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 Calla Jarvie/ Rock County Community Library
I was able to attend the Minnesota Library Association Conference [...]
MLA 2025 by Lauren Madison/Nobles County Library
I got the opportunity to go to the 2025 MLA [...]
MLA 2025 by Cindy Hendrickx/ Appleton Public Library
MLA 2025 Cultivating Connections: Stronger Together MLA 2025 sent me [...]
MLA 2025 by Chris Yard/Benson Public Library
I found this year's MLA conference to be incredibly useful [...]
Association for Small and Rural Libraries Conference by Carrie Dose/Jackson County Libraries
I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Association for [...]
Association for Small and Rural Libraries Conference by Calla Jarvie/Rock County Community Library
I was fortunate to be able to attend the Association [...]
