Dr. Ellen-Rae Cachola, Librarian II and Digital Archivist with the Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR) at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu, is president-elect of the Hawai‘i Library Association (HLA). Cachola’s term will be from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026.
Cachola was recognized and honored as HLA’s president-elect at the association’s annual conference, which was held Nov. 14-15. Attendees included UH West O‘ahu representatives from CLEAR, the James & Abigail Campbell Library, and ‘Ulu‘ulu: The Henry Ku‘ualoha Giugni Moving Image Archive of Hawai‘i.
This year’s HLA conference theme was “Laulima” — many hands working together. Current HLA President Kelly Ann Deluna Yamamoto said in a message on the conference website that in a time when libraries nationwide face intensifying challenges, from attacks on intellectual freedom to shrinking public funding and shifting policies, there has never been a more urgent time for solidarity — sharing knowledge and lending support.
“In the face of these pressures, our greatest strength lies in our ability to lift each other up,” Yamamoto said in the message.
Cachola’s leadership will help carry this collective work forward.
As HLA President, Cachola’s responsibilities will include leading through internal leadership development of members; facilitating communication with other information organizations and professionals, locally and beyond; performing administrative tasks to support the association’s operations, integrity, and growth; and assisting the HLA Conference Committee to ensure its programs inspire and activate its members and broader networks.
“The federal government’s decisions in 2025 triggered a lot of concern for libraries, but it’s up to all of us to remember the basic function of libraries: nurture education and opportunity for everyone in our communities,” Cachola said. “We provide resources for people of all ages to read, develop human cognition, and cultivate the lifelong skill called learning.”
Cachola continued, “My priorities as HLA president in 2026 are to observe, activate, and highlight libraries’ role in building an informed and participatory society.”