A staffing shortage has led to the temporary closure of the Holualoa Public Library on the Big Island. The closure began Wednesday.

The one-room library serves about 7,000 people and is open only 12 hours a week for three days, said Susan Nakata, with the state Library Development Services Section.

Holualoa library's manager retired 18 months ago and a replacement hasn't been picked, Nakata said. Staff from other branches have been filling in but it's become too difficult lately, she said.

"The governor has placed a hiring freeze so we've not been able to hire permanently," Nakata said, adding that the freeze has made the problem worse.

Holualoa library users can go to the Kailua-Kona Public Library, about five miles away. Material being held for library users will be available at the the Kailua-Kona library.

Holualoa Summer Reading Program registrants will be able to continue at the Kailua-Kona facility.

Library users can call the Kailua-Kona library for more information at 327-4327.