Friends of the Library of Hawaii

Promoting and supporting Hawai‘i's public libraries

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Spring Cleaning? Donate Your Books and Media to Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi!

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for a fresh start. If you’re decluttering your home, sorting through your bookshelves, or organizing your media collection, consider giving your gently used items a new life by donating them to the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi (FLH).

Your donations will not only help you clear space, they will support literacy and educational programs at Hawaiʻi’s 51 public libraries. Here’s everything you need to know about donating to FLH. 

Why Donate to FLH?

By donating your pre-loved books and media to FLH you are supporting public libraries in Hawaiʻi. Donations are processed by our volunteers, and they are sold at our book sales and at Village Books & Music. Proceeds from the sale of donated items go directly toward funding library programs, purchasing new materials, and supporting literacy initiatives throughout the state. Your donation to FLH is tax-deductible, and we provide a receipt after you drop off your donation.  

What to Donate

We gladly accept donations of books, media, and art, including:

  • Books
  • All Hawaiiana and Pacific materials regardless of condition
  • Art (including paintings, prints, lithographs, posters, ceramics, and sculptures)
  • Comics
  • Puzzles and board games
  • Vinyl records 
  • Cassettes
  • CDs
  • DVDs

Before donating, please ensure items are in good condition. (That means your donation does not show signs of mold, mildew, or excessive damage). We appreciate a quick, pre-donation wipe-down and inspection! 

Unfortunately, we do not accept textbooks, encyclopedias, medical, or law books more than five years old. For more information, check out our guidelines here.

How to Donate

Donating is easy! Simply schedule a donation appointment on our site or call our office at (808) 536-4174, and drop off your donation at our warehouse.  

Our warehouse is located in the Iwilei Business Center at 501 Sumner Street. Please enter through the gate at the end of Sumner Street, where it intersects with Pine Street, and let the parking attendant know that you’re heading to Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi to make a donation. 

Drive through the gate, take a left after the ramp.

Continue through the parking lot, and keep left to enter the tunnel between the buildings.

Then, pull up to the right hand side at our warehouse and park in the stall reserved for donations.

Simply leave your donation on the carts in our donation area inside our warehouse. Then you’re all set! We’ll email you a donation receipt.

Spread the Word

Know someone else who’s spring cleaning? Please encourage your friends and family to donate books, media, and art to Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi! 

Filed Under: 6-Blog, Uncategorized, Update Tagged With: donate, donations

Government Cuts to Library Funding

Federal Cuts to Library Funding
State Cuts to Library Funding


Federal Cuts to Library Funding

Federal funding for our public libraries is being eliminated. Learn more about what’s going on and what you can do to support our libraries.

What’s going on?
What does this mean for Hawaiʻi libraries?
What can we do?

What’s going on?

May 7 update: A lot has happened since our last update on the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Here’s where we stand, and how you can help protect the future funding for our libraries.

In March, the Administration issued an Executive Order to eliminate the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Since then, all staff members except one were placed on leave.

On May 1, a federal court granted a temporary restraining order to halt the Executive Order. This ruling temporarily prevents any further actions that would affect staff or grants.

We hope that the already budgeted 2025 IMLS funds will be released.

On May 2, the White House released a budget proposal that would fully eliminate IMLS for fiscal year 2026.

Congress has the power to protect IMLS and funding for libraries in the federal budget, and the Senate and the House are currently deliberating the proposed budget cuts.

Please urge our members of Congress to sign “Dear Appropriator” letters in support of federal funding for libraries. (“Deal Appropriator” letters go to the Appropriations Committees to support using for specific programs, and signing a “Dear Appropriator” letter is the best way for a congressperson to demonstrate their commitment to a specific program.) These letters close in mid-May, so we need to act now.

The American Library Association tracks which Senators and Representatives have signed “Dear Appropriator” letters for library funding. Of Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation, Senators Hirono and Schatz have signed on to supporting library funding in the next fiscal year. (Please thank them for supporting library funding!)

Please contact your Representative and ask them to include funding for IMLS through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in the fiscal year 2026 budget.

You can find contact info for Representative Case and Representative Tokuda below.

Representative Ed Case
2210 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Email

Phone: (202) 225-2726

Representative Jill Tokuda 
1027 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20003
Email

Phone: (202) 225-4906


On March 14, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order eliminating, to the maximum extent consistent with the law, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS is an independent federal agency, and it is the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services. On March 20, 2025, the President, along with DOGE, appointed a new Acting Director at IMLS. IMLS gave out $295 million in 2024, or .0046% of the U.S. federal budget.

The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System (HSPLS) receives approximately $1.5 million in funding from IMLS through the Library Services and Technology Act – Grants to States Programs. HSPLS uses these funds to ensure access to the internet, technology, collections, and digital and physical resources that support reading and learning. This includes ebooks, audio books, and databases for research and learning. 

HSPLS is not the only Hawaiʻi institution that receives IMLS funding. In fiscal year 2024, 10 other organizations in Hawaiʻi received funding from IMLS.  

What does this mean for Hawaiʻi libraries?

The loss of IMLS funds does NOT mean that our public libraries will close. HSPLS is a state agency funded by our state legislature. The state is responsible for the facilities, staff, and collections (i.e., the books and resources on the shelves in the library). 

However, library services will be impacted. HSPLS uses federal funds to pay for the databases and many of the licenses and subscriptions to digital services found under the “Learn” and “Research” tabs on the HSPLS website as well as the library catalog. IMLS funds are also used for special projects and programs, including purchasing technology hardware and computer literacy training. The state library budget is tight, and HSPLS will have to make cuts in some areas to replace IMLS funding for items like the catalog that is critical to the functioning of the library system.

This Executive Order would eliminate future funds. Services may not be immediately impacted, but the library will not be able to renew services funded through IMLS. It will not be possible for Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi to replace $1.5 million in HSPLS’s annual budget. It is unknown whether the state legislature would be able to replace some or all of IMLS funding.

What can we do?

First and foremost, please continue to visit your public library and use library services. Utilization shows the important role libraries play in our communities.  

Next, we implore Congress to enact a law that overrides the Executive Order. In conjunction with the State Librarian’s open letter, FLH has written a letter to Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation. Please join us in telling congress to protect IMLS and our libraries. There is power in collective action, and together we can make our voices heard. 

Here are 3 easy steps to write to our Senators and Representatives.  

Step 1: Identify your congressional representatives  

You can write to both Hawai’i Senators, Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz. You should only write to your Representative, Ed Case or Jill Tokuda. 

You can enter your home address here to find your Representative. 

Step 2: Write an email or letter  

Explain why Congress must protect IMLS and why libraries are important to you. We recommend a short and succinct message. For more information on writing to congress, check out this resource from the U.S. Capitol.  

If you need a little help, we have created a template letter that you can customize. We recommend making it personal and including how any reduction in library services will impact you. We have made the template available in Google Doc, Microsoft Word, and as a PDF.

If you plan to email your letter, you can copy and paste the template into an email. If you plan to mail your letter, edit the template, print it, and grab an envelope and stamp. 

Step 3: Send your letter  

You can find the emails and mailing addresses of Hawai’i congressional representatives below. 

Senator Mazie Hirono 
109 Hart Senate Office Building 
Washington, DC 20510
Email 

Senator Brian Schatz
722 Hart Senate Office Building 
Washington, DC 20510
Email 

Representative Ed Case
2210 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Email

Representative Jill Tokuda 
1027 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20003
Email

Now what?

Here are 5 other things you can do: 

  1. Amplify your message by calling Congress and participating in town halls. 
  2. Encourage your family and friends to write to their congressional representatives in support of IMLS. 
  3. Sign EveryLibrary’s petition telling Congress to stop Trump’s Executive Order attacks on Federal Funding for Libraries.
  4. Follow the American Library Association for updates.
  5. Follow the Hawai’i Library Association for updates.


State Cuts to Library Funding

What’s going on?
What does this mean for Hawaiʻi libraries?
What can we do?

Whatʻs Going On?

April 28 – The conference session between the Ways and Means (WAM) and Finance (FIN) committees has completed and the legislators have restored the funding to the positions as well as the facility projects. The approved budget will be presented to the Governor. Mahalo for all of the support to get the budget bill to this point. We hope that the Governor accepts the bill with full funding for the libraries.

April 16 – The Hawaiʻi State Legislature is in conference session to finalize the Biennium State Budget – the budget through 2027. The current Senate draft HB300_SD1 includes eliminating 24.5 staff positions from the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System as well as cuts to funding for facilities projects.

The State Senate would like to cut these positions because they have been vacant for an extended period of time. However, most of these positions were not funded by the legislature until the current 2024-25 funding cycle. A couple of the positions were recently filled. Other positions are at branches closed for renovation and the libraries have been holding off on hiring until those branches re-open.

The libraries are already set to lose $1.5Million in Federal funds (see the Federal funding section).

What Does This Mean for Hawaiʻi Libraries? – We donʻt want to lose ANY positions at our already understaffed library system. Many rural branches are already on the brink of closure if a staff member calls out sick! Six months ago, in Fall 2024, Civil Beat ran an article, “Job Cuts Could ‘Permanently Impact’ Hawaii’s Struggling Libraries,” about a similar push by the Department of Budget & Finance to cut vacant positions. Once lost, staff positions are very difficult to reinstate. Since funding was released this year, library administration has been working as quickly as possible to go through state hiring processes to fill these positions.

What Can We Do? – Please Call or Email your Hawaiʻi legislators and ask them to retain library staffing and funding at this critical juncture. The increasing potential for economic hardship will mean more people will rely on our library resources as the one free-and-open-to-all institution in every community. We need to ensure that the branches are staffed and open to serve.

Need help knowing what to say? Here are a few ideas:

  1. Ask them to restore funding for library staff positions, noting the budget bill, HB300, and that most of the positions were only recently fully funded and that it takes time to fill positions.
  2. Encourage them to provide the requested Health and Safety funding for FY27, so that library building projects can continue and be completed. 
  3. Share your support for your public library, and tell a brief personal story about why it matters to you.

Find your legislator

Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi is also working to make sure that there are enough librarians to fill those open positions. We haver recently doubled our funding for Scholarships to students in the UH Master of Library and Information Science program to $50,000!


Filed Under: 6-Blog, Announcement, Uncategorized

5 Tips for Shopping at Friends of the Library of Hawai’i’s Village Books & Music Store

Nestled in Ward Centre, the Friends of the Library of Hawaii’s (FLH) Village Books & Music Store is a hidden gem for book lovers, music enthusiasts, and bargain hunters alike. Offering a wide selection of books, CDs, vinyl, cassettes, DVDs, puzzles, comics, manga, artwork, and more, this charming store supports Hawaii’s 51 public libraries while giving shoppers access to incredible finds at unbeatable prices. Ready to explore? Here are five tips to make your visit to Village Books & Music Store a success.

1. Check the Inventory Regularly

We regularly restock and swap out old stock with new stock, thanks to generous community donations. Whether you’re hunting for a bestseller, a unique out-of-print book, or vintage vinyl records, it pays to stop by often. Regular visits mean you’ll catch newly stocked treasures before they’re gone. Because our inventory is always changing, we don’t keep an inventory of exact titles and items. The best way to find what you’re looking for is to stop by the store. 

2. Have a Wish List but Stay Open-Minded

Heading in with a list of books or albums you’ve been searching for is always helpful, but part of the joy of shopping at Village Books & Music is stumbling upon the unexpected. (It’s just like thrifting for clothes!) You might find an intriguing new author, a rare music album, the perfect piece of art, or even a vintage VHS box set you didn’t know you needed!

3. BYOBag 

It’s easy to suddenly find yourself with a tall stack of books, CDs, or records. To make carrying your haul easier (and eco-friendly), bring a reusable bag or tote to transport your purchases.

Don’t worry if you forget a bag. You can purchase one of our 145th anniversary canvas totes featuring a custom design by local illustrator, Kelsie Dayna, for $14.50. We will also have our classic blue logo bags for $4.00.

4. Take Advantage of our Discounts

Friends of the Library of Hawai’i (FLH) members & Hawai’i State Federal Credit Union members will receive 10% off of their purchase on Sundays. Become a FLH member (or renew your membership) today!

5. Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Handmade Crafts

If you’ve been to our book sales you know our volunteers give more than just their time; they generously donate their creativity and our sales always have sweet handmade and upcycled crafts. Village Books & Music is also stocked with these treasures! From painted rocks and cards to upcycled journals and vinyl record bowls, there’s lots of unique items to check out. 

Know Your Purchase Supports Hawaii’s Libraries

Remember, every dollar you spend at Village Books & Music Store directly benefits the Friends of the Library of Hawaii’s mission to support literacy, educational programs, and resources in public libraries across the state. Shopping here isn’t just a treat for you—it’s an investment in your community.

Plan Your Visit Today!
Village Books & Music Store is the perfect spot to explore on a quiet afternoon or a weekend outing. Whether you’re looking to add to your personal collection or pick up a thoughtful gift, you’ll find plenty to love while contributing to a worthy cause.

And tag us in your hauls. We love seeing what gems you take home!

Filed Under: 6-Blog, Uncategorized, Update Tagged With: bookstore, Village Books & Music

2024 Legislator of the Year

Photo credit: Hawaii State Senate

We are honored to present the Mahalo Award to State Senator Lynn DeCoite as the 2024 Legislator of the Year. The Mahalo Award is presented annually to a state legislator who has demonstrated exemplary support of Hawai‘i’s public libraries during the prior legislative session.

Senator DeCoite has been involved in the state legislature since 2015 when she was appointed to represent District 13 the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives. Since 2021 she has represented District 7 in the Hawaiʻi State Senate. In addition to her commitment to increasing food production in our islands, protecting our environment, advocating for greater access to affordable housing and reliable inter-island transportation, Senator DeCoite is a leader in promoting literacy and elevating the public libraries in her district, including the Lānaʻi Public Library, the Hāna Public & School Library, Makawao Public Library and the Molokaʻi Public Library. 

Senator DeCoite’s support for the libraries and literacy extends far beyond the 2024 legislative session. Since 2019 she has promoted childhood literacy through ‘Ohana Readers, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that offers free, monthly, age-appropriate books to Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hāna keiki ages under the age of five. The program was launched as an initiative of then First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige in partnership with then Representative DeCoite, the Learning to Grow program of the state Department of Human Services, the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi, and Read to Me International.

It’s been a pleasure to work with Senator DeCoite to bring books into the homes of her constituents through the ‘Ohana Readers program,” said Nainoa Mau, Executive Director of Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi. “We are delighted to honor her with the Mahalo Award as our 2024 Legislator of the Year.”

Senator DeCoite knows the power a library has to be a community resource, and she has been an advocate for the renovations at the Molokaʻi Public Library to make it a bright and welcoming place for residents to learn and gather. And she has promoted the free employment training resources at the Molokaʻi Public Library, which is a partnership between Goodwill Hawaiʻi, the American Job Center, and the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System.

State Librarian Stacey Aldrich remarked, “Senator DeCoite cares deeply about her community and the library, and works to build bridges to make it a resource for all.

Photo credit: Hawaii State Senate

Senator DeCoite was honored by Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi at their Annual Meeting on February 19, 2025 at the Hawai‘i State Library. Additionally, copies of her favorite book, Curious George by H. A. Rey, will be donated to the Molokaʻi Public Library and the Hawaiʻi State Library in her honor.

Filed Under: Announcement, Mahalo Award - Legislator of the Year, Uncategorized Tagged With: Legislator of the Year, Mahalo Award, Senator Lynn DeCoite

2025 Annual Membership Meeting

Join us at the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i Annual Meeting!
Where: Hawaiʻi State Library, 478 South King Street.
When: February 19, 2025 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:00 p.m.)
Parking is available at nearby municipal lots. The ʻIolani Palace parking gates will be reopened for guests to leave following the annual meeting program.

Pupu and refreshments will be available starting at 5:00 p.m. The program will include a short business meeting with a number of important votes. Then, we will present the Legislator of the Year Mahalo Award and then we will present the Librarian of the Year and Excellence in Service Awards.

Please Assign a Proxy or RSVP using the form below –

Join us in honoring the –

2024 Legislator of the Year:

  • Senator Lynn DeCoite

2024 Librarians of the Year:

  • Jennifer (Kauʻi) Young
  • Michelle Young

2024 Excellence in Service Awardees (library staff members):

  • Gail Kashiwabara
  • Chelsea Trevino

2024 Volunteers of the Year

  • Edmay Apana
  • Brenda Li
  • Bill Little

Attendees must RSVP to attend the annual meeting. Please RSVP below.

2025-26 FLH Board Officers

  • President – Lynn Hiyakumoto
  • Vice-President – Maia Rosen
  • Secretary – Denise Wheeler
  • Treasurer – Gregory Valen

2025-26 Renewing Directors

  • Marlene Booth
  • Kathy Fay
  • Amanda McCann
  • Keith Oda
  • Kalani Sloat
  • Allene Suemori

This form is closed but you may still attend the FLH Annual Meeting by registering at the door. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. on February 19, 2025 at the Hawai’i State Library. The doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Filed Under: 6-Blog, Announcement, Features, Frontpage, Uncategorized

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Welcome!

The Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i is a nonprofit organization whose primary objective is to maintain free public libraries in the State of Hawai‘i, to promote extension of library services throughout the State of Hawai‘i and to increase the facilities of the public library system of Hawai‘i by securing materials beyond the command of the ordinary library budget. Other objectives are to focus attention on libraries and to encourage and accept, by bequest or gift, donations of books, manuscripts, money, and other appropriate material that can enrich the cultural opportunities available to the people of Hawai‘i.

Recent Posts

  • Spring Cleaning? Donate Your Books and Media to Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi!
  • 31st Annual Links to Literacy
  • Government Cuts to Library Funding
  • 5 Tips for Shopping at Friends of the Library of Hawai’i’s Village Books & Music Store
  • 2024 Legislator of the Year

145 Years of Support

Founded in 1879, Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i has assisted in establishing and sustaining our public libraries over the last 145 years!

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Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Our mission is to support and promote Hawai‘i’s public libraries.

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Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i
501 Sumner Street, Unit 614
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817

Ph:   (808) 536.4174
Fax: (808) 536.5232

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