Scholarship, Middletownship Public Library, (Middletown, NJ)
Posted April 19, 2024
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY
55 New Monmouth Road Middletown, NJ 07748
Phone: 732-671-3700 • www.mtpl.org
NEWS RELEASE
Scholarship April 19, 2024
Contact: Wendy LaTona
Library Announces Scholarship
The Board of Trustees of the Middletown Township Public Library has announced that a
Conover-Wihtol Scholarship will be awarded to a student interested in a career in the rewarding
and challenging profession of librarianship.
The Scholarship was created in 1972 to honor and remember Edith B. Conover and Karl
F. Wihtol, both long-time residents of Middletown Township and dedicated friends of the
Library. Since its inception, the Fund has awarded 57 scholarships to qualified individuals, many
of whom have become quite active in the information field.
Kathryn Hammond, Director of the Library, noted that there are a great number of
career opportunities in academic, special libraries, and public libraries. For example, public
libraries are no longer just books and audio-visual materials. Public libraries are cultural,
educational, and informational centers. For the past several years, the New Jersey State Library
has run programs across the state promoting the library profession. By offering the
Conover-Wihtol Scholarship for 43 years, Middletown Township Public Library has shown its commitment to the library field through its support of those individuals seeking to enter the
profession.
The Conover-Wihtol Scholarships are offered for a minimum of $2,500 to applicants
possessing a bachelor’s degree or who are in the final semester of undergraduate studies. The
applicant will be expected to provide evidence of acceptance for graduate work at an ALA
accredited school of Library Science.
How to Apply
Additional information and application forms are available at the Reference Desk at the
Middletown Township Public Library, the Library website at mtpl.org or by calling 732-671-3700
ext. 320 or ext. 311. Completed application forms must be postmarked no later than July 1,
Scholarship(s) will be announced at the July 17, 2024 Library Board of Trustees meeting.
Please read the attached application and announcement in full before completing the
application. Please return completed application, with transcripts, if possible, postmarked no
later than July 1, 2024 to:
Scholarship Committee
Middletown Township Public Library
55 New Monmouth Road
Middletown, NJ 07748
Applicants accepted for further consideration may be asked to appear before the Library Board
of Trustees for a personal interview.
Scholarship Details
THE MIDDLETOWN LIBRARY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
INCLUDING THE CONOVER-WIHTOL BEQUESTS
PURPOSE:
To provide funds for deserving scholars participating in Master of Library Science (MLS).
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNTS:
The amount of each scholarship will be no less than $2,500.00 per annum. The number of
awards per year will be wholly within the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION:
All monies awarded to scholarship recipients will be disbursed to the college or university they
are attending, to be applied against tuition or fees charged. The check will be made out jointly
to the college/university and the recipient.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
The candidate must:
Complete the standard application form which can be obtained from the Library or
Library website.
Submit a written statement of 150-200 words indicating what contribution you can make
to the library profession and librarianship as a career.
Submit a transcript from the college/university you are attending
(Graduate/Undergraduate).
Submit two reference letters.
Submit evidence of enrollment or acceptance to an accredited program for a Masters in
Library Science (MLS).
Submit all applications and attachments to the Middletown Township Public Library by
July 1, 2024. (Scholarship(s) will be awarded at the July 17, 2024 Board of Trustees meeting.)
SCHOLARSHIP CONDITIONS REQUIRED:
Must be a resident of New Jersey.
Must be attending or be accepted for admission at an accredited School of Library
Science for a Masters degree in Library Science or other post graduate library science degree.
Must meet requirements of character and scholarship as determined by the selection
committee.