NAS Kaneohe library program was established in May 1941. The first librarian was Sea2C Bradford L. Sears, he was assisted by Y3c Victor J. Larcher and EM2c John Huey. According to the article, the library’s original intention was to be a place where anyone could read quietly and get books without disturbance; they hoped to have, “One of the best libraries on O’ahu.”
Day of Infamy
On 7 December 1941 at 7:52am, only a few months after the opening of the library, Japan attacked NAS Kaneohe. In fact, it was one of the first military bases to be attacked. Although the library facilities were not destroyed, the impact it had on its community was significant. In total, 18 sailors and two civilians were killed during the attack, along with the destruction of Hangar 101 and 27 aircrafts. As a result of the attacks on NAS Kaneohe and Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war on Japan. Not much is known about the library program during this time; however, it is known that the library continued to remain open for the duration of World War II and that it regularly served as a gathering place for the on-base church services
