Hawaii State Library facts for kids
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Hawaii State Library
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Front facade
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| Location | 478 S. King St., Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
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| Built | 1911–1913 |
| Architect | Henry D. Whitfield |
| Part of | Hawaii Capital Historic District |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001020 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Opened | February 1, 1913 |
| Added to NRHP | 12/01/1978 |
The Hawaiʻi State Library is a special old building in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is the main library for the entire Hawaiʻi State Public Library System. This is the only library system in the United States that covers a whole state! It is also one of the biggest.
You can find the Hawaiʻi State Library in downtown Honolulu. It is right next to the famous ʻIolani Palace and the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. A very rich man named Andrew Carnegie helped pay for the library. The building was designed by an architect named Henry D. Whitfield. Work on the library started in 1911 and it was finished in 1913. In 1978, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site.
The library building itself holds over 525,000 books. But the whole Hawaiʻi State Public Library System has more than 3 million books! That's a lot of reading material. Close by, you can also find the Hawaiʻi State Archives. This place keeps very old and important books about Hawaiʻi's history.
Inside the library, there's a special place called the Edna Allyn Children's Room. It has beautiful murals by artist Juliette May Fraser. These murals show exciting Hawaiian legends. In the garden courtyard, you can see a cool mosaic. It was made by Hiroki Morinoue and looks like ocean currents. Outside, on the lawn, you'll find two bronze sculptures. They are called Parent I and Young Girl and were made by Barbara Hepworth.
Contents
A Look Back: The Library's Story
Before the Hawaiʻi State Library was built, there was another library. It was called the Honolulu Library and Reading Room Association. This group was started in 1879 by the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. The land where the library stands today was once home to Hawaiian royalty. Important figures like King Kalakaua, Queen Kapiolani, Queen Emma, and Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop all supported the old library. They gave money and even their own books to help it grow. King Kalakaua also helped by giving the land for the library and making it tax-free.
The Hawaiʻi State Library got its funding from a grant by Andrew Carnegie. He was a very wealthy businessman who helped build many libraries. The library opened its doors in 1913. Edna Allyn was the head librarian when it first welcomed visitors.
Growing Bigger: Library Expansions
In 1921, a new law created separate libraries on other islands. These included Kauaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. The main Library of Hawaii mostly served Oʻahu at this time. But it quickly needed more space!
So, in 1927, the government approved money to make the building bigger. The work was finished in 1930. An architect named C.W. Dickey added new parts to the library. This made it three times larger and created an open-air courtyard in the middle.
After Hawaii became a state in 1959, the Hawaii State Legislature created the Hawaii State Public Library System. This made the Hawaiʻi State Library building its main branch. It is still the only statewide library system in the United States.
Through the 1970s and 1980s, the library continued to need more space. In 1990, it got money for another big update and expansion. This work was completed in 1992. The updates fixed things like air-conditioning and roofing. They also made the library easier for people with disabilities to use. A large new section was added to the back of the building. It was designed to fit in well with the older parts.
How Hawaii's Library System Works
The library system in Hawaii was set up in June 1965. It was designed to serve everyone in the state. Ideas were gathered from other libraries to create the best ways to run things.
The library system is its own state agency. The state librarian is in charge of all public libraries in Hawaii. This person is chosen by the Board of Education. They report to the Superintendent of Education and other groups involved in education. The state librarian plans and manages the budget for all public libraries. Since Hawaii does not have local funds for libraries, the governor and legislature approve the funding.
Gallery
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Skylight and chandelier above the main entrance area.
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The pretty interior courtyard looking towards the front of the building.
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A view of the newer back section of the library from across the courtyard.
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The amazing Juliette May Fraser murals in the children's room, with books nearby.
