Photos: Glenn Miura of CDS International
Nanakuli Public Library
For years, families in the Leeward Coast communities of Nānākuli and Mā‘ili had to drive to Wai‘anae or Kapolei to get to a public library. That ended on April 14, 2018, when the state’s 51st public library opened on Farrington Highway.
The $15.5 million facility was built with a Hawaiian-village theme on a 3-acre site fronting Nānāikapono Elementary School. It is the only library in the state with signs in Hawaiian as well as English. In addition to the children’s books, keiki CDs and DVDs and computer access you expect to find in a library, Nānākuli’s branch has another unique feature that can benefit ‘ohana: a recording studio. The Lumi ‘Aukiō was added at the request of community members so that kids, parents and grandparents can sit, talk story and record their family histories.
The main building, with high ceilings and skylights, is connected by a breezeway to a separate business center. The interior resembles the ‘Aiea Library, which opened in 2014 and was also designed by architect Glenn Miura of CDS International. Watts Constructors LLC, built the library which will serve the Nānākuli and Ma‘ili communities, including Nānāikapono Elementary and two other nearby schools. It is open: Mondays, 1 to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 1 to 8 p.m; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free parking is available in the 50-stall lot.
Other family-friendly features include:
- A special children’s section with regular storytelling sessions planned
- The Bookflix electronic book reading software program to encourage beginning readers
- A separate outdoor program area, along with meeting rooms to allow it to also function as a community center
- Free computer classes are offered
- Room for up to 35,000 books and 3,000 DVDs and CDs
- 32 computers available for public use as well as locating library resources. Free wireless internet access is available with a valid Hawai‘i State Public Library System card
Kids can apply for their own free library card. All they need to be able to do is write their own name.
“I know the community has been asking for it for a long time,” says Neighborhood Board vice chair Richard Medeiros.
Nanākuli Public Library, 89-070 Farrington Highway, (808) 668-5844 or (808) 668-5845. librarieshawaii.org
