The community gathered to break ground on a new library that will serve residents in Upper Puna on Monday, Nov. 10. Construction of the 13,885-square-foot building is expected to cost about $20 million and take at least two years, according to representatives of the Hawai’i State Public Library System.
The one-story library will go up in the vacant lot adjacent to the existing Keaʻau Public and School Library. It will also include a separate community meeting room with an outdoor lanai.
“We’re really happy to begin construction on this new library,” said Stacey Aldrich, the state librarian, in a statement. “This growing community deserves a library that can be a true hub for reading, learning and connecting. We are increasing the space available for collections, adding a tech lab to support current technology, and provide small and larger rooms for community use.”
The Hawai’i State Public Library System has more than 50 branches across six islands, including Hawai’i Island, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokai, Kauai and Oʻahu, according to its website.
Library cards are free for kamaʻāina and military personnel as well as their dependents. To get a card, adults must present a valid photo identification card and proof of mailing address, if that is not listed on their identification card. Details.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
