Charlemae Hill Rollins Scholarship was established by the Chicago Chapter in 1982. The Scholarship is named in memory of the outstanding African American children’s librarian, writer, lecturer, and educator, Charlemae Hill Rollins (1897 – 1979). Mrs. Rollins was the children’s librarian in the George C. Hall Branch of the Chicago Public Library from January 1932 to July 1963, when she retired. The Scholarship is a cash award of $1,000 made to a worthy African American student to begin a program of library education at the graduate level.

The scholarship is funded by the Chicago Chapter, Black Caucus of the ALA, and individuals. It is administered by the Scholarship Committee of the Chicago Chapter, Black Caucus of the ALA and is non-renewable.

The recipient must enter a formal program of graduate library education leading to a master’s degree at a library school offering a program accredited by the American Library Association. (It is not necessary to have been accepted at a school at the time of application.) Student must not have completed more than 12 semester hours or equivalent toward the MLS/MLIS prior to January 1 of the application year. The award is based on two major factors: academic excellence and the student’s statement/essay. Applicants must be African Americans who are legal residents of the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

For more information, see the Charlemae Hill Rollins Scholarship website.