Photo credit: Hawaii State Senate

We were honored to once again present the Public Librarian of the Year (LOTY) and Excellence in Service (EIS) Awards to exceptional staff members of the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System. The LOTY/EIS program is generously sponsored by Native Books Nā Mea Hawaiʻi.

Awardees were nominated by library patrons and selected by a FLH committee based on their outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to promoting libraries and their place in the community. The committee recognized two awardees for each category at a reception at the Hawaiʻi State Library during the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi Annual Membership Meeting on February 19, 2025.

Surrounded by family, co-workers, and well-wishers, the awardees were congratulated by Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and honored with Special Recognition Certificates by their State Legislators and Council Members. Each awardee received a personal cash award, a Makana Akamai donation in their honor to purchase books and materials for their respective libraries, and a gift card and copy of “Nā Ala Kūpuna o Kaʻū: Place Names and Legends” from Native Books Nā Mea Hawaiʻi.

Librarian of the Year Awardees

Photo credit: Hawaii State Senate

Jennifer Kau’i Young, Kailua-Kona Public Library
Kau’i is the Children’s Librarian at the Kailua-Kona Public Library. As a
Children’s Librarian and a community advocate, she is passionate about building collections, programming, opportunities, and connections driven by her community’s curiosity and ever-evolving information needs. Inspired by her elementary school librarian and an assortment of beloved community educators and mentors, she learned about the power of literacy at a young age. Kau’i, in turn, inspires her library patrons to be life-long readers. Kau’i was previously nominated in 2019 and 2023.

Photo credit: Hawaii State Senate

Michelle Young, Waimea Public Library
As the Branch Manager of the Waimea Public Library, Michelle is a champion of literacy and community connection, and works tirelessly to ensure that no child is left without access to the transformative power of reading. Whether she’s welcoming students to the library, ensuring there are always “honor back” books for children without library cards, or setting up a pop-up library in partnership with Kekaha Pop Warner Football, Michelle’s priority is always reducing barriers to accessing books. Michelle was previously nominated in 2017, 2018 and 2023.

Excellence in Service Awardees

Photo credit: Hawaii State Senate

Gail Kashiwabara, Kailua Public Library
Gail’s journey with the Kailua Public Library began in 1979 when, what started as a temporary assignment, turned into a lifelong passion. She has become a cornerstone of the library and greets “regulars” by name. Gail has had the unique privilege of watching generations of families grow, and she never gets tired of seeing the excitement on patrons’ faces when they discover new books. Her decades of service and her ability to make every patron feel welcome have left an indelible impact on the Kailua Public Library and its community. Gail was previously nominated in 2023.

Photo credit: Hawaii State Senate

Chelsea Trevino, Lānaʻi Public & School Library
Chelsea has been a beloved fixture at the Lānaʻi Public & School Library for 27 years, and she has been the acting branch manager for more than a year. Her creativity and dedication shine in the programming she has developed for the library. Whether it’s a weekly storytime for the youngest library visitors, computer classes, or solving jigsaw puzzles, Chelsea ensures there’s something for library users of all ages to enjoy. She constantly seeks new ways to improve library services to meet the needs of the Lānaʻi community.