Posted on: Saturday, October 23, 2004

Mililani librarian state's best in 2004

Advertiser Staff

Mililani Public Library branch manager Wendi Woodstrup has been named the 2004 Public Librarian of the year for the Hawai'i State Public Library System.

The Mililani library will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Borders Books, Music and Cafe, as well as $500 from the Hawai'i Library Foundation.

The three finalists — Mary Ann Collignon of Kapolei Public Library, Joyce Felmet of Pearl City Library and Laura Ashton of Mountain View Public Library on the Big Island also won $150 for their libraries.

Woodstrup was nominated for the award by library user Sarah Kovel, who said, "Wendi has been exceptionally helpful to me, providing recommendations for leisure reading and explaining how local culture and events are reflected in Hawaiian literature and reporting."

Kovel said "Auntie Wendi" Woodstrup fostered her children's enthusiasm for reading.

Woodstrup, a University of Hawai'i graduate, joined the library system in 1988, and worked at the Wai'anae, Waialua, 'Ewa Beach and Wahiawa libraries before coming to her job as branch manager at Mililani in 1990.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona will present Woodstrup with the award, an engraved Tiffany crystal plate, in a public ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Hawai'i State Library at 478 King St.