Hilo Public Library Celebrates 75 Years with Program, Author Talk, Festivities

Hilo Public Library is marking its 75th anniversary Saturday, March 7, 2026, opening at 9:00 a.m. with a Kahu blessing and a full slate of performances and family activities that HSPLS lists through an expected 2:00 p.m. close. The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System’s event page shows the day beginning with the ceremonial blessing and continuing with timed programming across the morning and early afternoon.

Librarieshawaii’s detailed schedule places an acapella set by No Divas at 9:30 a.m., keiki hula from Lori Lei’s Hula Studio at 10:15 a.m., and the announcement of bookmark contest winners paired with refreshments at 11:00 a.m. The centerpiece author event is an author talk and book signing by Jasmin ʻIolani Hakes, author of Hula, scheduled for 12:00 p.m., followed by live music from the Kaumana Sunrise Band at 1:00 p.m.

The celebration is organized and promoted by the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System with support from the Office of the Governor and community partners. State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich framed the anniversary this week, saying, “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.”

Sponsors thanked on the HSPLS event page include Big Island Candies, Garden Exchange, Friends of the Hilo Public Library, and Friends of the Library Hawaii; several local outlets also cited sponsorship from Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and Friends of Hilo Public Library. Organizers describe the program as family-friendly, with on-site refreshments at 11:00 a.m. and a bookmark contest whose winners will be revealed during that refreshment break.

Beyond Saturday’s schedule, the Governor’s office and HSPLS note that the Hilo Public Library will continue March programming such as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes, Keiki Storytime, Keiki Reading to a Therapy Dog, an Early Childhood Music Class, a Spring Bonsai Show, and a Navy Wind Quintet performance across the month. Local event roundups also flag a separate Kuleana Health Fair in Hilo the same Saturday, offering free health screenings and fitness activities for the community.

Event branding reflects the milestone: HSPLS artwork described on the event page shows a round sticker with an ʻohia lehua at center, the years 1951-2026, and the outer edge reading “Hilo public library” and “75 years.” With scheduled events from the morning Kahu blessing through the Kaumana Sunrise Band at 1:00 p.m. and an HSPLS listing that extends to 2:00 p.m., organizers expect a day of music, hula, readings, and community celebration centered on the library’s role in Hilo.