Friends of the Library of Hawaii

Promoting and supporting Hawai‘i's public libraries

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!

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.

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.

5 Tips for Making the Most of the 14th annual Friends of the Library of Hawai’i Music & Book Sale

Calling all music lovers, bookworms, and deal hunters! The Friends of the Library of Hawai’i (FLH) 14th annual Music & Book Sale is happening this weekend, and it’s the perfect opportunity to snag incredible finds while supporting Hawai’i’s libraries. To help you get the most out of this much-anticipated event, we’ve put together five essential tips.

1. Plan ahead

If you haven’t already, mark your calendars! The FLH Music & Book Sale is just ONE WEEKEND at Washington Middle School:   

Saturday, January 18th  9am – 7pm
Sunday, January 19th    9am – 7pm
Monday, January 20th   9am – 3pm 

Arriving early and coming throughout the weekend increases your chances of scoring rare finds and popular titles before they’re gone. 

2. Take your time to browse 

The FLH Music & Book Sale isn’t just about popular picks—it’s a treasure trove for unique finds! From vintage vinyl and Hawaiian cassettes to rare books and eclectic CDs, you never know what you’ll uncover. Take your time browsing to discover something truly special. And don’t forget, we bring out new stock all weekend long. 

3. Make sure you check out our Collectible Vinyl Records Room 

Whether you’re just starting your vinyl collection or you’re a certified vinyl junkie, be sure to check out our Collectible Records Room. The records in this room are a curated selection of collectable and rare vinyl. Itʻs a separate sales space, and you’ll see the entrance to the room on the left immediately after you enter the cafeteria. 

Heads up, you’ll have to check out and pay for your records before exiting the room. You can leave your collectible finds at Will Call before heading back into the cafeteria to shop the rest of the sale.


4. BYO bag or box for your haul 

You’ll likely leave with more than you planned—trust us! To make carrying your treasures easier, bring a bag or box. Reusable shopping bags or collapsible crates are great options for hauling your finds comfortably and sustainably.

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.

5. Members of FLH and Hawai’i State FCU get a 10% discount on Sunday 

Don’t forget, Friends of the Library of Hawai’i (FLH) members & Hawai’i State Federal Credit Union members will receive 10% off of their purchase on Sunday at the sale. You can become a FLH member (or renew your membership) today!

Remember, the sale is a FUNDRAISER! Every purchase you make supports Hawai’i’s public libraries and programs. Your contribution helps fund resources, events, and opportunities for readers and learners of all ages. By shopping at the sale, you’re making a meaningful impact in your community. Can’t wait to see you there!

Start the Year Right: 5 Ways Friends of the Library of Hawaii Can Help with Your 2025 New Year’s Resolutions

As the calendar flips to a fresh new year, many of us are setting resolutions to make 2025 the best year yet. If you’re looking for inspiration and support to stick to your goals, Friends of the Library of Hawai’i (FLH) is here to help! Here are five ways FLH can support your journey toward a great new year.

1. Volunteer 

Looking to give back to your community this year? Volunteering with FLH is a fantastic way to make a difference. Whether you’re looking to dip your toe into volunteering with a shift at our Music and Book Sale, or you’re looking for a regular volunteering gig at our bookstore or warehouse, you can find the right fit with FLH. And you’ll know that your time and energy contribute to a great cause: supporting literacy and library programs throughout Hawai’i. Volunteering not only fulfills a resolution to give back but also brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your year.

2. Declutter and donate your books and media 

Is “declutter my space” on your resolution list? FLH welcomes your pre-loved books, media, and art as donations to help stock our bookstore and book sales. By donating your gently used items, you’re giving them a second life and helping FLH fulfill its mission to support Hawai’i’s public libraries. Plus, you’ll feel lighter and more organized with a freshly decluttered home!

For a full list of what you can donate, check out our donation page.

3. Discover new skills and hobbies

A new year is the perfect time to explore something you’ve always wanted to try, and Village Books and Music is a treasure trove for learning materials. Whether you’re interested in knitting, cooking, photography, or brushing up on a foreign language, you’ll find plenty of affordable resources to fuel your passions. Shopping at Village Books and Music means every book you buy supports Hawaii’s public libraries, so it’s a win-win for you and the community.

4. Refresh your playlist at our Music & Book Sale

Dive into the soundtracks of your year with our Music and Book Sale happening January 18-20 at Washington Middle School. Discover CDs, vinyl records, and cassette tapes that can inspire your workouts, relax your evenings, or energize your morning commutes. And while you’re there, browse books to match your favorite genres or themes. It’s a fun and affordable way to reinvigorate your music and reading routines for the year ahead.

5. On a low-buy or no-buy? We’ve got you covered! 

If one of your resolutions is to spend less, FLH offers fantastic options for staying fiscally-responsible while still enriching your life. On a low-buy journey? Check out Music and Book Sale or Village Books and Music for unbeatable deals on pre-loved treasures. Sticking to a no-buy challenge? Don’t forget that your local public library is brimming with free books, audiobooks, e-books, movies, and even ‘ukuleles to help you stay informed and entertained without spending a dime.

As you work toward your resolutions, let Friends of the Library of Hawai’i be your partner. From volunteering to book-shopping to rediscovering the wealth of resources at your public library, there’s something for everyone.

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.

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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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