Metronet Scholarship - Public Library Association Conference 2026 Application 

Applications are due by December 1, 2025 at 5:00pm. No exceptions will be made.

Metronet is a multicounty multitype library system that serves libraries of all types in the metropolitan area by leveraging existing library strengths and resources to build capacity so as to achieve more collectively than could be attained independently. 

The Metronet Board has designated funds for a special scholarship program for staff who are employees of a  Metronet library to attend the national Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis April 1-3, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404. 

You do not have to be a public librarian to receive this scholarship. This is a national conference and will have sessions and exhibitors of interest to staff in all types of libraries. Find more information about the conference here https://www.placonference.org

Staff who are employees of a Metronet library and are a member of the Minnesota Library Association (MLA) or the Public Library Association (PLA) may apply. Metronet reserves the right to cap the number of scholarships awarded to any one library system or district. 

Metronet will have a group registration that includes all awardees rather than the usual policy of reimbursing costs. Parking passes are also available. This scholarship is for in-person conference attendance only. 

Please note which library system and branch serves as your usual work location or we will not be able to send parking passes.

Before you apply, read the revised and updated Metronet Continuing Education Scholarship Policy. Please note, due to this being a national conference held locally, Metronet is treating this conference as a special event. This means that if you have received a scholarship in the last fiscal year you are still eligible to apply and it does not preclude you from applying for another scholarship next fiscal year. 

Eligibility

Special Scholarship Eligibility: You must be employed in a Minnesota library that is a member of Metronet to receive a scholarship. In addition, you must be a member of MLA or PLA to apply.

You can view the membership list on the Metronet website to see if your institution is a member. Staff at all levels in school, public, academic, & special libraries are eligible. 

The Metronet Board will select awardees and you will be contacted by Metronet staff. 

Responsibilities of the Recipient

After the award, these are the requirements for recipients:

  •  Recipients will submit a brief but informative write up about the event they attended. The write up should include a review of the event and/or highlights of what was learned and how it will be useful on the job. The write up is subject to editing by Metronet staff and may be published on the Metronet website.
  • Report must be submitted on the report form that will be emailed to scholarship recipients. 

Report must be submitted no later than Monday May 4 at 5:00pm. If this is not received by the deadline, it may affect your ability to receive Metronet scholarships and grants in the future.

  Questions to: info@metronet.lib.mn.us, subject line PLA Scholarship Application.  

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Email *
Your Name *
Your Email *
Your position *
Library/Organization and Branch/Location *
Work phone *
 Is this organization a member of Metronet? *
Have you received a Metronet scholarship in the past? *
If, Yes, when (month/year)?
Are you a member of MLA or PLA? Metronet can only pay registration costs for members of either MLA or PLA. *
Will you require parking? 

Parking passes will be sent via delivery or by mail to school library staff. Make sure to note which branch/location of your system you typically work at or we will not be able to send a parking pass. Please also note that this ramp is open to the public and is first come first served; if the ramp fills up, you will have to find alternate parking and pay for it yourself. 

By selecting yes, you are taking responsibility for finding your own parking should this ramp be full.
 *
Mailing Address for Parking Pass if your library does not receive delivery.
Are you able to attend one day or the whole conference? *
If you selected one day registration, which day will you be attending? *
I have permission from my employer to attend this event. *
By signing this form, I certify that I am in compliance with my employer’s policies regarding the application for continuing education funds. 
 *
A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.
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