F.O.L.K. Scholarships
We provide financial assistance to encourage qualified candidates to fill available positions in the Hawaii libraries and related fields.
Friends of the Libraries, Kona offers scholarships to individuals pursuing a Master’s degree in Library Science at the University of Hawai`i or who are Hawai`i residents enrolled in an American Library Association accredited on-line Master in Library and Information Science program. Applications are available online and are accepted annually February through the end of March. Scholarships are awarded each year in April.

Available F.O.L.K. Scholarships
Friends of the Libraries, Kona MLIS scholarships
Amount: Up to $4,000
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a resident of the State of Hawai`i. Preference given to Hawaii Island residents.
- Be enrolled in an American Library Association accredited on-line library and information science program or the University of Hawaii Master’s of Library and Information Science program or accepted for the fall semester.
Arne & Ruth Werchick MLIS Scholarship
Amount: $6,000
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a resident of the State of Hawai`i. Preference given to Hawaii Island residents.
- It is the desire of the donor that the Board give special consideration to applicants who indicate an intention to pursue employment in the County of Hawaii after completion of the MLIS program. It is also the desire of the donor that the Board give special consideration to applicants who are, or have been, employed in either the Kailua Kona or Kealakekua branch of the Hawaii State Public Library System.
- Be enrolled in a graduate program accredited by the American Library Association and can be enrolled in a classroom attendance program or a remote learning program, or a combination of the two.
- Can be either a full- or part-time student but must be enrolled in at least two classes during the school year to qualify.
Scholarships Application Deadline
In order to be considered for a scholarship, applicant must complete and submit all required materials by March 31, 2023
Friends of the Library of Hawai’i Scholarships
