Chelsea Trevino Honored with 2024 Excellence in Service Award

On February 19, during the Annual Membership Meeting, the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi honored Chelsea Trevino, acting branch manager and library technician at Lānaʻi Public & School Library, with the 2024 Excellence in Service Award. Given through public nomination and a selection process, the award recognizes outstanding Hawaiʻi State Public Library System employees whose work has significantly enriched their library and community.

Chelsea has been with the Lānaʻi Public & School Library for 26 years, serving as the acting branch manager for more than two years. Her tenure has been marked by her dedication to fostering a welcoming environment and engaging the community. She leads weekly story time sessions for young children, inspiring a love of reading from an early age. For older students, she offers after-school assistance with homework and answers to their questions. Her creativity is evident in the diverse programs she has developed, including chess clubs, building activities, computer classes and jigsaw puzzle sessions, allowing patrons of all ages to find something enjoyable at the library.

Reflecting on the honor, Chelsea said, “My initial instinct was that it’s humbling. It’s very humbling to be acknowledged for what you’re doing in your community.”

Established in 1879, the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi is a nonprofit organization that supports free public libraries by securing resources beyond the state budget, with award recipients honored once in their lifetime on a plaque at the Hawaiʻi State Library.