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Virginia Library Association and Playaway Products Announce “Quest to the Conference” Scholarships

Two Virginia library workers will receive scholarships to attend the 2026 Virginia Library Association Annual Conference in Norfolk, VA

(Fishersville, VA - 08/05/2026) — The Virginia Library Association (VLA), in partnership with Playaway Products, is pleased to announce the new Quest to the Conference Scholarships, which will provide two Virginia public library workers with financial support to attend Caring for Our Collective, the 2026 VLA Annual Conference.

The conference will be held Sunday, October 18, through Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Hilton Norfolk the Main in Norfolk, Virginia. The scholarship recipients will be formally recognized during the VLA Awards Reception on Sunday, October 18. Apply using the button below.

Apply Here Button

Conference SnapshotsEach scholarship recipient will receive:

  • Full registration for the 2026 VLA Annual Conference;
  • Two nights of accommodations at the conference hotel;
  • A $100.00 per diem to assist with food or travel expenses; and
  • Dinner at the conference location for Monday evening.


The scholarships are open to all public library workers throughout Virginia. Applicants do not need to hold the title of librarian or work in children’s services to be considered. In recognition of the vital role small and rural libraries play in communities across the Commonwealth, at least one scholarship will be awarded to a worker from a small or rural library. You must be a member of the Virginia Library Association in good standing to apply.

"The Virginia Library Association values continuing education, networking, and building community across the Commonwealth among library staff, and our annual conference is the primary vehicle for bringing those values to life," says Jennifer Brown, VLA Executive Director. "We are grateful to Playaway Products for helping to make this experience accessible to library workers who might otherwise be unable to attend."

Children playing on Launchpad QuestThe scholarship’s name highlights Playaway’s new Launchpad Quest, an interactive touchscreen learning hub designed for children 3 and older. Launchpad Quest features educational apps, games, storybooks, and activities that support multiple spheres of learning in an age appropriate and safe environment.

VLA selected Playaway Products as a conference partner because of the company’s commitment to educational access and its understanding of the needs of small and rural libraries. "Librarians play a vital role in creating opportunities for learning and literacy in the communities they serve," says Torin Cone, President of Playaway Products. "At Playaway, advancing literacy in all its forms is at the heart of what we do. We're proud to partner with the Virginia Library Association to help librarians attend this year's conference, connect with their peers, and bring new ideas back to their communities. We believe in supporting the people who make such an impact every day." 

Applicants will complete a scholarship application (linked above) that will be reviewed by the VLA Conference Committee. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, August 26, 2026 and recipients will be notified by September 15, 2026. 

For more information about the the 2026 VLA Annual Conference, visit here. Scholarship funds will be distributed by VLA. Members who have already registered for the conference, whether through individual or institutional registration, will receive a refund from the Virginia Library Association. 

Learn more about Playaway Products and the new Launchpad Quest here.