Library services in Honolulu, Hawaii... The McCully-Moiliili Library was closed for a while for renovation. Now that it's open again, I wanted to take a look. The entrance to the free covered parking is on Algaroba Street. I didn't see any homeless people in the area as stated in other reviews. Service was odd. I tried to used the Family Restroom, but it seemed to be locked. I asked the library staff if I needed a key. The staff pointed in another direction and said that the restroom was there. Ok... I caught the elevator upstairs where the Adult Section is. I didn't find the book I wanted, but did see a Korean Department! Lots of patrons were using the computers at desks and others were at tables - sitting and reading. Downstairs was a spacious area for children to listen to stories or for groups to do performances. Overall, it was a clean, organized, bright place! I'll be back! read more

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Have been borrowing ebooks for years with my Hawaii State library card, without going into the library. Surprised when I received notice that my library card was expired and needed to be renewed in person. Easily made down to the McCully Moiliili library where I found the renewal process easy and quick. While there enjoyed seeing how nice the last renovation was. Reminded how many services there are to the public. I actually read a hardcopy of newspaper! Found some DVDs to rent... oldies but goodies yet I had never seen them before! Stayed to play on my phone a little as I was few minutes early for next appointment. Enjoyed the air conditioning! Thanked the nice staff at the library for their hard work. It was a fun and informative field trip to the library! Almost forgot how convenient they are! read more

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This is my neighborhood library and in the area where my Condo is. Earlier this year I got rid of my old computer & printer. I love that I can come here and use their computers and also get what I need printed. The staff is very helpful and this library has a more than adequate selection of books for everyone. It is enjoyable to come here. It is sad that the homeless population in the area, made it necessary for this library to be completely fenced in, when not in use. I am grateful for our State Public Libraries! If you're in the area, pay a visit! read more

The top floor is quite busy at times, but the parking lot is convenient. I appreciate the printing area being easy to use and a decent price per page @ 15 cents a page suggested. read more

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My daughters and I went to McCully library this weekend. I was a little iffy about going here from all of the bad reviews but I gotta say it's not as bad as people say. True, there are homeless people outside but they aren't in the library parking lot of near the library entrance. They're just on the sidewalk surrounding the library. So if you drive to this library instead of walking, you probably wouldn't even notice the homeless around. This used to be the library we went to when we were kids and on summer break. My grandma lives in Moilili and we would go to the library to get books. This library is different from others because they have a nice sitting area for the kids. It's really welcoming. Kids can choose books and sit quietly on the stairs and mat. On this last visit I especially liked how helpful they were. I was looking for a Hawaiian mythology book so I asked the information desk lady. She was cheerful and very helpful. She immediately helped me and nearly ran to the shelf to find the book I needed. She was knowledgeable and knew exactly where to find it. I also liked that their books are organized and different. My daughter and I always go to our home library, Hawaii Kai library, and the books are arranged a little differently. They had a lot more books that we never ever got to read because they aren't available at our home library. We kept picking book after book off the shelves. Haha we could stop. Even she picked a book that she thought was interesting. I'd definitely go back there. Good service and a wide assortment of books. read more

This library is tiny. There are always homeless people loitering about and using the restrooms. The librarian working here is mean. The Hawaii state library policy for getting a library card is stupid. Minus 4 stars. So we're left with 1. I hadn't used my library card in over 10 years. I still had the physical card that I got when I was in kindergarten, but yeahhhh I don't read much anymore. Now that I'm a teacher, I wanted to rent audiobooks so that I could have groups of students reading the same book. So, of course, I go to the library to get a new library card. The DMV would not allow me to have my address on my drivers license be my PO BOX, where I actually get mail. The library policy is that the address on your "proof of residency" (aka my Drivers license) has to be the same as the address on your application. It took forever to figure out what I had on hand that could count as "proof of residency". Junk mail counts. I could have mailed a letter to myself and shown that as proof. I ended up using an electronic bank statement. Basically the librarian needed to know my credit card balance for the month just to issue me a library card. Ridiculous. And she was mean about it. The parking lot behind this library is sketchy. I used to come here when I was a kid, but I will definitely not be back. read more

I love libraries...love reading and the books as basic. But, the special events are the frosting on this cupcake library! Today, while returning books, I heard an uncommon sound - a sound you would not expect in a library. Taiko drums, multiple taiko drums. Following the heartbeat drum sound, I found a pretty packed area where a synchronized exhibition of taiko drum artists were showing off for an appreciative audience. Culture. You can read about it here. You can experience it here. Now....when was the last time YOU visited your local library? read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - McCully-Moiliili Library - boom boom boom...culture live at this library! - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I really like this library location. They have a large selection of books and movies. Like almost any other library, you can borrow the books if you have a library card, however the movies you can borrow for only one dollar, and you can keep them for a week. I was also signed up for the summer reading program. This is a really good program, because people anywhere from elementary school to adults can participate. You can log your books on a computer based on the minutes you read, and every so often you get a prize. I find that this library has better prizes then some other libraries that I have visited. read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - McCully-Moiliili Library - Some prizes earned - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The McCully library is conveniently located just off South King Street. The library is smaller and older than other libraries, but it's quiet and clean. It's also patrolled by a paranoid old lady who stares you down when you park on the street and as you walk to the library to drop off books. The first floor is the children's section with a wide selection for K-6 and a booth to encourage summer reading and other programs. There is a small used book section near the entrance. Books range from $0.50-$2.00. Upstairs contains books, CDs and DVDs for teens to adults. There are lots of desks and tables upstairs for reading and studying. Computer with WIFI is available with use restricted to 1 hour. The library is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-5pm, except on Thursdays when it's open later from 12pm-7pm. When you leave, you'll be comforted in knowing that you and your legally street parked car have been watched over by the neighborhood watchdog in her Hawaiian-print muumuu. read more

Funny but many long time Honolulu residents don't realize McCully-Moiliili library is actually a library. Maybe they just don't have reason to notice because the words are pretty large. I haven't thought about it but I guess the exterior of this library is a bit grim. Unfortunately the building is laden with stucco white so I mean, it's right next to a busy four lane road. You can guess what would happen and that it would be hard to clean. Every place along South King Street has this fine layer of black exhaust creeping up from the concrete. McCully-Moiliili library is a blessedly large building and quite nice and clean on the inside. Some of the staff is a little downtrodden but often friendly and engaging too. Your main librarians are very intelligent and quick to understand what you're looking for. I would say this is a fully functional and smooth operating library and a very good addition to the neighborhood. It is right next to McDonalds so you have two places with constant wifi (at the library you can use the computers for an hour or use wifi without limit), good seating and public restrooms. Both the library and McDonalds are probably very important to the once sizable homeless population who camped in the nearby park. Since the city closed off the park to the homeless though you do see more tents on the sidewalks nowadays. The library likely remains a place for the homeless to sleep at when it closes although I haven't seen that recently. The people who did sleep on the library steps were as you might expect but a few were quite nice actually. Other than this nothing has really changed at McCully-Moiliili library in the last couple years. You have the same staff with seasonal college hires. The same mix of your average locals, young and old. There is a very good reading open room for the young kids on the first floor with many children's books, a good selection too and nicely organized. Upstairs is where the computers are and the type of people to use the computers can be pretty nice or pretty gruff what with your nice old people and mean old people. Don't plan on doing any group projects at these computers because the patrons have little tolerance for noise (I mean that's typical right). The time limit is an hour with an hour in between sessions. There's a good array of tables to read at upstairs although you may have to share. Most people are mindful and sit as far away from you as they can. There's often many of our Asian population locals here because McCully-Moiliili library has a whole section and a whole smaller room for Korean and Japanese language books. McCully-Moiliili library has a decent but not mindblowing manga and comic collection. The library is however not a resource to be ignored when it comes to borrowing textbooks you don't want to pay college rates for at UH Manoa. In addition to the lending library downstairs has a large Friends of the Library book section helpfully sorted into books often needed for school, like your classics like Shakespeare and everything. Prices are usually at $1. And if you are looking for free magazines these are towards the library's back sliding door entrance. I have often seen our homeless population neighbors reading books at the park. If they were ever provided with books from the library then I am glad for it. There is not very much to do in this neighborhood without paying for something and the library is one of the last bastions that the homeless in this area probably have. The library does offer two bathrooms actually, a front one and a back one. There are notices in the back library about washing up, and yes the back one is a bit grunge-ier and the more discrete one if you don't want to be noticed. Despite being kinda rundown this library is a good one and it does have frequent events like watching movies in one of the adjoining rooms. These are mostly aimed at the kids though I would guess. Previous reviews would paint a pretty fearsome picture of McCully-Moiliili library but in my experience it's an ordinary library with good amenities (water fountains) and a reserved but sometimes friendly staff and it's kept in pretty good shape on the inside. The front bathroom by the check out desk is definitely cleaner if you were wondering. I have been a patron for a few years and I would say my experience has been largely consistent. read more

I really like the Hawaii State Public Library system. Did you know that you can order a book, CD, or DVD from any other library in the state including neighbor islands and they will ship it to the nearest library for you for free! You can even place your request by via the Internet from your home and then be notified when it arrives by email. My favorite thing to order is language CDs when I'm going to visit another country. Recently I ordered Thai language CDs which are coming from Mililani. About the McCully library, it's okay. There is a decent amount of parking and many stalls are covered. The library itself is air conditioned and the staff is attentive and efficient. FYI - A very minor thing is that your library card expires after five years and you need to go down in person to renew it. Not a bad service paid by your tax dollars. read more

I'm calling you out! Yeah, you! Anyone who does not give a library 5 stars is either a book snob, or a homeless guy who got the plug pulled on his internet use. What's not to love? You borrow a book for FREE. If you cannot finish it by the due date, you borrow it again for FREE. When pau, the library takes it back so you don't have to store it in your already cluttered room. Sounds too simple. I understand why people are afraid of the homeless who seem to congregate here and the damaged books because some hobo probably used the book drop as a urinal. All that aside. There was a time when I was poor and did not have access to media aside from libraries. I read books, educated myself, got jobs and and then was able to afford my own books and computers. This was the library that helped me most with that. Protip: return your book during open hours to avoid your books being peed upon. read more

This is my library of choice for picking up my reserve items. I used to go to Kaimuki Library, but lately I've never been able to find parking (which is a good thing because it means that people are patronizing the library). But at McCully, I can usually score a space and I like that most of the spaces are covered. The security guard at the front is ultra friendly - he always says hello. The staff at the check out aren't the friendliest, but it doesn't bother me too much since I'm there just to check out my books. The bathrooms are facilities are clean and well maintained overall. It's not a big library, thus they don't have a big selection of books, but with the library's online catalog and reserve system, it doesn't matter that the books aren't physically in stock at this location, because I can request them to be sent here. read more

Mixed feelings about my neighborhood library. I love their selection of books and DVD. They also have a large selection of Japanese materials. The staff is helpful and there is usually parking available. Bright, clean and quiet My issue is the homeless encampment around the library. I dislike navigating grocery carts, the smell of urine, and unbathed people. I guess this is city life in Honolulu now. read more

My favorite library in town!! The closest from anywhere in town. It's my favorite place to study and do work because it provides free wifi if you have a library card account. When you need reference to any work or study (or fun) just walk around and you'll find something you'll like. The bad thing is that they don't provide electrical outlet and there are homeless around there. Parking are usually open and if not, just street park. Monday they're closed read more

This is my regular drop off Library. Books could be returned both S. King front side or the back side 24 hours. CDs and DVDs need to be returned inside (set gently in the return box) at office hours. Closed: Sunday and Monday and some Tuesdays for some reason... Thursday 1200-1900! YELP 365 - 110/365 read more

I enjoy the ease and location of this library when visiting from the Big Island. Kona carries a minuscule amount of books in Japanese, and Hilo is a 4 hour roundtrip drive. When visiting Honolulu, there are a lot of shops and restaurants I like nearby so this is a convenient branch to visit. I love the fact you can go to any library in the state and not only rent, but you can also return at any library. What a great service. You can also go online and order any book/CD/DVD and have it shipped to your local branch for free! I like to actually browse the aisles though because you never know what will catch your eye. Yes, this library does have a small kine homeless issue outside, but I haven't seen them bother anyone, so it doesn't bother me. Yes, the parking lot smells like shishi, but it doesn't smell that way once you walk in. I haven't had any issues with parking, luckily I have gotten a spot each time I have come. There are great deals to be had on the books for sale near the entrance, and there is a great magazine swap section as well. You can drop off or take any magazine in the boxes for free. Pretty cool. read more

Going to try separate my feelings for the Hawaii Library system in general vs. this branch. This branch is OK, the building is run down, the books difficult to find, parking can be tight. But the books are free. The Hawaii State Library system on the other hand, has some issues. See a review of the overlal system at: http://www.yelp.com/biz/hawaii-state-library-honolulu#hrid:6beOtQErjBQaZoHnyVz_Jw read more

I love taking my children to the library, but I'm not the biggest fan of this particular location. We came here for the first time just to return our library books because the Kaimuki library is closed due to construction. We got there at 4:45pm, right before the library closed, walked our books inside and put them in the book drop. As other Yelpers have written, the parking lot and surrounding area feel really sketchy and I definitely would not choose to be here after sundown. I am a true believer in the power of regular visits to the library and I find it sad that this location's experience is dampened by outside elements. If I do return, it'll be in the morning time, when it feels safer and I'm not overwhelmed by my own personal paranoia. read more

This library is really small and it kind of smells like urine. That being said, I was pleased to find that when I went in looking for a very specific study guide, they had it. It looks like they update their stacks frequently and their librarians are knowledgeable and seemed really happy to help. One more plus is that (as with all other libraries under the Hawaii state system) if a different library on the island has the book you need, they will have it delivered to your nearest library location so that you can pick it up. I didn't use the computers but they look limited and it looked like people were waiting around to use them. Now, it may not be the best place to study. It is very small and the last time I was there, I was talked to by some old guy who apparently just sits in the corner waiting on his next victim on a regular basis. I tried to avoid him, but he sucked me in with his politeness and talked to me for almost an hour. Oh well. He is probably lonely. read more

I grew up with this library. It's only a few blocks away from my childhood home and I spent a great many weekends (and after-school afternoons) here. Fond fond memories. So I might be biased. Looks-wise, this library wins no awards. The librarians, however, are a mixed crew of both stern and friendly. I can't blame them for being stern, though their former security guard was a pain in the arse to my middle-school self. They have since hired new ones, though I don't know how much of an improvement they are. The kids' section (bottom floor) is what wins this library awesome kudos. The adult section is pretty decent and they have a good variety of foreign-language stuff. Their young adult section used to be very awesome in a niche at the back of the adult level (2nd floor). They've moved it though and I don't like it. I'm just not used to the way there's no space for the teenagers/younger "adult" readers. read more

I used to go to this library- and I still do- for Korean books. They have a whole collection there! Only place in Hawaii. Now, I think they need to call the police to make sure they clear out the homeless. I returned from college not too recently, and there are so much homeless! :S read more

The girl at the counter was really sassy with an attitude when I asked her if there was a computer I could use to do my resume. She insisted i needed a library card, to access the computer and when I told her that the library i used in wahiawa didn't need one she gave an attitude and said well everyone's different!! Poor customer service !!! As for the Micronesian security guard giving me attitude cause I had my daugther stand by the door inside to finish up her snack from school telling me eatong is prohibited like no shit that's why she's standing there bit he tells me next time have her throw it away ! IF you guys are not happy with your jobs I highly recommend you both quit !!!!! Never again will i come here... worry about the homeless outside pissing on your stairs !!!! read more

Served its purpose as a public library. Very useful working computers. Easy to print pages off the computer. Staff is nice.

A few weeks ago, I went to use the computer at this Moiliili location.After my hour was up, i asked the clerk upstairs to "refresh" my session for another hour because I needed to finish a project! She told me that I had to wait until 3 computers were vacant! I said "what??!!are you kidding me?? That didn't make any sense as my computer sat vacant & no one was waiting to use it.I went downstairs to ask for a supervisor .the asian clerk was very cocky.This prompted me to call the superintendent in the Library system! I explained my situation & he told me that it didnt make any sense & that they're making up their own policy!! He told me to go back in as he called them! Thanks to him, i was able to refresh my session & to make a long story short, their "policy" is now changed & consistent with other libraries..if no one is waiting, you're allowed to refresh your session! The workers there are RUDE, lazy & need to take a course in customer service! When I told the clerk I was reporting her for her rude attitude, she replied "yeah, whatever!".OMG!! And yes, the location is sketchy with all the homeless camping on sidewalks! read more

This library is a dream for the parents of small children. The children's section takes up the entire first floor. It includes an extensive library of children's videos and DVD's, which you can borrow for a dollar each (and keep for a week). There are all types of good books for every reading level. There's a carpeted sunken area, where kids sit, stretch out, read or have their parents read to them. The adult books are upstairs, including a nice DVD and video collection. read more

I love libraries, I really do. But this library is constantly closing and locking its doors early, with all of the staff leaving before the closing time that is posted on the door. This is not how a place of business should operate. read more

Horrible!!!! Absolutely horrible customer service!!!! And it didn't matter that I spoke to the librarian because she was just as horrible. I asked the librarian if the employees get hired for their outstanding personality??? Explained that I know the volume for a library, but c'mon...to scold a 7 year old as if you're scolding a teenager!!! Oh hell no!!!! And then go up to the counter and be greeted by a stone faced checker! When she was fine scanning my books, not one word! I stood there and kept staring at her. She asked if I needed something else, I told her "Oh, I'm sorry..are you done because you didn't say anything! How was I supposed to know you were done scanning!" read more

I would have given 1 star but I used to like to go there so I gave it an extra. This library killed my library experience.. I used to love the library a lot. Used to borrow a lot.. Not so much since this library screwed that up. Some time ago, when I was younger, I went on a Friday to borrow 3 books. I went to drop it in the slot on Sunday night since I finished them and was busy that week and didn't want to lose them in my sort of messy room at that time. So I dropped them in, there was no damage to them at all, didn't bend no pages or anything, it wasn't raining either. I get a call up the next day. Apparently my books got soaked somehow and you know how they dry they were ruined. They told me I was to pay for them. I was upset because I know that I didn't do anything to them. I told them they were fine when I put them in, but of course its a he said she said. I went down there with my mom (since she was with me when I dropped them in) and once again we told them the books got damaged when they were in their care and not ours. We asked to see them and they pulled out this box from under the desk, I was trying to look at the rest of them, but the desk lady was blocking the way. She stood up and bam! she shoved it back under as fast as she pulled it out. They showed it to us and they were indeed ruined. I smelt them to see if some homeless went and maybe peed on it or something but it didnt smell. SO we still argued a bit but then ultimately had to pay for the books. She said I wouldn't be able to borrow any books any where unless I paid, so that's why I just ended up paying. So be wary if you use the drop box in that location. read more

There used to be a wonderful woman who had a story hour for preschoolers at this library. She was very popular with parents and children. The three stars is because she was given a really difficult time by jealous fellow library employees. Kids should grow up in libraries. I have a photo of our son with his first green Hawaii library card. read more

My grandparents used to take me here when I was little. They would let me do my thing on the bottom floor in the kid's section and they'd go to the top floor to try figure out how to use the computer and just browse through all types of different books. I remember reading a lot of biographies in the kid's section it was always an enjoyable experience. I highly recommend bring children here to help them develop an appreciation for reading and learning. read more

I've only been here briefly (ran in to grab a book while waiting for a bus) but it seems very nice I'll definitely go back! I found my book in just a minute and the librarians got me through the line in a flash Also, the upstairs drinking fountain is lovely: ice cold and refreshing and clean. Seems silly to mention but it's a hot day and it was just what I needed! read more

Hard to find, when I went the whole block was covered in homeless people so it made it scary to go to. I borrowed a few books to play with a child I was babysitting and I believe one ended up going back to the Big Island with the kid. I went in and tried to just pay for the book because it was nowhere to be found, but the grouchy old lady I talked to basically forced me into renewing the book so I could look for it, even though I assured her it was nowhere in the house. I was shocked by the way I was treated (I know its annoying when somebody loses a book, I already felt bad enough and I was very apologetic) and I was trying to do the right thing by paying the book off, but she was rude, sharp, and every time I mentioned wanting to just pay for it she refused to hear anything of it and I ended up being pressured into renewing the book. Have I found the book since then? No. Do I owe a ton more money now? Yes. Great. UPDATE!!! They reported me to a credit agency and fucked my credit. Thanks fuck faces. read more

For a free resource, it's wonderful. Although many of the children books are old and smelly, the variety of books is really spectacular. It is also spacious, having enough room to sit down and read. Too bad the parking lot is small. The exterior atmosphere was greatly improved after the tents surrounding the parking lot were removed. read more

Small and dingy, this is after the remodel. The computers always have a waiting line, they have limited assortment of books.

Despite the boring and intimidating exterior and the homeless nearby, this library rocks especially if you are looking for suggestions for upper elementary to high school books. See Ms. Jan and she will hook you up with amazing titles and series. If my kids were not voracious readers and I needed another voice, besides their mom, to encourage them to realize reading can take you on exciting adventures, I would hire Ms. Jan as my personal consultant, if that is even possible. A tutor for kids or parents to help them continue their love for reading engaging titles. She is professional, enthusiastic, kind, hardworking, goes beyond her job description as a librarian. She gives book talks to schools and is very appreciated and loved by students, and especially middle schoolers and high schoolers. Let's keep Ms. Jan in our McCully neighborhood to impact our neighborhood DOE schools. Let's also spruce up this library since so many youngsters live nearby and 8 schools are in walking distance, and parents would want their children to walk to McCully library on their own, if it felt safer and cleaner. read more

Small library and kind of run down but an ok place to study. Downside is that there are no outlets for you to use if you want to work on your laptop and parking can be hard to come by. Staff is friendly and for the most part it always has the books I'm looking for. read more

This is a very unfriendly library. No one smiles and everyone seems like they do not enjoy their job : [ Only after I spoke to some of them from my side, did they loosen up and became friendlier. To be fair, there are one or two friendly people. The parking situation can be bad at times and I have to leave and come back later; if you can find street parking, lucky you. I can usually find the books I am looking for and if not, I order them and they come in quickly (one good point). I hope someone from the library reads these comments and listen to the bad comments as well as the good comments. read more

I am a big fan of the Hawaii State Public Library System. I came to this location for the first time because the branch I usually go to in Kaimuki is closed on Saturdays, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's small, but it has a nice kids area on the entire first floor that ensures that it's pretty calm upstairs where everything else is. I like to bring my laptop to the library so that I can work and use the free WiFi, however, this location in particular doesn't allow the use of any electrical outlets. I was in a spot in the back by myself, and I asked to unplug my laptop charger from an unused and secluded outlet; my cord wasn't even blocking any walkways or anything! And there are a ton of outlets, so it wasn't like I was monopolizing the electricity. This seems to be a problem confined to only this location - the other library locations I've been to have no such rule. I imagine it's to limit the amount of time people spend in the library? That being said, I greatly prefer the Kaimuki location. read more

I love the Mo'ili'ili Library. It's small and I like that, hell this is for the community. No parking? What do you expect? Small area.....small parking. Go on the street! Great resource center. I donate books and magazines, some of you may have even picked up some free ones. I live on University Ave. and love that the library is close by. Yeah, the people in there can be a bitch sometimes too, hell they hardly even smile!! I wonder if they like their job or what?! Anyway, don't let them stop you from going cause it's a great place to relax and read or browse around. read more