Public Libraries Section | Conference Scholarship Awards

The Public Libraries Section of NYLA is pleased to offer three (3) Conference Scholarship awards to encourage public librarians (professional degree not required) now in the field, or students in library school, to participate in the 2024 NYLA Annual Conference taking place in Syracuse, NY between November 6th and 9th, 2024.

Each award maximum is $600.00. This amount may be applied to conference registration, travel or other conference related expenses and membership in NYLA and PLS if the winner is not already a member."Any expenses in excess of the amount awarded must be borne by the awardee or by their library.

Additionally, the winner will be asked to help with staffing at the PLS booth at the conference. The winner(s) is expected to attend the annual conference including the awards ceremony. (Tentatively scheduled for the evening of Friday, November 3rd.)

Award recipients are selected by the PLS Board upon the recommendation of the PLS awards committee.

Applications Due: August 1, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements:
You need not be a current member of NYLA or PLS to apply. Professional Degree is not required.

Application, in the form of a letter, must include:
  • Why you wish to attend the Conference
  • How you plan to integrate the experience into your work
  • How you plan to share your experience with your fellow professionals
  • How the award will influence your professional goals.

Applicants must submit receipts for expenses within 30 days after the conference..

You may only receive one award in your lifetime. 

To apply for a PLS NYLA Conference Scholarship, please email a letter meeting the criteria outlined above to: [email protected] . Please put 2024 PLS Conference Scholarship Award in the subject line. Questions may be sent to the same email address.