Prairielands supports career development by offering continuing education scholarships to staff in member libraries. Scholarships are offered on both a quarterly ($400) and annual ($1200) basis for any appropriate training, workshop, or seminar, including annual events such as MLA, ITEM, Children’s Literature conference, etc. Staff of member libraries may apply for one quarterly scholarship per quarter of Prairieland’s fiscal year in addition to one annual scholarship. Scholarships may not be combined for use at the same event. The fiscal year quarters are:
- Quarter 1, July – September
- Quarter 2, October – December
- Quarter 3, January – March
- Quarter 4, April – June
All scholarships reimburse expenses related to the continuing education program. An eligible expense might include a registration fee, lodging, mileage, per-diem meals, etc. Paid receipts will be required. Check with Prairielands for expenses that differ from these examples.
Please note: Scholarship funding cannot be used towards memberships, subscriptions, or on-going purchases.
Recipients are required to share their experience with other Prairielands members by submitting a report of at least 500 words through our online form.
Reimbursement forms for all scholarships are attached to approval letters.
Travel Expense Policy High-Cost Localities Applicant Checklist
Quarterly Scholarships: $400
Scholarship Guidelines
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Report
Annual Scholarships: $1200
Scholarship Guidelines
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Report
Scholarship Reports:
MLA by Vicki Bartz / Ortonville Public Library/Graceville Public Library
I thought MLA this year was one of the best [...]
MLA by Michele Leininger / Marshall-Lyon County Library
Thank you so much for providing funding to attend the [...]
“Working Together” Library and Media Center Directors’ Retreat by Cindy Hendrickx / Appleton Public Library
Shetek Lutheran Ministries Retreat Center was a beautiful place to [...]
Director’s Retreat by Theresa Nysetvold / Murray County Central Schools
The retreat delivered everything they promised - a comfortable setting, [...]
Minnesota Library Assoc. Conference by Paula Nemes / Marshall-Lyon County Library
Some ideas and concepts I gleaned from this year's MLA [...]
Minnesota Library Association Conference by Cindy Miller / Pioneerland (Dawson Library)
Enjoyed the conference. Well organized and stayed on schedule. Lunch [...]
