Pahala Library celebrates 50th anniversary today

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

Pahala Public and School Library will celebrate its 50th anniversary of service to the people of Ka’u and National Library Week today from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event.

Pahala Public and School Library will celebrate its 50th anniversary of service to the people of Ka‘u and National Library Week today from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event.

The library’s normal public service hours are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is at 96-3150 Pikake St.

The anniversary celebration will feature performances by local hula halau, the Ka‘u Middle & High School ensemble and ukulele class, and a craft demonstration conducted by the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘u. Airbrush tattooing will begin at 1 p.m. Student winners of the Haiku Poetry Writing Contest will read their poems at 2 p.m., with the topic based on the theme of this year’s National Library Week: “Communities Matter @ your Library.” Chosen by the American Library Association, the theme reinforces the fact that libraries are trusted places where everyone can gather to reconnect and reengage with each other, to enrich and shape the community and to address local issues.

The Friends of the Ka‘u Libraries is sponsoring the celebration. Door prizes will be awarded to the winners of such contests as the 50th person who enters the library’s door today, and the person who guesses the number of materials in the library’s collection. Refreshments will be served.

A two-day book sale by the Friends concludes today, with sale proceeds benefitting the library.

Pahala Public & School Library was the first public and school library built in Hawaii and opened on March 2, 1963. The library serves the community of Pahala, and the students and faculties of Ka‘u High and Pahala Elementary Schools. In addition, the library provides immediate back-up assistance for Naalehu Public Library.