HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Honolulu City Council will hear a resolution on Wednesday that could bring a new kind of library to Skyline rail riders, one you check out with the push of a button.
The proposal, introduced by councilmembers Augie Tulba and Radiant Cordero, calls for an 18-month pilot program to install library vending machines at two key rail stations: Pouhala in Waipahu and Kahauiki near Middle Street.
The lawmakers said the State Library System approached them with the idea.
“Growing up dyslexic, I really worked with my children in getting them to read,” Tulba explained. “When the library system brought this to me, I was like wow, what a great benefit this would bring to the community.”
Details would still need to be worked out, but this could allow passengers to swipe their card and borrow a book, making reading more accessible on the go.
Councilmember Radiant Cordero says adding amenities like library vending machines could also help bring life to stations that are still underused.
“You know our rail stations currently are bare bones, so I want to be able to, in addition to getting other vendors and liveliness at the rail stations, have it be a productive place for our community, and that includes library vending machines,” Cordero said.
Under the resolution, the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System would handle installation and upkeep, while the city provides internet and space at each station.
“This is an 18-month pilot. We hope it will work — we’ll see if people buy into it. I’m excited to hear about the process,” Tulba said.
Supporters say the program promotes literacy while also encouraging more people to use Skyline.
“It’s another step for the city to be more engaged and to find great partnerships,” he added.
If approved, the vending machine library pilot would begin later this year. After 18 months, the city and state library system will review its impact and decide whether to expand the program to more Skyline stations.
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Testimony is encouraged for the resolution hearing on Wednesday, September 24.