By LJ Staff

The Kapolei Public Library in Hawaii will open on August 16, with formal dedication ceremonies scheduled for August 21. The $6.9 million, two-story library will be the Hawaii State Public Library system's second largest, at 35,000 square feet, and the 51^st facility in the system. On opening day, the library will have over 40,000 new books and other materials as well as 42 computers, some with Internet access. "Our staff is anxious to open our doors to serve the Kapolei, Makakilo, and Honokai Hale communities as well as the rest of West Oahu," said Branch Manager Richard Burns. He anticipates that the library will offer a collection in excess of 130,000 items within five years. The library will open with interim public service hours until the full complement of staff can be hired. Only five of the 19 staff positions are filled at this time.

Groundbreaking for the library took place on December 15, 2000. The library has been completed for more than two years, but the State Legislature did not fund staff or materials. Community volunteers got permission to open the building as a reading room with donated books. Friends of the library created a used bookstore in the facility. It has been operating that way since March 2003.