The Richland Library Foundation established the Ethel Bolden Minority Scholarship in 2010 in honor and recognition of Mrs. Ethel Bolden’s years of service to the Richland County community and its libraries. The $2,500 scholarship will be awarded annually through 2017 and possibly thereafter. The scholarship seeks to encourage and provide financial support to students from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups who are working toward the completion of a Master of Library and Information Science degree at the University of South Carolina.
Ethel Bolden, consummate advocate and pioneer for library services to African-American children, worked diligently for 40 years in the community to promote reading and establish excellence in library services. She established the first elementary school library at (formerly all-black) Waverly Elementary, served as school librarian at Perry Junior High, worked as the first African-American faculty member and librarian at Dreher High School, and served twice on the Board of Trustees at the Richland Library.
Application materials must be postmarked by May 15, 2015. Applicants will be notified regarding their status by June 15, 2015. The selection committee reserves the right to elect not to award the scholarship if at least one complete application is not received from a candidate meeting the high standards of the scholarship.
For more information, please visit the Richland Library website.
