Library Foundation Scholarship Program
Continuing Education | Undergraduate | Graduate | Graduate-Level Continuing Education | Awardees
The Fairfax Library Foundation established a Scholarship Program to award four different scholarships to enhance the skills and talents of current or future library staff and volunteers in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax, subsequently enhancing the level of service the library can provide.
Continuing Education
Awards are granted to library staff and volunteers to continue their education (through classes, conferences, and other professional development opportunities) to enhance their capabilities and deliver a higher quality of service to library customers. Since June 2002, 158 awards have been granted for a total of $48,100.
Undergraduate
The Foundation determines the number of awards to be granted each year dependent on the availability of highly qualified candidates and funds. They are merit-based scholarships and are available to:
Current employees and volunteers of the FCPL System.- Residents of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax who intend to complete an application to perform volunteer hours in the FCPL System -- upon receipt of a scholarship, up to a maximum of sixty (60) hours of volunteer service during a 12-month period may be required.
The first awards for this scholarship were granted in April 2013, and 30 awards have been granted since for a total of $37,600.
Graduate
Scholarships are granted for graduate-level programs in library-related career fields. Awards are available for persons who live, work, and volunteer or attend school within Fairfax County and City of Fairfax. These scholarships support the Fairfax County Public Library System to meet current and future needs for librarians and other library positions that require graduate credentials and to deliver high quality service to the County and City residents. Graduate scholarships were first awarded in July 2002, and 48 awards for a total of $123,000 have been granted.
Graduate-Level Continuing Education
The Foundation awards scholarships to support the continuing education of all FCPL employees who have attained a master’s degree and wish to obtain a post-master’s certification or similar qualification. Only FCPL employees who have attained a graduate degree are eligible to apply for this scholarship. This is a new scholarship program instituted by the Foundation in early 2015.
“The Foundation Scholarship Program helps the continuation of the library by preparing the branches and branch staff for the future while directing young learners toward the rewarding library profession in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. The fact that the Foundation also awards Continuing Education scholarships to those already within our library system gives library staff and volunteers a chance for advancement both in the system and in the profession.”
– Edwin S. Clay III
Fairfax County Public Library Director
