Meet Pepper, the Robot at the ‘Āina Haina Public Library
The introduction of Pepper is just the tip of the iceberg for new technologies bringing our state libraries into the future.
It’s morning at the ‘Āina Haina Public Library and music fills the room as a sleek humanoid robot named Pepper dances in front of curious children. Later, the wide-eyed robot greets patrons with a gentle smile as the kids navigate the options on her touch screen and ask her questions, such as where to find the bathroom and what her favorite color is. Pepper, at just under 4 feet, was a gift from the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, a nonprofit that purchased it using a $25,000 grant from an anonymous donor, plus an additional $15,000.
Pepper currently interacts with folks on Thursday mornings at the ‘Āina Haina Public Library, but there are plans for her to visit other branches.
“We are also hoping to incorporate Pepper into story times, and [we’re] pursuing other educational opportunities for the robot, such as coding,” says state librarian Stacey A. Aldrich. “We have only just begun, and we will continue to learn, which will influence future uses and programs.”
Pepper is meant to help users become familiar with new technology—and the library is the perfect place for that. “Public libraries have always been places of innovation where people can explore new ideas and gain experience with emerging technologies,” Aldrich says. “For centuries, libraries have been places that connect people to ideas, stories and knowledge. As transmission technologies have changed, libraries continue to help people in our communities build the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
All 51 public library branches in Hawai‘i launched RFID scanning and self-checkout stations in April 2024. Seven branches also have self-return shelves. In addition to free internet and computer usage, libraries also offer basic computer classes and recently expanded to one-on-one tech support. “We’re using technology not for its own sake,” Aldrich says, “but to create more access, more confidence and more meaningful connections, both in our libraries and beyond them.”
SEE ALSO: What You Need to Check Out at Hawai‘i State Libraries
Katrina Valcourt is the executive editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
