(Charitable Registration No. 10779 8159 RR 0001)
The OLA Dr. Janette Baker Scholarship
This new OLA scholarship fund has been made possible through a generous bequest of $50,000 by the late Dr. Janette Baker. Scholarships are available annually to support attendance at a recognized library and information program by individuals who have been working for a minimum of three years and who are employed outside of the education profession. The OLA Board of Directors is committed to increasing Dr. Baker's $50,000 investment and, welcomes donations from members, corporate partners and interested friends. The first scholarship was awarded in May 2004.
The OLA Grace Buller Aboriginal Student Scholarship
Created from an endowment funded by Grace Buller and the members of the OLA, and matched by the University of Toronto, this scholarship subsidizes students of aboriginal heritage to better connect with information management technology and systems and encourages the growth of information services in native communities. Grace Buller was an activist for women's rights in libraries and for the underdog in the community. She selflessly pursued programs for people in small, under-represented communities. As a director in the government's public libraries branch, she made a difference. This scholarship is her legacy. The first scholarship was awarded in 2002. The OLA Board is now within $24,000 of completing its financial commitment to this Fund.
The OLA Margaret Scott Research Scholarship
Margaret Scott was one of the century's true icons in school library development. She influenced several generations of libraries who were at the frontier of school libraries in the 60s and 70s. Her untimely death in 1976 was a huge shock to the community. The OLA Board at the time launched this Fund totally on the individual donations of OLA members. For years, the Fund was used to subsidize travel of school librarians to other schools and to specialized learning programs. The Fund now supports a scholarship to any school librarian who wishes to do research that will build the data needed to improve and enrich school library programs. The first awards were given in 1978.
The Marjorie Fleming Mentoring Fund
Lynne Howarth, former dean of the Faculty of Information Studies at the University of Toronto, has pledged $25,000 over the next five years to establish a new mentoring endeavour of enduring significance. What makes it totally unique in OLA programs is that she is inviting Ontario librarians to donate to the Fund in the name of the person who was their mentor. These are not the people who necessarily were in positions where they could cause major changes but as mentors they may in the long run have had the most influence. These are the people behind the professionals who have made Ontario libraries the great institutions they are.
Lynne is naming the fund after Marjorie Fleming, the Head of Children's Services at the George H. Locke Branch of Toronto Public Library for many years. Lynne sees Marjorie as the mentor who influenced Lynne the most in her career. Most of us can instantly identify our mentors and have great memories of the relationship. Lynne's idea is such a fine way to acknowledge the impact these mentors have had on our lives.
The OLA will be creating a virtual Wall of Honour for all of the mentors identified by donors. This will include a picture if we can find one, a brief biography and a short comment from the donor. This is an enormously imaginative and thoughtful concept that does honour to us all.
Johnson Scholarship and Academic Grant
Johnson, Inc., insurance program partner of the Ontario Library Association, has offered a Scholarship and Academic Grant Program since 1998. OLA members and dependents who are enrolled in the Preferred Service Home Auto Plan with Johnson, Inc. are eligible to apply. Through this program, a total of $100,000 will be awarded annually to members and dependents across Canada. Individual scholarships and academic grants are valued at $1,000 each. Scholarships are to assist students beginning post-secondary studies following the completion of high school. Academic grants are to assist those returning to full-time post-secondary studies following an absence of two or more years and for those beginning full-time studies as a mature student. Applications are due each year on September 15. Forms can be obtained by phone1-877-328-7878 or by e- mail <scholarshipsandgrants@johnson.ca>.
OLA Education Scholarships
The Association has attracted corporate support for scholarships that help OLA members from remote communities attend Super Conference. This Fund has been struck to expand OLA's ability to encourage practicing librarians to pursue continuing education offered not only at Super Conference but in the Association's Education Institute.
OLA Forest of Reading Author Subsidies
If you would prefer to support OLA's literacy initiatives, this new Fund may be what you are looking for. OLA presently offers reading programs to libraries to encourage reading from kindergarten to Grade 12, to adults learning to read, and in 2005, adults in general. This Fund is to support authors' participation in Forest of Reading activities.
ON-LINE DONATION FORMS
Thank You for your generosity and support.