The Delaware Library Association scholarships will be presented at the Association annual conference.
Scholarships Assisting Participation in Library Programs
The Delaware Library Association awards three scholarships to assist students enrolled in an ALA accredited masters degree program or a library certification program. These scholarships are named for three librarians who made lasting contributions to librarianship in Delaware:
- Grace Estelle Wheeless
- Helen H. Bennett
- Charlesa Lowell
The Helen H. Bennett scholarship is intended to assist persons who plan to work in a school oriented library in Delaware and applicants for this scholarship must sign the addendum attached to the Application Form affirming their intent.
Some preference for the Charlesa Lowell scholarship will be given to those who are working or have worked at the Newark Free Library or, lacking such an applicant, those who live in Newark.
In Honor Of
Grace Estelle Wheeless was a former president of DLA. A fund was established in her honor, "...to aid Delaware students in library schools, or those who have completed college study but need assistance in earning their Master's Degree."
Helen H. Bennett was Supervisor of School Libraries in the Delaware Department of Public Instruction. According to Delaware Libraries: "Mrs. Bennett was dedicated to the development and advancement of school library services and school librarians. She established a scholarship endowment and left her estate to the Delaware Library Association to support the training of professional school librarians." 1 The Scholarship was originated in 1970 by the Delaware School Library Association "...for the registration and/or tuition to a person working for library certification or a Master's Degree in Library Science. This person will agree to work in a school oriented library in Delaware."
Charlesa Lowell served as the Kent County Librarian, Delaware Division of Libraries Deputy Director, and the Library Manager of the Newark Free Library. Among her many successes were the creation of Delaware Library Legislative Day and the Friends of Delaware Libraries. This scholarship is awarded in her memory by the Friends of the Newark Free Library. The recipient must be studying for an ala accredited Masters Degree. Some preference for the Charlesa Lowell scholarship will be given to those who are working or have worked at the Newark Free Library or, lacking such an applicant, those who live in Newark.
Scholarship Assisting High School Students
- Linda Walge Penman Scholarship description
The Delaware Library Association awards the Linda Walge Penman Scholarship to assist high school students who wish to pursue librarianship or writing. This program is available to high school juniors and seniors in Delaware. The program encourages the development of future librarians and young authors. The winning student receives a cash award and the opportunity to attend the annual Delaware Library Association Conference.
In Honor Of
Linda Walge, an avid Delaware library supporter.
Awards and Citations
The Delaware Library Association presents these awards and citations. Recommendations may be submitted by members of DLA or by any citizen of the State of Delaware. The recommended names with supporting criteria should be presented to the Scholarship, Awards, and Citations committee. They are then submitted to the DLA Executive Board for approval.
Distinguished Librarian Citation: This award is to be given for extraordinary library information or media services in a given year.
Trustee Citation: This citation to be given to a library trustee who has contributed significantly to the development, support, and appreciation of a local library, regardless of the size of the institution.
Distinguished Service Citation: This citation is given to any person, except staff and trustees currently employed in any library in the state of Delaware. This individual must have been active in supporting library development and services in the state. This citation would be intended for the individual who, over a period of years, has shown strong support of libraries but who is not professionally engaged in library work.
Delaware Library Association Citation: This award is open to any library staff member in Delaware, who is active in supporting library activities and interests by service to the Delaware Library Association in any capacity. This individual should be singled out because of continued service in elected or appointed positions on the Executive Board, advisory committees, standing committees, and ad hoc committees which serve the Delaware Library Association.
Library or Institutional Award: This award is to be given to the library or institution which has shown outstanding merit in serving its patrons and community by unusual programs or activities.
Life Member: Members who have retired from active library work and are elected by the Executive Board. Names of DLA members, who have retired from active library work, may be submitted to the Executive Board of the Association for consideration for the appointment of Life Member in DLA. These individuals must have contributed to librarianship or a closely related field in the state of Delaware. Their contribution or achievement in the field should be significant.
Blue Hen Book Award: The Blue Hen Book Award is a children's choice award sponsored by the Children's Services Division of DLA. The purpose of the award is to encourage literacy and library use by children.
DSLMA Outstanding Library Media Specialist: Nominees should be certified, skillful, and dedicated library media specialists who have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and co-workers. They should play an active and useful role in their particular school and be a poised and articulate spokesperson for the profession. The most important qualification is success at inspiring students of all backgrounds and abilities to love reading.
Administrator's Award for Excellence: Presented to a school administrator for demonstrating exceptional support of school libraries.
1 Delaware Libraries, 1901 - 2001: Celebrating 100 Years Serving Our Community. Document (Delaware); no. 20-08/2001/02/01. Dover, Delaware: Delaware Division of Libraries, 2001, p. 5.