Education Grants

The Education Grants Committee offers local librarians, library assistants, and future librarians stipends to continue their library related education. In addition, each spring, the Committee honors selected middle and high school students who have volunteered in their libraries with a Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library award.

Grants to Library Staff

Staff members of libraries within Tompkins County may apply for funds to help defray the costs of attending professional meetings, workshops, training sessions, and conferences.


Applying for a Grant

To apply for a grant, please submit:

  • Application Form pdf
  • Information on the program or conference
  • The cost of the program
  • Other financial support available

Mail completed application with supporting documentation to:

  • Friends of the Library
  • 509 Esty St
  • Ithaca, NY 14850
  • attn: Education Grants Committee

Grants to Future Librarians

Students enrolled in an accredited graduate program for a degree in Library Science who plan to seek employment in a Tompkins County library may apply for funds to support their education. Grants generally range from $1,500 to $2,000 and may be given for more than one year if the student has completed all previous courses successfully. Potential grant recipients will be interviewed to allow the committee members a better understanding of their experiences and future plans.


Applying for a Grant

To apply for a grant, please submit:

  • Application Form pdf
  • Information on the program or conference
  • The cost of the program
  • Other financial support available

Mail completed application with supporting documentation to:

  • Friends of the Library
  • 509 Esty St
  • Ithaca, NY 14850
  • attn: Education Grants Committee

Grants to Tompkins County Middle and High School Students

Students who volunteer at their Tompkins County school libraries may be nominated to receive a Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library Award. The award recipients will have shown an exceptional interest in their school library and provided outstanding service.

Each year, one $100 award is available per Tompkins County high school and up to four $25 awards are available per Tompkins County middle school. If there is no suitable candidate at a particular school, the award will not be given. In the early spring, middle and high school librarians will receive an invitation to send nominations to the Education Grants Committee at: edgrants(at)booksale.org (Please replace (at) with @ after you copy and paste this address into your e-mail program.) The nomination letters should be submitted by April 30th to the Education Grants Committee, Friends of TCPL, 509 Esty St., Ithaca NY 14850.