Byers chosen for 2010 Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarship

CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) has picked Holly Byers of Chicago to receive the 2010 Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarship.

The scholarship was named for a longtime ALA staff member who directed the ALA Conference Services Office for more than 20 years. This scholarship fund was established with donations from Christopher J. Hoy and the Exhibits Round Table (ERT) to honor his memory. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a person pursuing a master's degree in library and information studies.

Since her first year of high school, Byers has wanted to be a librarian. This early commitment has led to eight years of experience working in both public and academic libraries. “I believe that it’s important to stay connected and involved in the community,” says Byers, through special programs and “through new media such as Twitter, Facebook and future new technologies.” Through community outreach and technological relevance she hopes to keep libraries a budget priority in communities.

In addition to holding membership in several honor societies, including Phi Kappa Phi (the nation’s oldest and largest honors society) and Sigma Tau Delta (an international English honors society), Byers is an American Sign Language teacher. She helped organize a sign language story time at her most recent place of employment, the Omaha Public Library.

Byers will be attending San Jose State University in San Jose, Calif.