Maui's Kahului Public Library is back open after a five-year closure, and the remodel is good news for families, teens, and anyone looking for free things to do.

• The library reopened to the public last July, with renovations still ongoing.
• The new space is bright and air-conditioned, with more tables, Wi-Fi, and outlets for laptops.
• Free cultural classes run regularly, including coconut frond and lauhala weaving, though spots are limited and need a reservation.
• A dedicated teen room for ages 13 to 19 is the only one of its kind on Maui, with computers, art supplies, snacks, and hygiene supplies.
• Borrowing now goes beyond books: DVDs, gardening kits, ancestry research tools, and soon portable Blu-ray players.

Outlook: The Hawaii State Library System is working through renovations at its other branches, so more island libraries should see similar upgrades.