Makiki Community Library

A labor of love. Makiki Community Library is a volunteer-​run library located in Makiki District Park with parking available off Keeaumoku Street. They only open 3 days a week for about 4 hours and offer a surprisingly large selection of books (2 floors). They are not affiliated with the Hawaii State Public library.
They have a free membership card and allow you to borrow books for 4 weeks with no late fees!
The library has been opened for 8 years. It’s a quaint little library that is run on $ 25,000 a year, with $ 14,000 of it going to a manager that is required to be paid by law according to the State. They are desperately looking for younger volunteers and are accepting non-​technical book donations.
The library is well-​maintained, but unfortunately very hidden. There don’t seem to be any signs on the main road indicating the place is up and running. I only found out about it because the Fat Panda helped clean up the library when he was senior at Maryknoll.
Overall, a very nice library with a lot of heart. Stop by and support a great cause!

If you live in Makiki or are driving by on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon (or Wednesday until 6) do yourself a favor and pull into the parking lot for Makiki park off of Keeaumoku. Meander through the buildings past the swimming pool and find the building closest to the big, grassy field. The library is on the first floor and has a book drop right outside.
When you walk in, you will be greeted by kindly volunteer workers and a small mostly single floor (with a loft) library just wanting to be loved. They have a small childrens section, books for sale, and areas to sit and read. Unfortunately it usually is quite stuffy inside so I never stay for long.
I love how unknown this library is, it feels like my own little secret. Where else can I borrow each of the Game of Thrones books in succession without being on some sort of waiting list. They have a four week borrowing period and no late fines! (you still have to turn in your books) I hope others come to know and love this library as I do… let’s keep the dying art of book reading and loving alive!

This is truly a noble cause. Since Makiki is lacking a library of it’s own this has been a community based effort that is supported and run by volunteers. Because of this it’s only open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Just a few hours each day so it can be tricky to find time to visit unlike the state funded libraries. It’s a place where you can hang out, read, do work and check out books.
«The standard loan period for books is four weeks.». A week longer than the state run libraries. A week may not seem that much but for someone like myself that is a big deal. It’s just a shame that their collection isn’t larger.
Unfortunately they have such a odd location that it seems as if people who truly know Makiki are aware of it’s existent. It’s in one of the first buildings mauka side that’s right next to Keeamoku St. It’s located in the basement which adds a funky humid mystique. Something akin to a scene out of a Tennessee Williams’. Except lacking sex appeal and bitchiness. It’s just really, really swampy feeling at times since they are barely making end’s meet to keep this library going.
The volunteers who are mostly retirees are very sweet and approachable so if you ever have a question they’ll be more like a dotting grandmother than the typical stern librarian you dread. If you mention that you’re interested in volunteering they get absolutely overjoyed by it. Or just donate some books! You could make someone’s day with that book you haven’t finished because you just weren’t that into it.
Check out their website since it gives an abundance of information. They even suggest recreational activities in the area. Now that’s a real community.