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Scholarship & Loan Committee

The Scholarship and Loan Committee assists Maine residents in furthering their library education and professional development. The Committee raises, manages and disperses funds for scholarships, loans and grants through the Ainsworth Memorial Fund.

Student loans and so much more!!! Did you know that you can use MLA student loans for a single academic course or training seminar? Did you know that you can use MLA loans for conferences and short courses as well as for degree programs? Did you know that the Student Loan Committee will be awarding four grants of up to $250 each for attendance at the next MLA conference? Contact any Committee member for more information and look here for updates regarding the Conference grants.

Scholarships and Loans Available

Phyllis E. Ainsworth Scholarship

Each year, a $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a Maine resident pursuing a graduate degree in library studies. The application deadline is April 1st. The award is presented at the annual Maine Libraries Conference.
Guidelines | Application Form

Loans

Interest free loans up to $2,000 are granted to MLA members enrolled in a degree program in library studies, or registered for continuing education classes or a single academic course or training seminar. Eligible candidates must be Maine residents. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Guidelines | Application Form

Grants

Four need-based grants of $250 each are given to librarians in Maine to defray the expenses of attending the MLA annual conference. Application deadline is September 26.
Guidelines | Application Form

Application guidelines and forms can be requested from:

Betsy Paradis
Belfast Free Library
106 High St.
Belfast, ME 04915
207-338-3884