Virginia Library Association Scholarships
 
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) Scholarship Committee's scholarship opportunity is designed to recognize and support outstanding individuals committed to advancing the field of library science.
We are proud to award three scholarships, each valued at $3,000, to deserving recipients who embody the spirit of excellence and dedication to the library profession. Winners will also receive two nights of lodging at the VLA conference hotel to empower them to attend the VLA conference in October—an invaluable opportunity for professional growth and networking.
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VLA Scholarship Requirements
The eligibility requirements for VLA Scholarships are:
- Residence in the state of Virginia or currently employed in a Virginia Library.
- Undergraduate degree.
- Acceptance by, or currently enrolled in, an American Library Association accredited library school. MUST be earning a Master of Library Science Degree.
- Membership in the Virginia Library Association
- For the Clara Stanley VLAPAF Scholarship: current employment at a Virginia library is required.
The major factors considered in making the awards are:
- Evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship in Virginia.
- Financial need.
- Potential for outstanding achievement in the library profession.
- Academic excellence.
In order to be considered, your application must have two (2) references. One (1) of the two (2) references is strongly recommended to be a librarian or other information professional.
2025 VLA Scholarship Recipients
Hannah Ayers
 We are delighted to announce that Hannah Ayers is a 2025 VLA Scholarship Award recipient. A lifelong Virginia resident, Hannah has recognized local libraries as places of comfort and connection. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood librarian, she is creating a career in youth services that focuses on helping the next generation of children engage meaningfully with history.
At Franklin County Public Library, Hannah has advanced from Youth Services Assistant Librarian to Teen Services Senior Library Assistant, where she has grown teen programming attendance and created educational opportunities for young patrons. She has a lifelong passion for history that blossomed through visiting museums and archives throughout Virginia. Hannah hopes to instill this passion in her own patrons by scaffolding her Masters with an archival certificate and creating meaningful partnerships with archival institutions.
Hannah showed significant academic achievement as an undergraduate at Hollins University and is now pursuing a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. She is a creative programmer whose tactile programs are popular with children of all ages.
Katie Treichler
We are excited to announce that Katie Treichler is a 2025 VLA Scholarship Award recipient. From a young age, Katie has been inspired by the role that libraries play in connecting patrons with knowledge and resources. Katie has demonstrated a commitment to making libraries inclusive, patron-centered spaces that promote accessibility and opportunity for everyone.
At both Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library and Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Katie strives to make each patron feel welcome and empowered. Whether helping someone apply for jobs, assisting students with schoolwork, or simply offering a kind word, she approaches each interaction with empathy and care. Katie sees libraries as integral spaces for building community, places where trust is nurtured through small moments of connection and consistent, inclusive service.
Katie is pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science from San José State University. Katie wants to channel her passion for libraries into a career focused on expanding access to information, mentoring future librarians, promoting accessibility, and developing impactful community programs.
Katherine Zinn
 We are excited to announce that Katherine Zinn is a 2025 VLA Scholarship Award recipient. Katherine has demonstrated a ready commitment to library accessibility and to highlighting the importance of libraries as unique cultural knowledge centers.
At Virginia Tech University Libraries, Katherine works in the Special Collections and University Archives. As a project archivist, Katherine accessions and processes archival materials, while also assisting patrons at the reference desk. The whole of Katherine’s work is devoted to helping researchers find what they are looking for– whether making materials easily accessible through online access tools, or helping someone with a reference question. Katherine believes that leading with kindness and empathy is the key to building strong library communities.
Katherine is pursuing a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Missouri. Katherine plans to focus her career on making libraries spaces that foster community and that provide accessible materials for everyone.
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