Prairielands supports career development by offering continuing education scholarships to staff in member libraries. Scholarships are offered on both a quarterly ($400) and annual ($1000) 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, etc. Paid receipts will be required. Check with Prairielands for expenses that differ from these examples. Please note that as of July 1st, 2025, the guidelines have been updated to reflect a per-diem allotment for meal expenses.
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: $1000
Scholarship Guidelines
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Report
Scholarship Reports:
MLA 2025 by Barbara Erickson/Litchfield Public Library
The highlights of the day for me were the Author [...]
MLA 2025 by Monica Chilel/ Nobles County Library
I've learned quite a few things from the MLA Conference. [...]
MLA 2025 by Mikaila Norman/Litchfield Public Library
I attended three panels at the MLA Conference. The first [...]
MLA 2025 by Beth Cronk/Litchfield Public Library
I learned a lot and was reenergized for my work [...]
MLA 2025 by Melissa Dagel/Willmar Public Library
This was my first Minnesota Library Association Conference and I [...]
Iowa Library Association Annual Conference by Erin Anderson/ Plum Creek Library System
I attended the Iowa Library Association conference, which was October [...]
