Hawaii State Library

From a king’s generous land grant to a philanthropist’s vision, the Hawaii State Library stands as a testament to the power of knowledge and community. The Hawaii State Library isn’t just a building filled with books. It’s a living embodiment of Hawaii’s history, a place where the stories of royalty, philanthropists, and everyday people intertwine. The library’s roots trace back to 1879 with the Honolulu Library and Reading Room Association. Hawaiian royalty, including King Kalakaua, Queen Kapiolani, Queen Emma, and Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, championed this early endeavor. They offered not only financial support but also donated books from their personal collections. King Kalakaua even granted a tax exemption and the land where the library now stands. In 1911, construction began on a new building, thanks to a generous grant from Andrew Carnegie. The Hawaii State Library officially opened its doors in 1913. The front columns, a signature Carnegie touch, still stand proudly today. The library’s initial collection boasted an impressive 30,000 volumes. Many of these books came from the Honolulu Library and Reading Room Association and the Hawaii Historical Society. Edna Allyn, the librarian from the association, became the first librarian of the Hawaii State Library. The children’s section is named in her honor, a tribute to her dedication. The Hawaii State Library was tasked with serving all the islands. They achieved this through “traveling libraries,” small collections sent to communities, rural areas, and even private homes. By 1921, dedicated county libraries were established on other islands. The Hawaii State Library then focused its service on Oahu. The library expanded significantly in 1930, thanks to architect C. W. Dickey. He added two wings, creating the peaceful courtyard you see today. With statehood in 1959, the Hawaii State Library became the centerpiece of the Hawaii State Public Library System, the only statewide system in the United States. Further renovations took place in 1992, modernizing the building while preserving its historical charm. Today, the Hawaii State Library holds over 525,000 books. It remains a vital part of Hawaii’s cultural landscape. It stands as a beacon of knowledge, accessible to all.