The Pahala Public and School Library has temporarily closed after two earthquakes on Mauna Loa’s flank damaged the building on Oct. 14.
The Pahala Public and School Library has temporarily closed after two earthquakes on Mauna Loa’s flank damaged the building on Oct. 14.
Ceiling tiles fell during the earthquakes and need to be replaced before the library can be reopened to the public.
The library is waiting for the Department of Accounting and General Services to assess the damage and schedule the work, which includes reinstalling new tiles and cleaning the debris, according to Mallory Fujitani, spokesperson for the Hawaii State Public Library System.
Fujitani said there is not an estimated date of completion, but the work should not take more than a couple weeks.
Pahala patrons are encouraged to visit the Naalehu Public Library, located at 95-5669 Mamalahoa Highway, for services during the temporary closure.
The Naalehu Library is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday; and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
Library cardholders also can browse the Hawaii State Public Library System digitally at librarieshawaii.org.
An announcement will be made when the Pahala Public & School Library reopens, according to HSPLS.
