Elizabeth Martin Overton Memorial Scholarship

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Elizabeth Martin Overton Memorial Scholarship, coordinated through the Friends of the Library of Halifax County. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to a current library employee who is pursuing a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or to a library employee that has been accepted at a school and is on the path to begin their studies in the near future. The degree may be from an college or university and class attendance may be either in person or online.

This scholarship is a one-time amount of $2,000.

Eligibility Requirements

The applicant  must have completed at least 6 months of MLS school OR have 1 year of full time experience or 2 years of part time experience at one of the Halifax County – South Boston Public Libraries.

Applicants currently employed by a library branch for at least 1 year, either part time or full time, may have their hours retroactively included.

Application Requirements

Please fill out the application form and provide proof of enrollment or an acceptance letter from a school is required. The applicant shall submit their latest grade report. An average of a B or better at the time of applying is required. Requirement of proof of enrollment is not needed if submitting a grade report.

The applicant must submit an essay of at least 500 words that describes:
A. Why they are seeking their MLS
B. How public libraries have impacted their personal development
C. How they envision libraries will innovate in the future.

The recipient of the scholarship is required to maintain service as an employee of the library for 1 year from the date of the award. If the recipient resigns or is terminated from their position, a prorated amount of the scholarship shall be calculated and payable to the Friends of the Library.

Click here for a downloadable copy of the application. Hard copies are available at both libraries.

Applications are due by July 18, 2024. It is requested that all items are provided in one submission to Halifaxfol@gmail.com. The awardee will be notified by August 1, 2024.

Thank you for your application and good luck!