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 is offering our 2026 conference scholarship opportunities to both in-person and virtual participants.
One hundred fifty scholarships are 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 receive scholarships to attend the conference in-person will also receive a $750 stipend to help cover travel costs. Please note, scholarships to attend the conference in-person are only available to residents of the United States, United States territories, and Canada.
Scholarships are available to support applicants who belong to at least one of the following categories:
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Early career (i.e., fewer than five years) or un/under-employed (annual salary less than $45,000)
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Students pursuing a master’s degree in library and/or information science (i.e., MLS, MLIS, MIS)
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Working in small or rural libraries (i.e., serving communities with fewer than 25,000 people)
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Current or past Spectrum Scholars working in public libraries
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National Association of Librarians of Color (NALCO) members (i.e., members of AILA, APALA, BCALA, CALA, JCLC, and REFORMA)
Because PLA membership always includes membership in the American Library Association (ALA), all scholarship recipients also receive 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 at 11:59 PM Central, and no late applications will be accepted.
All applicants will receive a decision notification update in late December.
A Note About AI
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
Applications are reviewed and scored by groups of PLA volunteers and staff. The review committee will select individuals whom they believe are most likely to leverage this learning opportunity. PLA seeks candidates who will bring unique perspectives to the conference and are eager to learn. Successful applicants will demonstrate how they plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained to benefit their careers, their organizations, and their communities. Scholarships are non-transferrable and limited to one award per recipient. Attendees who have received past PLA Conference scholarships are ineligible to apply. All decisions are final.
Acknowledgement
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.