Scholarships, Grants, & Awards

Scholarships

Awarded annually, AISLE scholarships are specifically designed to support those who are taking school library coursework leading to Illinois licensure. Please review the individual scholarship pages for specific terms, criteria, and eligibility requirements. Scholarship applications are accepted between November 15 and February 1.

The Marilyn Kay Maynard Scholarship

for those who wish to gain licensure as
a school librarian

Learn More
The Esther Baker Scholarship

for those who wish to gain licensure as a high school librarian

Learn More

Grants

AISLE grants support current Illinois school librarians, those working to become school librarians, or Illinois school library programs. Please review the individual grant pages for specific terms, criteria, and eligibility requirements.

Lauretta McCusker, O.P., D.L.S. Professional Development Grant

for workshops, conferences or coursework related to school librarianship

Learn More
Disaster Relief
Fund

For financial assistance after a disaster or catastrophe within the the school library media center

Learn More
LBSS Endowment Fund
Grants

LBSS Endowment Fund grant opportunities to support collection development and Readers’ Choice Program participation

Learn More

Awards

AISLE awards are presented annually at the association’s fall conference to recognize excellence in librarianship, service to the organization, or meritorious support of school library programs.  Applications for the four standard awards may be filled out by any AISLE member.  Nominations for the five honor awards are generated by the AISLE board, however the general membership may contact any board member to recommend nomination. Please see the individual award pages for specific terms, criteria, and eligibility requirements. The nomination/application window is open annually between May 1 and September 15.

Standard Awards

Innovative School Library Program Award

To recognize an innovative or creative event or service with a measurable positive impact on users

Learn More
AISLE Exemplary School Library Award

To recognize school libraries in Illinois that exemplify the standards set forth in Linking for Learning

Learn More
Administrator of the Year Award

To recognize meritorious support of a school library program by a school administrator during the previous school calendar year

Learn More
The Polestar Award

To honor a member of the Association who has made outstanding contributions to school library media programs in Illinois

Learn More

Honor Awards

Lifetime Membership Honor
Award

To honor an individual for faithful, exceptional service to the Association

Learn More
Crystal Honor
Award

To recognize distinguished support of, or contributions to, school librarianship, school libraries, and/or the Association

Learn More
School Librarian of the Year Honor Award

To recognize service to the organization, contribution to librarianship, or for service to the school library community

Learn More
First Page Honor Award

To recognize a member within the first five years of membership for service or contribution
to librarianship

Learn More
Pillar Honor Award

To recognize an exhibit vendor for support, being an integral, upstanding member, or part of the AISLE conference experience

Learn More