NEWS RELEASE: Kauaʻi’s Only Public and School Library Celebrates 50 years of Community Impact

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

HAWAI'I STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

ʻOihana Hale Waihona Puke Aupuni o ka Mokuʻāina o Hawaiʻi

STACEY A. ALDRICH

STATE LIBRARIAN

KE PO'O HALE WAIHONA PUKE MOKU'ĀINA

KAUAʻI'S ONLY PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT

Photos posted here .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2026

Kōloa, Kauaʻi - For 50 years, Kōloa Public and School Library has been a community hub for reading, learning and connecting. To celebrate this remarkable anniversary, the library invited everyone to a day of commemoration and fun. Congratulatory remarks were given by the State Librarian, Stacey A. Aldrich, Branch Manager Stephanie Ibbs, and Representative Dee Morikawa. The celebration also included activities for all ages including: Lei poʻo demonstrations, button and bag charm crafts, printing press book journals, face painting, and a Lego lounge. Live music was provided by Aldrine Guerrero.

"A library is one of the few places where everyone belongs," said State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich. "For 50 years, Kōloa Public and School Library has welcomed children discovering their first stories, students of all ages pursuing their education, and neighbors seeking connections. We're proud to carry this legacy into the next 50 years and beyond."

"Our 50^th Anniversary is a celebration of the people of Kōloa and the surrounding communities who use the library to read, learn something new, and connect with their community." Said branch manager Stephanie Ibbs.

The 50^th anniversary celebration was generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi and the Friends of Kōloa Library.

About the Kōloa Public and School Library

The Kōloa Public and School Library was designed by Wilson Okamoto and Associates and opened in June 1976. The 10,400 sq. ft. library serves students of Kōloa Elementary and communities of Kōloa, Poʻipū, Kukui'ula, ʻŌmaʻo, Lāwaʻi and Kalāheo. The library currently houses 28,423 titles with access to computers, broadband connectivity, and digital resources.

The library's public service hours are:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: Closed

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