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Extraordinary dedication. Humble leadership. Tireless outreach. Exemplary service. Trusted and beloved librarian. These accolades only begin to describe Matthew Brown, recipient of the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Public Library System’s Librarian of the Year Award. He was honored on February 18, 2026, at the annual membership meeting hosted by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i in the State Library Courtyard.

A 2012 LIS alumnus, Matt has devoted 12 years of service to the Hawai‘i State Public Library System (HSPLS). He currently serves as Managing Librarian at the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and previously worked at Wahiawā Public Library. Matt has also been a District Administrator, overseeing 24 library branches across Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island.

Matt was also recognized by the Hawai‘i House of Representatives and the City and County of Honolulu for his outstanding leadership and sustained commitment to public service. The patron who nominated Matt shared, “Matt goes above and beyond his duties and responsibilities to anticipate and address the needs of the blind and visually impaired community. He keeps up with the latest devices for braille and audio readers and is truly interested in learning about them.”

Dr. Andrew Wertheimer, Program Director of the Library and Information Science Graduate Program, also praised Matt’s contributions: “Matt is always lending a hand to build bridges between the LIS Program and HSPLS. He helped advance the internship program and is a frequent guest speaker in many classes, where he shares his passion for libraries.”

In accepting the award, Matt reflected on the collective spirit behind his work: “I am blessed to work alongside an incredible staff, a wonderful cadre of volunteers, and outstanding library leadership in HSPLS who make all things possible. This award truly reflects the remarkable efforts of our library networks across the state and our shared commitment to serving the public. To borrow from Helen Keller, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’”

Congratulations, Matt, on this well-deserved honor!