Learn about the history of The Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship Fund and how you can qualify to apply.

*Congratulations to our 2023 recipient Dylan Waddington* 

A Scholarship for Children's Librarians

The Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship Fund was established in 1926 as a tribute to one of the great pioneers in American Librarianship in special recognition of her creative work for children throughout the country.

The Fund originated by the Hartford Librarian's Club as a personal gift to Miss Hewins on the occasion of her fiftieth anniversary as Librarian of the Hartford Public Library.  When Miss Hewins chose to use this gift as a basis for a scholarship award, generous contributions were received from family and friends and professional associates throughout Connecticut and the United States, thus assuring to the Scholarship a national character in keeping with the memory of the Librarian it honors.

The Fund is administered by the Hartford Public Library as trustee, and current income permits an annual scholarship award of $4,000.

The Scholarship is open to those who plan to specialize in library work with children: who have received, or are about to receive a four year undergraduate degree; and who have applied for admission to a library school or are already attending a library school accredited by the American Library Association.  Preference will be given to applicants who plan to pursue a career in public library service.

Candidates are required to submit applications between July 1st and September 1st each year. For applicants not yet in library school, a transcript of credits through the first semester of the senior year or in support of an awarded degree, and evidence of application to an accredited school of library service must be furnished with the application or within a reasonable time thereafter. For applicants in library school already, a transcript of credits through the previous semester must be furnished with the application or within a reasonable time thereafter. 

Candidates are required to submit applications (via mail only) between July 1st and September 1st. Applications postmarked before July 1st or later than September 1st will not be considered. The candidate selected to receive the scholarship will be notified in November/December. 

The application for 2024 is now available by clicking here.

For additional information contact:

Marie Jarry

Director of Public Services

mjarry@hplct.org