The Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries (PCBL) is pleased to offer four (4) $500 scholarships to first-time attendees for the 2026 Pennsylvania Library Association annual conference. The awards are intended to cover the registration fee and travel to Harrisburg.
Eligibility Criteria
- First-time PaLA Conference attendee
- Full conference registration for the conference in Harrisburg is required.
- PaLA/PCBL membership is not required, however members receive priority.
(Non-members will be entered into the drawing for available funds after members are awarded.)
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- The application deadline is 11:59 pm, July 15, 2026.
- The PaLA Scholarship Committee will draw winners meeting the above criteria in a random drawing.
- Winners will be notified in late July
- Scholarship awards will be applied to the winner's unpaid conference registration invoice, with any remaining funds disbursed via check to the winner at the mailing address indicated on the scholarship application. If conference registration is already fully paid, scholarship funds will be remitted, in full, via check to winner at the mailing address provided on the application form.
Post Award Expectations
- Scholarship winners must register for the conference by August 15. (Payment due in 30 days)
- Winners will be expected to submit a thank you letter to the sponsoring group
- Award winners are expected to attend the PaLA Membership meeting to take place online, Tuesday, October 13, at 1:00 p.m. where they will be recognized.
- After the conference, awardees will be asked for a comment about what they learned or to provide a tip for a future first-time conference attendee.
Registration
Attendee registration will open mid-June.
Early Bird Rates available through August 15.
Hotel Information
Located just blocks from the State Capitol Complex and the State Library, the Hilton Harrisburg offers comfort and ease of access to the heart of downtown Harrisburg.
We have reserved a block of rooms for conference participants at the reduced rate of $164/night to include parking in the attached Walnut Street Garage. Lodging reservation instructions will be included in your conference registration confirmation.
The lodging block will be available through Saturday, September 12, 2026 or until sold out.
