In August 2023, wildfires ripped through western Maui, Hawaii, taking more than 100 lives and devastating the island town of Lahaina. The wildfires, driven by dry, gusty conditions, laid waste to more than 2,200 structures—most of them residential—and the town was left without its library.
Then Jessica Gleason rolled in with the Holoholo Bookmobile.
Gleason, born and raised in Maui, is the Wailuku Public Library’s bookmobile librarian, and for nearly a decade she has brought library access, programming, and joy to community members across the island. When disaster hit home, she knew she had to act.
In less than a month after the fires, Gleason established library services for the affected area, seeking locations where the solar-powered bookmobile could reach the most people. She worked with shopping centers, schools, churches, hotels, and government officials to provide books, internet access, and programming for displaced residents and families.
A Rippling Impact
From keiki storytimes in Napili Park and the district court building’s multipurpose room to bringing materials to senior housing centers and the Maui Community Correctional Center, Gleason has grown to know her patrons and anticipate their needs. While families continue to grieve and many still live in temporary housing, Gleason and her bookmobile—decked out in colorful art, a bright yellow awning, and full shelves—have provided joy and a sense of normalcy.
Her efforts are making an impact and getting noticed.
In 2024, the American Library Association selected Gleason as one of ten recipients of the I Love My Librarian Award, which honors librarians across the U.S. who are nominated by their communities for outstanding service.
“I have learned how much it means to meet people where they’re at, and that means showing up, being present, and providing continuity of service, and all of that builds trust,” she said in remarks at the January award ceremony in Phoenix. “I know I’m doing my job when I find the exact book that someone needs at the moment they need it…when people who have been traumatized by loss and grief find some comfort in knowing we’re there for them with books, hugs, and listening ears.”
And last week, the Maui County Council recognized Gleason with a ceremonial resolution, congratulating her for receiving the I Love My Librarian Award and honoring her service following the wildfires and beyond.
“Amid all the uncertainty, fear, and grief in the aftermath of Maui’s 2023 wildfires, Jessica has been a steadying presence and force for positive action among her colleagues and her community members,” one of her nominators for the I Love My Librarian Award wrote. “And she continues to work in and with Maui’s West Side community, developing connections that are helping so many heal and grow beyond their tragic losses.”
Featured photo: The Holoholo Bookmobile makes an outreach visit to the park during Ohana Fest. Photo courtesy of Jessica Gleason.
Happy National Library Week! Today is National Library Outreach Day, a day that celebrates libraries and library workers meeting their communities where they are. Whether it’s a bookmobile stop at the local elementary school, services provided to community homes, or library pop-ups across town, these services are essential the community. Make sure to check out your library today and all week!
