For Immediate Release
March 6, 2003
Contacts:
703-324-8313
703-324-8300
Fairfax County Library Foundation Scholarship To Attract New Generation of Librarians
Friends Scholarship Fund Assists Students Seeking Masters Degree in Library Science
Fairfax, VA - Fairfax Library Foundation (FCPLF) recently announced that applications are being accepted for the 2003 Friends Scholarship Fund, a merit-based $2,000 scholarship available to outstanding students pursuing a Masters degree in Library Science. The Friends Scholarship Fund was established in part to deliver expert library services to County residents by attracting highly qualified future librarians to the Fairfax County Public Library.
According to the national 1990 census, between 2005 and 2019, 58 percent of professional librarians will reach retirement age. "The Fairfax County Public Library has an outstanding reputation for providing a wide range of services to an extremely multi-cultural community," said Library Director Edwin S. Clay, III. "Recruiting a new generation of dedicated and knowledgeable librarians is vital to ensuring that our library system continues to meet the growing and diverse needs of our community."
Four Master of Library Science students, who currently study at Catholic University, have been awarded $8,000 in academic scholarships from the Friends fund. Congratulations to these future librarians!
Aimee Gangai, first recipient of the Edwin S. Clay, III Scholarship, Information Assistant in Children's Services at Reston Regional Library "Libraries are changing so rapidly in every aspect; I'm excited to be a part of it!"
Megan Jane Abbott teaches second grade at Lake Anne Elementary School ". . . helping children gain strong reading skills and a love of reading opens doors for them in all areas."
Catherine C. Gilbride Former Library Volunteer teaches ESL classes through Fairfax County Public Schools
". . . for Democracy to succeed, its citizens need to be literate and enjoy free access to information."
Patricia M. Szarek, Library Practitioner II at Northern Virginia Community College
". . . the wide range of technologies now available allows libraries to offer many new services such as online reference and renewals in addition to traditional library services to the community . . ."
Students interested in applying for the FCPLF Friends Scholarship Fund must be enrolled in or have been accepted by an American Library Association accredited college or university. Applicants must live, work, volunteer or attend school within Fairfax County and must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to developing a career in library sciences (preferably in Fairfax County).
Scholarships will be awarded on a merit basis without regard to race, gender, religion, age, physical disability or sexual orientation. Applications must be postmarked or received by the FCPLF by April 15, 2003. Applications may be obtained either here or by calling 703-324-8300.
The goal of FCPLF is to supplement the County's funding of Library books and materials, which has recently been reduced by a third. FCPLF invites private donations to meet the shortage of funding for books and increasing demands from those who live, work and study within the County. For information on how you can make a difference, please call the foundation at 703-324-8300 or .