Travel Grants

The Washington Library Association funds Travel Grants for the professional development of its members.

These Travel Grants, up to a maximum of $500 per year per individual, may be used for any travel expenses connected with participation in continuing education events and activities outside Washington State. Examples of CE events and activities include:

• Attendance at meetings of professional associations, as an officer or member.
• Attendance at a library-related conference for the purpose of presenting a program.
• Travel for the purpose of continuing education, such as language study in a country outside the U.S.
• Participation in a program of library and library employee enhancement through people-to-people contact.

Criteria for Award of a Travel Grant:

1. Membership in the Washington Library Association
2. Washington State residency or employment in a Washington library
3. Application that demonstrates how the travel funding will benefit the current work or career path of the individual WLA member.
4. Application that demonstrates how the successful applicant will use the experience to benefit the WLA membership.

Application and Selection Process:

Travel Grant applications will be reviewed three times per year and must be submitted by these deadlines during the calendar year: April 30, August 31 and December 31.

Preferences will be given to individuals who have not previously applied for these grants.

To apply for a Travel Grant, complete the Application Form as a Word file and e-mail it to the WLA Coordinator of Continuing Education.Applications will be reviewed by WLA’s Continuing Education Council and recommendations made to the WLA Board for final approval. Applications must be received at least 30 days in advance of the travel to be reimbursed. 

Reimbursement for Travel

Once a Travel Grant is approved, reimbursement is made after the travel is completed, based on actual receipts and on the submission of an Expense and Evaluation Form.

Questions about Travel Grants can be addressed to the WLA Coordinator of Continuing Education.

Other sources of funding for travel related to professional development are:

• WLA Conference Attendance Grants
• Washington State Library CE Grants