Library foundation offers two $1,000 college scholarships

Warwick - The Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation is offering two $1,000 college scholarships to be awarded in a writing competition. Applicants will submit an essay of no more than 2,000 words on the following topic: The importance of compassionate behavior in the exercise of free speech. Submissions will be judged on the basis of responsiveness to the topic, overall literacy and grammatical accuracy, relevance to current community concerns in the Warwick area and other criteria as the judges think appropriate. Authors of the two essays judged to be best will each receive $1,000 toward the cost of college tuition. Any high school senior who is a resident of the Warwick Valley School District is welcome to participate, although the student need not be enrolled in Warwick Valley High School. Essays are due no later than May 10 delivered to the library in a sealed envelope. The envelope should contain six hard copies of the essay, together with a single-cover sheet containing the participant’s name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. The essay itself must not contain any personal information; judges will be unaware of the authors’ identities. Winners will be required to provide reasonable documentation of eligibility to participate. Submission of an essay constitutes agreement by the applicant to abide by the rules of the competition. “We are delighted with the private financial support from the Foundation for this program,” said Library Director Rosemary Cooper. “It affords the library yet another opportunity to engage with our young adults.” The mission of the Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation is to provide private financial support to supplement public support for the Albert Wisner Public Library, enhancing opportunities for the library’s continued growth and service to the entire community. Private funds were donated and earmarked specifically to create this scholarship. Inquiries about the scholarship should be made to Lisa Laico, librarian and teen advisor, at the reference desk or by calling her at the library at 986-1047, ext. 23.