The Richland County Public Library Foundation has established the Ethel Bolden Minority Scholarship in honor and recognition of Mrs. Ethel Bolden’s years of service to the Richland County community and its libraries. The $2,500 scholarship will be awarded annually from 2010 through 2013, and possibly thereafter. The scholarship seeks to encourage and provide financial support to students from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups towards the completion of their Masters in Library and Information Science.

Ethel Bolden, consummate advocate and pioneer for library services to African-American children, worked diligently for 40 years in the community to promote reading and establish excellence in library services. She established the first elementary school library at (formerly all-Black) Waverly Elementary, served as school librarian at Perry Junior High, worked as the first African-American faculty member and librarian at Dreher High School, and served twice on the Board of Trustees at the Richland County Public Library.

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals are eligible to submit an application for the Ethel Bolden Minority Scholarship if they:

• Are a legal resident of South Carolina.
• Have been fully admitted into the ALA-accredited Masters in Library & Information Science program at the University of South Carolina (full or part time status).
• Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service or other activities that reflect leadership abilities.
• Have shown outstanding academic performance.
• Are a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.

Application deadline:  March 15, 2012

Download application here.

Questions? Contact Tina Gills at 929-3424 or tgills@myRCPL.com