As a former recipient of this scholarship and current committee member, I hope you will consider applying for the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship. The application deadline is April 3.
Conable Conference Scholarship Applications Open
The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) offers an annual scholarship for library school students and new professionals to attend ALA's Annual Conference. The goal of the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship is to advance two principles that Gordon held dear: intellectual freedom and mentoring.
The Conable Scholarship provides for conference registration, transportation, housing (six nights), and a $300 stipend for meals and other expenses.
The recipient will also receive a one-year membership to the Freedom to Read Foundation. In return, the recipient will be expected to attend various Freedom to Read Foundation and other intellectual freedom meetings and programs at the conference, consult with a mentor, and present a report about their experiences and thoughts. Application deadline April 3, 2026
The scholarship is available to students currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited library and information studies degree program or an American Association of School Librarians-recognized master's program in school librarianship, and new professionals (those who have completed the program within the past three years).
Note: If the recipient is already registered for ALA's Annual Conference, they will have their conference fee refunded.
This year the conference will be held in Chicago, IL. The scholarship winner will be expected to attend the Freedom to Read Foundation meeting on Thursday, June 25, and stay through the afternoon of Monday, June 29 for the full ALA Annual Conference.
The application requires sharing two references and a resume including education, work history, and volunteer roles.
Submit your application here.
To learn more about the Conable Scholarship and past recipients visit http://ftrf.org/Conable_Scholarship.
Contact Joyce McIntosh at the Freedom to Read Foundation, jmcintosh@ala.org, with any questions.
------------------------------
Amanda Sand
amandasand.lib@gmail.com | 712-540-5148
she|her
Principal Consultant, Library Leverage,
www.libraryleverage.com------------------------------