For Immediate Release
August 13, 2009
Contacts:
Roberta Longworth 703-324-8300
Scholarships Awarded by Library Foundation Amid Training Budget Cuts
Fairfax, VA –In an effort to balance the budget, all outside training offered to the Fairfax County Public Library staff has been eliminated through the foreseeable future. Despite these changes, the Fairfax Library Foundation is proud to announce five Friends Scholarship Fund awardees for continuing education and academic studies.
Congratulations to Karla Pruefer, Administrative Assistant at the Pohick Regional Library, who was awarded a scholarship for continuing education classes at Northern Virginia Community College. The Library Foundation’s Friends Scholarship Fund encourages the continuing education among FCPL staff and volunteers by awarding scholarships ranging from $150 to $1,000 to underwrite education outside of a formal degree program.
Four Masters of Library Science students received were also awarded academic scholarships. The 2009 recipient of the Edwin S. Clay, III Academic Scholarship, is Amal K. Morsy, Information Assistant, City of Fairfax Regional Library, studying at the Catholic University of America.
"I have learned that the limitations that were set for me, and that I always accepted, do not have to be my limit”, states Morsy, “I have learned that I am free to have my own dreams and to work hard toward achieving them!"
Scholarships were awarded to three other future librarians, including Carolyn Hilyard, Library information Assistant at the Richard Byrd Library, studying at the University of North Texas; Elizabeth Meanor, Library Aide at the Reston Regional Library, studying at Catholic University of America and David Mercer, Library Page at Centreville Regional Library, studying at Florida State University.
Individuals demonstrating the potential for outstanding achievement in the library profession who are enrolled in an accredited Masters of Library Science program may apply for one of three competitive Academic scholarships awarded annually at $3,000 and a special $3,500 named scholarship honoring Library Director Edwin S. Clay, III. The Academic element of the Fairfax Library Foundation's Friends Scholarship Fund was established to deliver expert library services to County residents by attracting highly qualified future librarians to the Fairfax County Public Library. Additionally, this program helps to address the impending shortage of applicants to fill vacancies left as many experienced librarians retire.
Information about the Fairfax Library Foundation’s Friends Scholarship Fund may be here or by calling 703-324-8300.
Fairfax County Public Library Foundation, Inc., doing business as Fairfax Library Foundation, is a private, nonprofit corporation committed to providing supplementary support to the Fairfax County Public Library. The Foundation, while reinforcing the need for continued and increased public support for the library, serves as a catalyst for attracting private funding from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations to enhance library services for our community.