Each year, Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi recognizes exceptional staff members of the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System through the Public Librarian of the Year and Excellence in Service Awards.
This year, an Excellence in Service award went to Chelsea Trevino of the Lānaʻi Public & School Library. Chelsea, who is a member of the Lānaʻi Bahá’í community, “has been a beloved fixture at the Lānaʻi Public & School Library for 27 years,” according to Friends of the Library. “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.”
“This wasn’t a planned career,” says Chelsea. “I always wanted to be a teacher but ended up working in the hotel industry on Lānaʻi, where I was expected to provide a high level of service to tourists.
“When an opportunity came up to work as an assistant at the library I took it, and the job allowed me to do two things. Because this is a public and school library, I got to work with kids, which in a way fulfilled my dream of becoming a teacher. Soon after I started the job, the librarian asked me to start story time for toddlers. That half hour is still a favorite time of my week.”
“The other thing the library job provided was an opportunity to offer my community the kind of service that it provides to tourists. I got to treat them like guests. That was a really big deal for me.”
“Over the years,” said Chelsea, “I consciously tried to change the environment so that the library is a more family friendly place to gather, a joyful place to be. I also started an outreach program to connect seniors with the library. Once a month we go to the seniors’ center to offer services, including helping seniors to achieve digital literacy.”
“I guess I have become a bit of local celebrity—with preschoolers and seniors,” jokes Chelsea.
Chelsea also serves as National Children’s Class Coordinator for the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands, providing yet another way to fulfil her dream of working with and for children.
The Public Librarian of the Year (LOTY) and Excellence in Service (EIS) awards were presented at the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi Annual Membership on February 19, 2025. Surrounded by family, co-workers, and well-wishers, the award recipients 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.
Senator Lynn DeCoite (right) presented the award for Excellence in Service to Chelsea Trevino (center). Chelsea’s special guest at the awards ceremony was her mother, Lorry Cornish (left).