Scholarships

Friends of the Library of Hawai’i awards up to $50,000 (increased from $32,000 in 2024) in scholarships annually to Hawai’i residents seeking a Master’s Degree in Library Science at the University of Hawai’i. The scholarships provide financial assistance to students who are currently enrolled in the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, University of Hawai’i, or who have been accepted for enrollment in the fall or spring semester.

To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must complete and submit the FLH Scholarship Application, and all required materials (see below) by the 24th of May. Incomplete applications will not be considered. See the Scholarship Policy Statement.

Required Materials:

1. Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i FLH Scholarship Application. This form must be submitted electronically with your electronic signature.
2. Personal letter describing applicant’s objectives and clearly establishing reasons for pursuing a library career. This should include any information the applicant feels would be helpful to the Committee in considering scholarship assistance.
   (Must be attached to application form.)
3. Read and agree to the Scholarship Policy Statement.
4. Two letters of recommendation from persons other than family members who know the applicant well and can comment on the applicant’s character, ability, and potential for success in librarianship. Please have the letters sent directly to FLH.
5. Official transcripts of undergraduate work and any graduate work completed should be mailed directly to FLH.

All mail should be directed to:

Attn: Scholarship Committee
Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i
501 Sumner Street, Unit 614
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817

Once your complete application has been submitted, you will be contacted for the interview process beginning in late May/early June.

For more information, Contact Us or call (808) 536-4174.

2024 Scholarship Recipients

 

History & Donor Information

The Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i Scholarship Program is supported by bequests and donations to the Friends specifically to provide scholarships for Hawai‘i residents pursuing a Master of Library & Information Science degree at the University of Hawai‘i.

In the 1960’s, Hazel McCoy held annual tours at her villa on Diamond Head Road, where visitors enjoyed the anitque treasures, ethnic foods and dancers, and especially the wonderful orchid gardens in full bloom. For ten years the proceeds of the tours funded scholarships that were presented by the Friends. Upon Hazel McCoy’s death, her husband made a gift to the Friends to perpetuate the scholarships.

Kathleen McCall Schutte was an active member of the Friends in the 1950s and 1960s. She is fondly remembered for her caring, intelligence, and sense of humor. She was interested in politics and had a progressive attitude toward her community and society. Her husband, C. Frederick Schutte, a longtime trustee of the Friends, established a scholarship fund in his wife’s memory and left a generous bequest.

Margaret Ayrault was a librarian and educator. After retiring she was active in volunteer work throughout the community but was especially active in suporting the Friends of the Library. She worked throughout the year on the booksale committee and could be found working every day during the annual sale. She left a bequest to help aspiring librarians achieve their educational goals and pursue the profession that she so dearly loved.

Kathleen Thorp was a career public school librarian. She resided and worked on the Leeward O‘ahu coast for over thirty years. Mrs. Thorp was an avid supporter of the Friends of the Library and worked year-round supporting the annual booksale. The first Thorp Scholarship was made possible by memorial donations from friends and associates in her name. This scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in school librarianship, and preference is given to applicants who reside on Leeward O‘ahu or, failing that, in a rural area or community.

The Friends of Hilo Public Library have historically given a scholarship to students in the UH LIS program. To facilitate their scholarship, it is now managed and awarded by Friends of the Library of Hawai’i to an applicant who most closely meets the Hilo Friends guidelines. Preference is given to a candidate from Hilo or Hawai’i Island, or secondary preference is given to a candidate from a neighbor island.

The Friends of Thelma Parker Memorial Library provide a scholarship through their Thomas bequest funds to students in the UH LIS program. The scholarship is awarded through Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi with preference for applicants from Hawaiʻi Island.