Hilo Public Library Marks 75th Anniversary With Bonsai Show, Community Events

The Hilo Public Library marked its 75th anniversary Saturday with a five-hour celebration that opened with a kahu blessing at 9 a.m. and wove together live music, keiki hula, and an author talk before closing at 2 p.m. — and the programming doesn't stop there. A Spring Bonsai Show is among the month-long events the library is hosting throughout March as part of its anniversary commemoration.

The March 7 schedule, drawn up by the Hawai'i State Public Library System, moved from the blessing into a 9:30 a.m. a cappella set by No Divas, followed by keiki hula from Lori Lei's Hula Studio at 10:15 a.m. At 11 a.m., refreshments were served and bookmark contest winners were announced. The afternoon opened with a noon author talk and book signing with Jasmin ʻIolani Hakes, whose novel Hula drew a crowd to the library's program room, before Kaumana Sunrise Band closed the day with a 1 p.m. musical performance.

The bonsai show sits alongside an equally eclectic lineup of March programs: ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes, Keiki Reading to a Therapy Dog, a Navy Wind Quintet performance, Keiki Storytime, and an Early Childhood Music Class. The full slate reflects what State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich described as the institution's enduring role in the community.

"For 75 years, the Hilo Public Library has been a place where history and possibility meet," Aldrich said. "For 75 years families have gathered here to learn, to find belonging, and to imagine what comes next. Today, we are honoring the stories that came before us while opening doors to new knowledge and new beginnings. This anniversary is about celebrating the people of Hilo and the role this library continues to play at the heart of the community."

Mayor Mitch Roth echoed that sentiment. "75 years is such an incredible milestone for the Hilo Public Library," Roth said. "This celebration is a wonderful way to honor the library's rich history and continued importance to our community."

The anniversary sticker commissioned for the event features an ʻohia lehua at its center, ringed by the years 1951–2026. Sponsors for the celebration included Big Island Candies, Garden Exchange, Friends of the Hilo Public Library, and Friends of the Library Hawai'i.

Anyone looking to catch remaining March programming, including the Spring Bonsai Show, can reach the library at 808-933-8888. Regular public service hours run Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Note that all public libraries were closed March 13 to 15 due to severe weather conditions under Governor Green's emergency closures, so confirm schedules before visiting.