The Richland County Public Library Foundation is accepting applications for the Ethel Bolden Minority Scholarship through March 15. An application for the library school scholarship can be obtained by calling Tina Gills at 803-929-3424 or visiting www.myRCPL.com/foundation.
The $2,500 scholarship was established in 2010 in honor and recognition of Mrs. Ethel Bolden's years of service to the Richland County community and its libraries. The annual scholarship seeks to encourage and provide financial support to a student from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups towards the completion of a Masters of Library and Information Science.
Individuals are eligible to submit an application for the Ethel Bolden Minority Scholarship if they:
• Are a legal resident of South Carolina;
• Have been fully admitted into the ALA-accredited Masters in Library and Information Science program at the University of South Carolina;
• Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service or other activities that reflect leadership abilities;
• Have shown outstanding academic performance; and
• Are a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.
Ethel Bolden, consummate advocate and pioneer for library services to African-American children, worked diligently for 40 years to promote reading and establish excellence in library services. She established the first elementary school library at Waverly Elementary, served as school librarian at Perry Junior High, worked as the first African-American faculty member and librarian at Dreher High School, and was appointed to two terms on the Board of Trustees of the Richland County Public Library.
The RCPL Foundation works to increase financial support so the library can broaden and diversify its ability to serve the citizens of Richland County. To maintain the high level of services citizens have come to expect and demand from the library, public funding is not enough. By securing significant private support through annual giving and other efforts, the Foundation helps take the library to levels of unsurpassed excellence. For more information on the scholarship or the Foundation, visit www.myRCPL.com/foundation or call 803-929-3424.
Photo Caption: Last year, The $2,500 scholarship that honors Ethel Bolden's many years of service to the Richland County community and its libraries, was awarded to Gabrielle Marshaé Dudley to provide financial support and encourage completion of her joint Master of Library and Information Science and Master of Public History degrees at the University of South Carolina.
Media Contact:
Melissa B. Neeley | Public Relations Specialist
Richland County Public Library
1431 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 929-3440; Cell Phone: 803.707.3290
mneeley@myRCPL.com
