JUDY KONIECZKA MEMORIAL GRANT

Judy Konieczka served for almost 20 years as the Adult Services Librarian at the Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library in Glenwood, IL. After retiring, she became a library trustee and, with her eldest daughter, founded the Friends of the Library group. Judy was passionate about reference services, adult programming, and customer service. She notably initiated the adult Summer Reading Program and designed its annual t-shirt for several years. Despite her role in Adult Services, Judy's favorite time of day was after-school, when the library was bustling with kids.

This scholarship, initiated in 2025 by her daughter, North Dakota State Librarian Mary Soucie, honors Judy’s legacy by supporting North Dakota librarians who seek to enrich their skills across key areas: programming, customer service, marketing, and reference. Funds may be utilized by individuals for attending conferences, workshops, or webinars, or by libraries to facilitate professional development events for their staff.

Each year, awardees may be awarded up to $1,000.

Requirements

• Applicants must be a current member of NDLA.
• Applicants are required to submit the following documentation along with the application:
• detailed budget of expected expenses (attachment),
• narrative describing personal growth and career development expectations from the proposed program (attachment), and
• materials that describe the proposed program (attach up to 5 items).
• Awardee agrees to submit an evaluative report to the NDLA Executive Board about how the grant was used. The report will also be published in The Good Stuff. Grant money will be reimbursed after the evaluative report has been received by the NDLA President. A copy of CEU certificate or letter of recognition should accompany the report, if applicable.
• Awardee and NDLA will enter into a written contract regarding completion of conditions.