The 2012 Delaware Library Association scholarship competition is underway! We wish you the best of luck on your applications!
Application form
Applications should be submitted by January 15, 2012.
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:
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
Essays and applications should be submitted by February 1, 2012.
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 spring Maryland Library Association / Delaware Library Association Conference.
In Honor Of
Linda Walge, an avid Delaware library supporter.
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.