History and Awards Print

HISTORY


The current Waialua Public Library opened in 1952 and was expanded in 1975.

However, its origins date to 1927. In those days the State Library's Outreach Program served rural areas by delivering books to "Stations" in homes, plantations, and schools. The "Waialua Community Station" was first housed in a plantation office, and later in the plantation store.

By 1936 the "Waialua Community Station" became a Branch Library, situated in the rear of the old post office. In 1951 ground was broken for the current building.

In 1995 Waialua Library was almost closed due to budget cuts. The Friends of Waialua Library actively responded, volunteering in the library and raising money for books and items not supplied by the State. "Friends" membership jumped from 28 to 367, and the library remained open!

AWARDS


In 1997 the American Library Association honored Waialua Public Library as the “Best Small Rural Library in the United States,” That same year the Friends of the Library U.S.A chose the Friends of Waialua Library as the Best Small Library Friends Group in the United States.

These awards resulted in special recognition by the Honolulu City Council, the State Legislature, and the Hawaii Board of Education.

In 2002 Librarian Tim Littlejohn was named “Hawaii State Public Librarian of the Year.”

Even though Waialua Library is the smallest library on Oahu, its accomplishments are large.