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Conference Scholarships

PLA envisions a future where a dynamic public library is the heart of every community. We strive to make this vision a reality by strengthening public libraries and their contribution to communities. 

 

The PLA 2026 Conference is central to achieving this vision and ensuring inclusive pathways for professional growth for all library workers. As part of our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice, PLA offered our 2026 conference scholarship opportunities to both in-person and virtual participants. 

 

One hundred fifty scholarships were available to cover conference registration fees and provide one year of PLA membership. Scholarships are available for both the in-person conference and the virtual conference. Persons who received scholarships to attend the conference in-person also received a $750 stipend to help cover travel costs. Please note, scholarships to attend the conference in-person were only available to residents of the United States, United States territories, and Canada. 

 

Scholarships were available to support applicants who belong to at least one of the following categories: 

 

  • Early career (i.e., fewer than five years) or un/under-employed (annual salary less than $45,000) 

  • Students pursuing a master’s degree in library and/or information science (i.e., MLS, MLIS, MIS) 

  • Working in small or rural libraries (i.e., serving communities with fewer than 25,000 people) 

 

Because PLA membership always includes membership in the American Library Association (ALA), all scholarship recipients also received free subscriptions to American Libraries and Public Libraries magazines, discounts on ALA and PLA continuing education, access to ALA’s online networking hub ALA Connect, discounts in the ALA Store, and more. The total value of the in-person conference scholarship exceeds a $1,000 investment in your professional development. 

 

Applications closed on Thursday, November 6, 2025, and all applicants were sent a decision notification update by email on Monday, December 15, 2025.

 

Reflections on PLA 2026 from our Scholarship Recipients​

 

From hands-on programming ideas to big-picture strategies, PLA 2026 delivered inspiration at every turn. Our scholarship recipients have captured those moments in a new set of blog posts, sharing what resonated most and how they plan to apply it in their libraries.

 

Dive into their reflections and discover ideas you can bring to your own work. Or follow along as MSLIS student Ellie shares takeaways from their PLA 2026 experience as a PLA scholarship recipient.

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A Note About AI

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While generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used for initial brainstorming or early drafts of PLA 2026 Conference scholarship applications, we ask that your final submission represent your own, original work. 

Selection Criteria

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Applications were reviewed and scored by groups of PLA volunteers and staff. The review committee selected individuals whom they believed were most likely to leverage this learning opportunity. PLA sought candidates who would bring unique perspectives to the conference and were eager to learn. Successful applicants demonstrated how they planned to apply the skills and knowledge gained to benefit their careers, their organizations, and their communities. Scholarships were non-transferrable and limited to one award per recipient. Attendees who had received past PLA Conference scholarships were ineligible to apply. All decisions were final. 

Acknowledgement

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PLA gratefully recognizes the corporate and individual donors that make it possible to award scholarships to public library workers to attend the PLA Conference. We invite you to invest in the future leaders of the profession by donating to the Friends of PLA Fund.

Questions?

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Please contact us at placonference@ala.org if you have any questions.

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