A library is a window on the world, and, especially for people living miles away from the next community, it's distressing to see that window slam shut.

The budget crisis has compelled the Hawai'i Public Library System to propose closing five branches, and that has dealt a disproportionately harsh blow to Neighbor Island communities. Three of the branches — Holualoa, Pahala and Kealakekua — are on the Big Island, and the remote village of Hana, Maui, also will lose its library. 'Ewa Beach Public and School Library also would close, but O'ahu residents have alternatives within a relatively short drive.

The selections are based on some hard facts: Libraries like Hana's have small staffs and relatively low patronage, so their closure can save a lot of operational costs with relatively little staff disruption.

However, before a final vote on Thursday, the state Board of Education should hear out all alternatives that might salvage library services for these areas, where residents have few options.

Among the ideas circulating is a proposal to set up online kiosks in communities where digital resources can be downloaded (visit http://www.hawaii.lib.overdrive.com for a look at the library system's growing selection of e-books and other virtual services).

An expansion of bookmobile visits to the areas also should be part of the plan for mitigating the loss of a permanent branch for the affected communities.

As the state's fiscal problems persist, public services such as libraries become increasingly critical to residents, who need the respite of literature and access to information that will help them find new jobs or otherwise cope with recessionary woes.

It's going to take out-of-the-box thinking — accelerated volunteers and donations campaigns and the involvement of more private partners — to maintain some level of service to the people who need it. At times like these, that includes most of us.