The NYLA Conference Scholarship from the Mid-Hudson Library System is designed to help provide new library directors and new library staff with the opportunity to attend the Annual Conference of the New York Library Association by matching funds provided by the library to underwrite conference attendance. “New” is defined as serving in the role of director or at the library as a staff person for three years or less.

This is a competitive scholarship. One application per library will be accepted. Maximum request: $500. Minimum request: $250. Member libraries applying for the grant must agree to at least match the awarded amount.

Eligibility requirements:

• A “new” director or staff person must have been in their role for three (3) years or less.
• The member library’s board must designate the eligible staff member and authorize the library to apply for this award. This action should be recorded in the board’s minutes.
• The attendee must provide a personal statement that answers the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in attending the NYLA annual conference?
  • How do you think attending the NYLA annual conference will assist you with your library responsibilities?
  • How do you plan to share what you have learned with others?

Please complete the Application Form and send it to Laura Crisci, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, by Friday, June 21st. Recipients will be notified in July to ensure they can take advantage of the early bird registration deadline for the conference.

Scholarship recipients will be expected to submit a short statement for the MHLS Bulletin weekly newsletter sharing what they learned or how they benefitted from attending the NYLA Annual Conference.

Thank you to the MHLS Ad Hoc Committee on NYLA Support members who helped to design this program:

• Michele Capozzella, Mahopac Public Library
• Julie Dempsey, Highland Public Library
• AnnaLee Dragon, Kinderhook Library
• Dawn Jardine, Red Hook Public Library
• Susan Ray, Catskill Public Library
• Stuart Auchincloss, MHLS Trustee