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CHICAGO – Today, the Public Library Association's (PLA) unveiled the winners of its . To celebrate PLA's 75th Anniversary and encourage equity, diversity and inclusion in library leadership, PLA sponsored scholarships for 15 members to attend the , Feb. 25-29, in Nashville, Tenn. Separate categories of scholarships were offered for library school students, early-career librarians, and library support staff. Numerous PLA members applied for the scholarships, and the recipients were selected by a jury of PLA member-leaders and staff. Each scholarship recipient will receive a complimentary early-bird registration and a $500 travel stipend to attend the conference. The winners are as follows:



Library School Students

• Jazmyne Baylor, North Carolina Central University
• Elizabeth Brignac, University of North Texas
• Erika Fitzpatrick, University of Tennessee
• Mayra Fuentes, San Jose State University
• Elizabeth Mork, Emporia State University

Early-Career Librarians

• Joleen Capella, librarian III - technology & digital services, Boca Raton (Fla.) Public Library
• Erin Collier-Plummer, youth services librarian, Seminole County (Fla.) Public Library
• Katherine Dannehl, digital services librarian, York County (Penn.) Libraries
• Brittany Ham, library associate, Arlington (Va.) Public Library
• Vicki Lázaro, young adult librarian, Pima County (Ariz.) Public Library

Library Support Staff

• Sylina Adkins, technical services & acquisitions manager, Paris-Bourbon County (Ky.) Public Library
• Katherine Glenn, training & professional development coordinator, Mid- America Library Alliance (Independence, Mo.)
• Brianna Meli, library specialist, Anaheim (Calif.) Public Library
• Jessica Musil, administrative assistant, Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Public Library
• Natasja Williams, assistant to the assistant librarian, Talkeetna (Alaska) Public Library

“The response to our 75th Anniversary Scholarship program has been tremendous, and we’re thrilled to be able to support these 15 PLA members’ participation in our 2020 Conference,” remarked PLA Board Member Cindy Fesemyer, who served on the award jury.

PLA officially turned 75 years old on Oct. 13, 2019. The year-long Diamond Anniversary celebration, culminating at the , will recognize this milestone by reflecting on PLA's history, commemorating its achievements, honoring the people who have contributed to its success and preparing for an even brighter future. Learn more at .

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About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 10,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

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