Friends of the Library of Hawai'i
Scholarship Announcement

The Friends of the Library of Hawai'i Scholarship Program is supported by bequests and donations to the Friends specifically to provide scholarships for Hawai'i residents pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science degree at the University of Hawai'i.

In the 1960s, Hazel McCoy held annual tours at her villa on Diamond Head Road, where visitors enjoyed the antique treasures, ethnic foods and dancers, and especially the wonderful orchid gardens in full bloom. For ten years the proceeds of the tours funded scholarships that were presented by the Friends. Upon Hazel McCoy’s death, her husband made a gift to the Friends to perpetuate the scholarships.

Kathleen McCall Schutte was an active member of the Friends in the 1950s and 1960s. She is fondly remembered for her caring, intelligence, and sense of humor. She was interested in politics and had a progressive attitude toward her community and society. Her husband, C. Frederick Schutte, a longtime trustee of the Friends, established a scholarship fund in his wife’s memory and left a generous bequest.

Margaret Ayrault was a librarian and educator. After retiring she was active in volunteer work throughout the community but was especially active in supporting the Friends of the Library. She worked throughout the year on the booksale committee and could be found working every day during the annual sale. She left a bequest to help aspiring librarians achieve their educational goals and pursue the profession that she so dearly loved.

Kathleen Thorp was a career public school librarian. She resided and worked on the Leeward Oahu coast for over thirty years. Mrs. Thorp was an avid supporter of the Friends of the Library and worked year-round supporting the annual booksale. The first Thorp Scholarship was made possible by memorial donations from friends an associates. The family decided to perpetuate Kathleen Thorpís memory by funding a scholarship in her name. This scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in school librarianship, and preference is given to applicants who reside on Leeward Oahu or, failing that, in a rural area or community.

Applications are available online and are due in May, 2009. Scholarships are awarded by the end of June.

FLH presents Rep. Kirk Caldwell with the MAHALO AWARD

President Stephanie Rezents presents Representative Kirk Caldwell with the Mahalo Award.

The Friends of the Library of Hawai'i held its annual legislative event Wednesday, January 10, 2007, at the Hawai'i State Library. All members of the Hawai'i legislature were invited to attend as well as library staff, Friends of the Library members, and the community. Representative Kirk Caldwell was presented with the Mahalo Award as the 2006 Legislator of the Year for being a strong advocate for the Hawai'i State Public Library System.