When the state librarian of Hawai‘i shuttered the state’s Bookmobile Program in 2003 due to budget cuts, a vital chapter of local history seemed to close. However, the residents of Waikōloa Village refused to let the story end.
In 2010, when beginning to organize Friends of the Library–Waikōloa Region, one of our first steps in advocating for a library was to meet with the state librarian. He suggested that we could take possession of a bookmobile that was in storage at the Kona library. We took him up on that offer right away! It now has a permanent home in Waikōloa Village behind the tennis courts, with Wi-Fi, electricity and a pergola for activities.
Today, this community asset is a seven-day-a-week hub. Run entirely by volunteers who meticulously curate the donated collection and assist in picking out books, the bookmobile offers books, DVDs and audiobooks for all ages. Operating on a refreshingly simple no-checkout policy, it has become a favorite destination for families, vacationers
and seniors alike.
The bookmobile is more than just a place to grab a poolside novel; it is a center for creativity. From painting spring wind chimes to designing Valentine’s bookmarks and back-to-school pencil pouches, these activities bring the generations together. Each visit concludes with the best gift of all — a new book to take home. In Waikōloa, we aren’t just sharing stories, we are building them.
The enthusiasm for this community asset is overwhelming. Families, vacationers, high schoolers, seniors and residents of all ages enjoy stepping up into the van, walking the aisle and looking for new reading materials — books, audio books and DVDs. Enjoy your visit to the Waikōloa Village bookmobile, open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY–WAIKŌLOA REGION
PO Box 383283, Waikoloa, HI 96738
808-536-4174 | bookmobile@flwrhi.org
friendsofthelibraryofhawaii.org/waikoloaaffiliate
Leave a Reply