The Hawai`i Public Library system is one of the best uses of tax dollars: truly a democratic educational hub for our community. Mānoa Public Library has been my library since childhood, even though I no longer live in the neighborhood, and the staff knows our family, since we are long-time regulars! The current building is its third incarnation, built on the site of the original It's got two book drops, one near the library entrance, and one at the end of the U-shaped covered parking lot. On the ground floor, you'll find a magazine swap table. The library itself, along with restrooms, and a conference room, is on the second floor, and you can access it via stairs or the elevator. As you ascend, you'll see a lovely cast-glass sculpture, "The Spirit of Mānoa: In the Light of Day," by Rick Mills, sunlight illuminating the greens and blues of its rugged pieces. To the right of the upstairs entrance, you'll see a small Friends of the Library book sale, offering paperbacks, hardbacks, DVDs, and CDs for cheap. Bibliophiles will often find treasures there in the form of like-new hardback copies of recent literary fiction: $1 for a book?! Whatta deal! Mānoa Library itself is very spacious and quiet, with cold AC, a nice reading area for kids and study/reading tables, a well-curated YA new books display, an extensive cookbook and crafts book collection, free Wi-Fi, and the option to self-checkout or check out at the circulation counter. Should this library branch NOT have your desired book on the shelves, avail yourself of the FREE service to place a hold on your desired reading online and pick it up at the library branch of your choice! Something else that the public may not be aware of is the community programming, special events, and reading programs offered year-round, but especially during the summer: great for parents with school-age kids. Should you not want to visit the physical library or like the convenience of reading on a device? Take advantage of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers, which you can also borrow and read...no late fees! Finally, the library isn't JUST for reading. In the Ewa/mauka corner of the library, you'll find the DVD/CD collection, and you can also stream movies using the online service Kanopy. You can also borrow ukuleles--seriously! (I'm shocked that this particular library branch has not received five stars, given its heavy community use. I've always found its staff and security courteous and welcoming, and that's been true at all the library branches I've visited.) read more

Love this library. It is the most convenient one for me-- the location, the hours, the parking (including street and at Mānoa Marketplace), and the awesome self-checkout stations! The librarians are wonderful too. There's been a turnover in recent years but they're just as warm, kind, and helpful. They have fun seasonal programs. The kid and I used to do the summer reading challenges and we'd claim fun prizes. Should do that again! OG members who have the red library card can keep it, (I think maybe until the account expires? I can't recall.) if you want the new blue one with the fancy logo you'd have to sign up for a new account. But who wants to memorize a new number?! Yesterday I went in on a whim to ask abt my account (I wasn't able to log in online a week or so ago). Didn't have my card OR ID (smh) but the librarians could look up my account via my account number. But of course the minute I confidently said I have it memorized i couldn't say it. (SMH again) Thankfully I have my app on the phone which has the barcode, but I had to log on to the library WIFI to access it (thank goodness for prefilled userid and password). Long story short, both librarians accommodated my situation and helped me borrow books and cancel requests etc. i realized later I can cancel the requests myself on the computers (which was how I placed the requests in the first place SMH x3) and via the self-service machine! Because you can enter the account number manually. Anyway. Best library. Cool a/c. Lots of tables and computers (I saw an uncle playing solitaire). Very quiet and calm, until I came along, that is. read more

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I actually enjoyed this public library. I do have one in my own neighborhood but if I ever want a change of scenery this is the place I would go to. I like that it has a covered u-shape parking lot with a drive-by book drop. There are two handicap stalls, one covered and one in the open. The library itself is located on the second floor and it was easy to navigate to the section I wanted to check out. And there are plenty of computers for people to log onto. read more

We enjoy coming to the Mānoa public library. It's conveniently located close to us, and there's plenty of covered parking. They renovated the library a few years ago, so it's definitely much more modern and better organized than the old library that I grew up with. I was sad during Covid as the library was closed for quite a while and had very limited hours once it opened. The hours are now more regular. Several perks: -Plentiful covered parking with regular sized parking stalls. -Air conditioned. -Well organize books and media. -Friendly staff. -Great location. -Convenient book return in the parking garage. read more

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I like Manoa library. I enjoy purchasing books from here and contributing to donation's to the library. Anytime I need to print out papers I go here to print and donate money. The workers here are really kind helpful and very friendly. read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - Manoa Library - Books - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I've only ever received nice service here! Manoa library is the closest library to me, so I sometimes request books be delivered to this library for pickup. I like that I can request a book from any Hawaiʻi public library, and it can be delivered to any other library (including this one). There's lots of covered parking available. The library is not that big, but I'm not hanging out at the library a ton, so it serves my purposes well. It's easy to stop by after shopping at Longs or Safeway at Manoa Marketplace, so convenience is a plus. If you don't have your library card on you, you can show your drivers license, and the staff look up your account. read more

I love this library. It is quiet, a bit cold, and has a wide selection of books. One of the students I tutor says she likes how many manga series they have here. read more

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It is quiet in most library branches. The librarians are most helpful. I have found the most interesting books to read. One can buy used books in good condition for only $1.00. read more

My daughter had swimming class in the area so we decided to stop by Manoa library after. They did some major upgrades to this library and it looks amazing. I remember going to Manoa library when I was in high school and college and it was so old and run down looking. It looks new from the moment you enter. The parking lot isn't a small dinky lot with little spaces. In fact the parking is all covered and there are tons of available spaces now. The library is now upstairs too. You can either ride the elevator or walk the stairs. It's beautiful in the library. They have a bunch of different books that we don't have at our usual libraries. We spent longer than we usually do because it was nice to just see all the collections. Also the topping on the cake for my daughter was they were giving away free balloons that day. I will definitely be going back to borrow more things from this library. read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - Manoa Library - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This location is great for kids. Lots of children's books, seating and activities! It's clean and quiet. Well equipped and friendly staff.

Library is nice and located right next to the Manoa Marketplace which is really convenient. The rules here don't make any sense. The staff had a huge issue with me trying to take a conference call on my laptop when all of downtown's power got knocked out even though I was whispering into my mic but had no issue with parents talking loud to their kids or kids screaming. No issue with some lady watching videos on her phone with the volume up..... Nice library but ridiculous staff. read more

Yes, why can an Adult not bring a water bottle but kids can talk out loud for over 1/2 hour? This is a library for everyone!! Not just for kids! There are over a dozen adults here & 1 "chatterbox". Mind you that I have kids but I taught them to follow the rules and obey! If the parent cannot control their daughter, why cant that lady security guard that is so strict with water bottles cannot enforce the rules? Do you NOT trust adults with their hydro flasks but you understand when a child cannot behave and be quiet in a LIBRARY!! read more

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As far as facelifts go, the completely renovated Manoa public library had an excellent surgeon! The new two-story facility boasts a covered parking garage, elevators to the main floor, several meeting rooms (available for a fee), and an open layout with work stations. laptop stations with internet access (free one-hour session), and seating areas. What struck me the most is that the bookshelves looked almost empty. When I asked why, I was told it's because they now have so many shelves. Since I'm the type of person who pulls out a book from a tight space and about half a dozen fall noisily to the ground, this is a good thing. New books -- a.k.a. Hot Picks -- are easily found in the end aisle shelves but here's the cool thing ... you can actually reserve books online by going to www.librarieshawaii.org. Then, when you come in, the books are waiting for you at checkout. Things sure have changed for the better since I last stepped into a library a couple of decades, ahem, I meant "a long time" ago. Another example, you can also do self check-out at a designated station. Just put your library card under the thin red line (you'll understand when you see it!), then enter your PIN, then swipe the book's ID and place it spine down in the "V" space, now wait for the receipt. Easy peasy. Only took me about a dozen tries before I figured it out. If you don't have a library card or the last time you used it was 20 years ago, you can apply for a new one as long as you have a valid photo ID. It's also free so long as you don't have any outstanding overdue charges. The Manoa library didn't feel crowded, mainly because I went during the early afternoon on a weekday, so I found it fairly quiet but also strangely warm. Still, that didn't stop me from spending 3 hours walking through the stacks staring at book spines with my head tilted until my neck started to ache. I ended up leaving with three heavy cookbooks plus a slim paperback, and will be back -- after all, the books are due in two weeks! read more

I'm from Mililani and just recently moved to Kaimuki. I used to go to the Mililani Public Library, which is okay, but has some really cranky and rude staff, so Iike to avoid that place as much as possible. From there I tried to make my new library go-to the Kaimuki Public Library. Except when I tried going there it was completely closed down. There was a sign that said it would be closed during January but it was February when I drove by. What gives?? So I decided to try Manoa Public Library instead. After all, I'm a UHM student, so it's not too far out of my way. I was pretty blown away at how clean this place is! Also the desk workers were all really friendly to me. I happened to go on Chinese New Year to drop off my old books and pick up some more, and they gave me a cute red envelope with a Chinese proverb about reading on the inside. It was a really cute gesture. I always bring a reusable bag with me because I tend to borrow a lot of books at a time. Also, the free Wifi is always a plus. The only thing is I wish this place was open for more hours in a day, or at least open on Sundays so that I could study here, but I guess that's what Sinclair is for. So far I haven't been disappointed with their selection, but I don't go to the library to look for literature or anything academic - I use the library to get away from that type of reading. I usually go for the YAF section or general Fiction section to give my brain a break from all the textbooks. So far it's been quite relaxing. I've been back several times since the day I discovered it and I still love it :) read more

After having frequented the libraries in town that are generally havens for the homeless, it was so refreshing to come to Manoa Library, which is how public facilities should be run and treated. The building is gorgeous and large. Free parking is available on the ground floor with the library upstairs. The restrooms are clean. The library itself is very spacious, with lots of areas and comfortable chairs to read, study, and relax. Computer card catalogs are plentiful. The selection is excellent, as with any library in Hawaii, you can request items from anywhere in the state. DVD/CD rental is available for $1/week. There is a small book sale at the main door with low prices. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The library participates in many community outreach events and special reading days, be sure to check them out. Also, make sure to attend their book sales, they're nicely run and comfortable to shop! Excellent library! read more

WOW! The new Manoa library just opened a few days ago and it looks great! It's been a long time coming. 3 years? The new library has several cool additions: - Double the space for patrons, collections, computers and parking. It's now a two story facility instead of a single story. You park on the ground level and take the stairs or elevators up to the second level. - Covered parking, with even a couple stalls reserved for hybrid/electric cars. - Free wifi. - Laptop station for browsing the internet or searching the library collections. - Large desks/carousels for reading and working. - Solar panels. - Landscaping with native plants. - Conference/event room. We'll be taking our girls here often! read more

Library is brand spaking new, kinda the new car feeling but that's just about it as far as the good. Of course anything new will be fun and give one the giddy feelings however once you get past that and really look at the substance it gives a lot to hope for. The parking can really bite at times. The stalls are very limited and quite small if there are trucks and SUVs. Ok the good about the parking lot is that there are 2 book/audio drop boxes, YES its great that you can put audio and dvd in the drop box. One is located near the entrance of the garage but its on the outside which is good because once the garage roll gates come down you can still return books/cds/dvds. The other one is at the exit of the garage. Entering the Library you will see the bay of computers that are available to do what ever you do on the public computers. What sticks out too is the VERY empty book shelves.............I know there is or was a big book sale done by the friends of the library but maybe they should have kept some and put more books on the shelves. The DVD and CD area is VERY limited. Actually the DVDs seem like there are quite a lot of them, the CDs are very limited. Dont expect to find much of a selection. I just go online and request things and pick them up at Manoa. read more

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I can't comment on the inventory in the library, but I came here as an alternative study spot when my regulars were full. It's bright, clean, and there are a good number of study carrels (about 8 shared laptop stations between you and one other person), and lots of tables that sit four easily (probably around 12-15 tables). The tables are a bit strange in terms of proportions, they're just a hair short, as if they were tables that children can grow into but for some reason just a bit off for adults. I felt a little bit like Alice in Wonderland when she's growing and shrinking and the world doesn't fit quite right, or Goldilocks and the three bears but she doesn't find a "just right" version. I'm making mountains out of molehills though, since the table had a large work surface and I felt just fine after I sat down. The chairs are uncomfortable--just hard wood, but the lighting is great, and it's a quiet space. Lots of kids come and work on homework with older siblings and/or parents. Good deal of parking beneath the library, and there are two spots designated for EV (electric vehicle) drivers! No charger, but it's nice. Head upstairs to get to the library. It's not as cozy as Aina Haina library, it really feels like a hush hush indoor voices strict clean librarian library, if you know what I mean. I couldn't spend all day here (my bum would not forgive me if I did) but in a pinch, it works as a study spot! Wifi is free if you have your library card number. read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - Manoa Library - Lots of study areas. Shared carrels with plugs for laptops, tables that fit four. - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We're all waiting for the new library to open. That being said this the current location isn't to bad. Parking Wise: The parking lot is decently sized. There is a book drop off close by so dropping off returned material isn't diffucult. Material Wise: Now the reason for the 4 stars: convience. My suggestion is to look up what you want to borrow online and request it delievered to the location for pick up. You can set it up to be notififed by email or regular mail when the items are ready for pickup. There is a charge if you don't borrow the items you requested so be aware of this. #Yelp 365 040/365 read more

Basically- Brand New EVERYTHING!!!!! The library is pretty new. They organized things the way they wanted them to be organized to help adults find what they want and Keiki enough room to get the books they want and lounge around without disturbing adults too much. There are cool like little lanais that are off shoots of rooms. The grounds are just beautiful compared to other state libraries. There is covered parking that is not only 'compacts' that you just know you will get scratched at but not here- normal parking size parking stalls. Friendly staff that are used to trying to help out- as in reading between the lines (less homeless problems). They are there to do what librarians do- help keiki get their homework done and adults find the book they wanted as quickly as possible. read more

I understand if you dont want to read all of this, although I encourage you to, but to summarize: No Aloha at Manoa Library. I've had a love affair with libraries almost my entire life. There's just something so magical about them, I can't quite explain what. Maybe its the smell of books, or the hushed voices of people eager to learn something new. At any rate this is NOT one of those magical libraries. BEWARE. I suppose I've been spoiled, having been able to use KCC's library in recent past. So I guess I was ill prepared for this rude awakening I got here: The librarians were sweet enough but when I came to use the computers, I was shocked to see that nearly all of them were "out-of-order". 'Greaaat,' I thought, having just got there. I decided to stroll around, and check out the digs. Luckily, as I turned down an aisle, I saw that 1 of 3 working laptops had opened up. I looked around, no one was making a move toward the laptop , so I quickly moved in. I sat down, and with one click of the mouse, someone was YELLING at me. "Ma'am, the computers are DOWN". It was a larger women wearing glasses. Her hair was short and dyed light brown, with grey roots showing through. She was the security guard. I was so confused. Confused as to why she was YELLING at me in a library (hello, totally unnecessary, plus everyone was LOOKING now), and also confused because I had just seen this laptop IN USE. "What?" I said, taken a back. "This computer is not working you need to get up" the security guard replied in the same loud voice. "Do you shut the computers down at a certain time?" I asked, confused. It was about an hour before they closed, I thought maybe that was the case. "No," she came back at me, in the most insincere way. "The internet is down here" I grabbed my phone, 'seriously?' I thought, it's 2016. Does nobody here knows how to fix it? I checked the WiFi with my phone and sure enough I was able to access 'HSPLS,' so I brought this to her attention. If my phone can access the libraries internet, then surely so can a laptop. "Look," I showed her, flashing my phone. "It says that you're internet it working". She gave me a smug look, and replied back in a condescending tone, "The computers run on a DIFFERENT system. Due to the BAD weather we've been having its been knocked down". I wanted to laugh at this. True, it had been a little windy, but nothing out of the ordinary for Manoa. I was sure that she was lying to me, making something up. WHY had the other women been allowed to use the laptop, WHY were two other people using the others? I could barely tolerate speaking to this woman anymore. She was rude, loud, and condescending. Normally I would have stayed. Running my hands along the spines of books to see what this library had to offer. But the security guard had left a bad taste in my mouth. If she would have come to me sincerely, and quietly, told me that the computer was not working I would have not left upset. If she would have answered my questions in a polite manner, I would not have left upset. I really hope someone from this library will try and contact me so that I can better understand the situation. What's your side of the story Manoa Library? And why was I treated as such. read more

Dear Manoa Library Employees, If you are reading this please read a book on customer service. This is the second time we have received poor service from you. We wanted to return our child's books which was before the time you opened. We didn't know where the drop box was as it is not clearly visible from the street as bushes are blocking it. Your young chubby girl (employee) with dark hair who was listening to her ipod was outside collecting books from the drop box and could not be bothered by us even when she clearly saw us standing there. She just casually walked back into the library and let the doors close behind her. SHE NEEDS A "How To" lesson on customer service more then anyone. Also, I'm sure the elderly would appreciate a large sign that says "BOOK DROP BOX HERE" above it being that Manoa valley has an older generation of people living there. Your hours of operation are also hard to see from behind the gate and I have 20/20 vision! Come on people....GET IT TOGETHER!!! read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - Manoa Library - Manoa Library drop box is located just behind the bushes to the lower left side of the photo. Not visible from the road. - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

It's a shame that this library is not family friendly. There is a children's section but it is not separate from the rest of the library. The regular patrons complain if a child speaks above a whisper, which brings a scolding about "library voices" from the security guard and an invitation to leave the library. I'm not sure what kind of adult asks for a child to be removed from the Library. Many in Manoa, apparently. read more

I find this library isn't kid-friendly enough even though there is a children's reading area. The library is so quiet and my kids; aged 2 and 6 (well I think most kids under the age of 7-8) simply can't be quiet enough to enjoy its facilities to learn and read. So because of that, I am usually in and out of this library quickly after receiving notification that my book(s) are ready to be picked up. I use the HSPLS online catalog to search books for my son's daily reading homework, place it on hold and select this library location for pickup. FYI - there is a charge if you don't borrow the items you requested so be AWARE of this. Parking is available but sometimes can be scarce when busy and tight (since I now drive a wider family van). read more

Place is what I believe to be public and for civilians of good to use. There is a lady that works there as a police that basically asked me to leave the library because I had a hydro flask on the table. I walked out of the door and drinked the water that was in it but wait she wanted me to drink it out of the building not inside. Gave me a loud speech. People need some common sense and stop to give others problems for Ridiculous reasons. I believe she should be moved to a school cross the library is to much for her, too much nothing to do. read more

Although Manoa is a little harder for me to get to, I really appreciate both the staff and the building. I have not come across the security guard that some of the patrons have complained about, so as far as my experience goes, the staff has been very pleasant and helpful. They were especially patient about explaining how to access their digital resources. I love that there is a covered parking area with an elevator to the main floor so I don't get drenched on rainy days and the feeling of spaciousness and peace once inside. If my bus route went directly there, life would be perfect. read more

Pretty library. Well, what do you expect when the library is located in one of the most upscale neighborhoods on the entire island? Nice amount of parking on the ground floor. After parking, take the stairs up to the second floor. Fairly large main room with books and computers. There's another small room off the main room, which has DVDs and CDs you can borrow. It looks like there's a large meeting room there, perhaps for community meetings and such. There were many shelves that were almost empty, but the good news is, there is lots of room to grow. The librarians were very friendly, professional, and helpful. Best of all, even if you are not rich enough to live in Manoa, you can still borrow books, DVDs and CDs from this library! I'm not kidding, they'll let you do this; they won't even check your credit report first. Just let them swipe your state library card and away you go! Who says the lower middle class don't have a place in our country? The public library is one of the last bastions of equality in society today, and I am so grateful! Check it out! Oh, it's not like Starbucks though, so leave your caffeinated beverage outside in your understated groovy (albeit expensive) Nissan Leaf or Toyota Prius! read more

I went to Manoa Library on Monday morning and thought it was a nice little library. Granted it's not very big as others since it just has one big room with laptops, adult books, children's books, etc. It is clean and quiet, just what you need to focus. The library staff seemed nice, but the security is another story. I've been to many libraries all over the USA from Seattle to Boston and for such a small library the security was very stern. Half of the time I felt like I was being watched even though I was just working on my laptop quietly. A few times it looked like the security was glaring at some people. Even though they have a children's section, I would not bring children here if they're loud. If you're loud security will talk to you and since it's just one room, everyone in the library can hear you. Also no food or drink allowed and they're closed on Sunday. There is free Wifi, but you need a library card. Parking however, I am not a fan. Their is parking on the ground floor, but it is very small. I drove in a couple times and there was no spots. If you go in the morning there are a lot of spots during the week. read more

Manoa Library is rather impressive from what it was before. Before it only had a small space. It was more of a house than anything else. Now Manoa Library is very environmentally friendly with new everything once you find parking. There is a massive section for books to the right. Then there are other rooms within the giant building for other things. I was rather surprised that a children's reading room has been incorporated into it. Parking may and can be difficult. It also sits near a school so one has to be mindful of the amount of children that might be in the place. read more

I'm waiting for the newly renovated library to open, but in the meantime the little portable library next to Noelani Elementary will do. I don't normally browse the shelves for what I'm looking for but instead I'd go online, look for my book and either reserve it or have it sent to this library from another just to save time. The people at this library are super friendly and I'm in and out of there in no time, especially at night. I highly suggest going to this library at night. They close at 8pm during the week and it's quite quiet at night. Tonight there were three people in there, two were on the computer and one browsing for a movie. There is a security guard that sits and watches who comes in the door and smiles at you. There is ample parking but the only bad thing about it is, if it rains, chances are you'd have to walk in the grass/mud to cut through to the paved walkway to walk up the stairs to the entry door. I admit, this little temporary library selection is very slim but if you know what you're looking for, request it and pick it up at night when they receive it. I usually get a notice in the mail that the book I requested has arrived but this time I haven't heard anything so I checked online and found that it's been waiting for me. I'd prefer this small intimate library with kind and friendly librarians over an over sized one with too many people coming and going for any one to even notice you're there, let alone greet you with a smile. read more

Yester I took my sister to Manoa Library because she has been cooped up in thehouse since school let out. So to prevent her from going crazy, we came to Manoa. Manoa library had a huge transformation. Everything is very nice and clean. I mean of course since they just opened.. give it several months and it can lose all that. Pros: Free wifi Good amount of tables and chairs to work on Parking is under the library(library is 2 stories) Cons: Although there is parking under the library, it is limited both height and quantity. Luckily I have a corolla so it's no problem for me but I can imagine people with suv's having a very hard time. Also, I understand that the library was renovated but while taking my sister to the library.. there was not much selection from her to choose from.They either had really old books from when I was her age (maybe even older) to books that are fairly new. We were able to find some books but still.. I can only hope they are still trying to get some books brought over from storage. I enjoy this library because the parking is more convenient from the Main library (although they have some fairly good books). If you're like me and hate circling around for street parking, then anything else except the main branch is good for me. ** Oh! What I forgot to add (kind of random actually) is that they have a self check out station. Just one computer and they walk you through.. My sister and I were standing in line waiting to check out.. saw the computer and rushed over to play with it. It made me flashback to elementary school where you would get selected to be a library aid for the day. read more

did someone below say that Manoa PL will be the first Public Library to seek LEED certification!? That's a big fat NO. Kohala Public Library obtained LEED GOLD a year prior which was completed ON TIME, and on budget...being that the 2 libraries were advertised for bid at the same time. Manoa PL is alright. read more

I really love the new library. I used to go to the old library as a kid after school but stopped when I started going to the state library more. I liked it better cause it was bigger and there was just more to choose from. But I finally got to visit the new manoa one and I have to say they did a very good job with renovations. I love the new parking they have even though it does get kind of crowded at times. But inside is really nice. There's even a quiet room that I love, it really does help me study when I need to. It's really a nice library and the staff is some what friendly. Lots of little kids and their parents and families. I guess it's because a lot of older kids would rather just go to the UH library. Anyways yeah this is a really good library is you need a place to study! read more

This library has a great DVD selection and the staff is very friendly and well-meaning. Four instead of five stars because the portables are pretty lame... I can't wait to visit the beautiful new location! One of the best parts about this library are the consistently late hours of operation (open to 8PM very often) which is perfect for people like me who work late. Another AWESOME feature about Manoa library is that they have an all-hours DVD/other electronic media return box (on the Noelani Elementary school property next door), which is incredibly helpful when I know I won't have time to swing by the library close to a due date. I can't think of any other library in town that offers this feature. The parking situation has never been a problem for me at the portables location, but it was at the old building. Hopefully that has been resolved with the new structure. I think there's going to be parking beneath the building? This is one of my favorite local libraries, can't wait for the new location! read more

I had all five kids with me, during the summer, the day I set off on another library adventure. There were high expectations on my part of being met with a kid-friendly library in the heart of Manoa where education is given such laud and honor. My anticipation still grew as we parked in the below stairs parking and took the elevator up-all holding hands and descending as a troop. Echoing foyer upon alighting. Immediately shushed by woman at front desk as twins decided it was time to exclaim exuberantly their arrival. Relegated to a small section where I felt if we made a noise over a whisper or stepped out of the children's racks an alarm was going to go off. I would have left with nothing of redemption to report except a librarian found me hiding in the racks with the younger three and invited me to come back for storytime on a different day. At least an invitation, but the hint was taken. The older kids hurriedly grabbed books off the shelves as we made our way back to the front. Since that first visit I have since been back to the Manoa library as a registered storytime attendee. Yes, Manoa is the only Oahu library that asks for registration to attend their weekly storytime. The pros of this particular storytime is that the group meets in a room with floor to ceiling windows into the foyer and a door that is kept closed during the duration of the storytime. This is a benefit to containing children who like to wander and look for available and interesting exits. Boundaries can be a great thing for kids. So, I've given Manoa two stars but would give it another 1/2 star if It could be selected. read more

Parking is an issue here and it can get pretty noisy at times. I tried to go here to study for the SATs and my exams in high school. However, I stop after I went a couple of times just because it gets so noisy elementary school kids and parents who don't know how to discipline them. They also have a pretty limited selection which prompts you to have to go to other libraries. read more

Modern, lots of parking, and the staff is willing to help.

There are some things about this library that I think you'll like: it's relatively new, it's clean, is cool cuz of the AC (great on hot, muggy days), the staff is generally helpful, some covered parking, etc. On the downside, I have to say that my biggest complaint is the limited hours. Not open on Sundays? Are you kidding me? When kids have no school and parents aren't working, you close the library??? That's so unreasonable. The hours on the other days is also limited. I'm sure they would say that's all they can afford. Unfortunately, our political leaders are short-changing our children (in particular, but also the general population) by limiting this valuable resource; it illustrates what a low priority they place on education. It's very disappointing. One other point is worth mentioning: the number of publications available there is quite limited. I would suggest taking full advantage of the State's library website. The login is typically your library card's number & the password is usually the last four digits of your phone number. By logging in, if you have a specific book or DVD or whatever in mind, you can do a search and find out where its available. If it happens to be checked out, you can put in a request (at no charge) and designate which library to send it to when it becomes available. When it arrives, you can set it up so that an email will be sent to you, reminding you to pick it up. Note that there is a penalty if you do not pick it up so keep track of it. As others have noted, there are a number of library workers at various branches who have no business being there: they are grouchy, uncooperative, and seem to have a desire to make your visit as unpleasant as possible. I'm guessing they are the stereotypical State worker who hates their job but are too lazy to find another job and can't be easily fired. While I can't say that all of the workers at the Manoa branch are outstanding, I'll say that they are generally customer oriented and helpful. It's the branch that I'd choose to go to given a choice. read more

This is my favorite library! The staff is awesome and building keeps cool. Parking is convenient. Magazine trade area very good!

This library needs to change its late hours to "closes at 750." I got there at 756 and the entrance gate was down, so I carefully drove in through the exit. When my daughter tried to run in and pick up the book she had requested the security guard closed the main door and told her she was too late. Then she proceeded to tell me not to drive in through the exit. I pointed out it wasn't 8 yet and thought they were still open. She pointed out again, in a tone befitting someone speaking to a naughty 5 year old, that a person does not drive in through an exit, but an entrance. I reiterated that I thought they were still open, as it was not yet 8. She said, " If you see the gate down, we're closed." Frickin awesome. We were just lucky she didn't need the book for a project or we would have been SOL. This is a beautiful facility with a limited book selection and apparently a cranky security guard. I'm not sure I'll return, and I'll certainly tell all my friends. Good to know my tax dollars are hard at work. read more