 50th Anniversary

The Pahoa library shown above is the third-busiest on the Big Island, behind those in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. File photo.

The Pahoa Public and School Libraries are celebrating their 50^th anniversary and the Hawai‘i State Public Library System is hosting an event to recognize them for their extensive contribution to the community.

The anniversary celebration will be held at the Pahoa Library, on the Pahoa Intermediate and High School campus, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017.

Since opening on Sept. 3, 1967, the Pahoa Library has been a main source of information, entertainment and recreation for the Puna area of Hawai‘i Island. Many families come to the library to spend quality time with their keiki.

During the Pu‘u O‘o volcanic eruption and lava flow in the fall of 2014, the Pahoa Library acted as a community hub during the crisis, providing free wi-fi and support for the community.

The libraries celebration will feature music by ‘Ukulele Hui, hula by Hālau O‘ Mailelaulani, and the sharing of library stories and memories. Celebrants are encouraged to bring instruments to sing-along with songs from 1967 and enjoy pupus and door prizes.

“When I first started working at the library in 1982, the entire population of Puna was less than 6,000 residents,” said Gaila Vidunas, Pahoa Public and School Libraries branch manager.  “Today, the HSPLS libraries located in Puna (Pahoa, Mountain View, Keaau) serve over 48,000 residents. We’re excited that work is being done to replace our current libraries with new facilities that will better serve our growing communities needs.”

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Pahoa Library and the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i. Parking will be available in the Pahoa Elementary and High School parking lots, off of Kaohe Homestead Road.

More information can be found online or call the Pahoa Public and School Library at (808) 965-2171.