Building More Than a Library: A Quiet Look at Puna’s Next Community Space

Every so often, a project comes along that reminds me how quickly our communities on the Big Island are growing and changing. The start of construction on the new Keaʻau–Mountain View Public Library is one of those moments.

For years, the libraries in Keaʻau and Mountain View have done their best to serve the area, even though they’re tucked inside school campuses and limited by space and hours. With more families, students, and long-time residents calling Puna home, it’s easy to see why a larger, standalone space has been on the community’s wish list.

The new facility, about 13,885 square feet, is designed to give people room to gather, study, work, or simply enjoy a quiet corner. Features like flexible shelving, an updated tech lab, and several meeting rooms show how thoughtfully the space has been planned. There will even be a larger community room with a lanai for events, plus its own parking area with around 42 stalls.

Construction is beginning on the open lot next to the existing Keaʻau Public and School Library, backed by a $20 million budget and a timeline of roughly two years. Even though it’s next to Keaʻau Middle School, the building will be fully separate, with its own entrance, something many residents have long hoped for.

As someone who works throughout the island, I see firsthand how important these shared spaces are. Whether someone is searching for resources, a quiet work spot, or just a familiar place to connect, these kinds of projects often end up shaping daily life far more than we realize at the start.

Watching this library take shape feels like one more example of how Puna continues to grow in ways that support the people who live here. And it’s encouraging to see that growth supported with intention, planning, and care.

Source: https://bigislandnow.com/2025/11/11/construction-on-the-kea%ca%bbau-mountain-view-public-library-begins-this-week/