The Friends of the Hood County Library maintain a Scholarship fund to assist students enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree in library arts or sciences.

The Friends of the Library for Hood County Scholarship Committee may designate a sum not to exceed $4,000 to assist an eligible student.  Funds are disbursed at the rate of $750 per regular semester or $475 per trimester or $325 per summer semester.

Employees of the Hood County Public Library are given first consideration.  Second consideration is given to persons who reside in or are employed in Hood County.  Third consideration goes to other applicants.

To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must submit an application and cover letter addressed to the President of Friends of the Library for Hood County.  Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled or officially accepted in a Texas university in an ALA accredited program leading to a graduate degree in library science, or be accepted by a masters’ program with ALA library science certification. Submit a copy of the letter of acceptance from the university prior to receiving the scholarship;
• Be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours during a regular semester or for at least 4 credit hours during a trimester or for at least 3 credit hours during a summer session;
• Submit a general time-line of the degree plan by May 01, 2011;
• Submit an application form and cover letter by May 01, 2011.

The funds are made available on a semester-to-semester basis to the designated institution. The Friends of the Library will contact the recipient on a regular and timely basis regarding academic achievement and payment schedule. Verbal communication of satisfactory progress is also sufficient to continue the student’s eligibility.

If a student is unable to enroll in school for a regular semester, a trimester, or for a specified number of hours, a letter of explanation must be submitted to the President of the Friends of the Library for Hood County. If the student is unable to complete a semester after receiving a stipend, the Friends should be informed.  The continuation of the scholarship is at the discretion of the Friends Executive Committee.

For more information, download the application. or contact the current FoL Scholarship Chair.