Host libraries sought for 2019 PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative

Applications due February 1st

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications from public libraries interested in participating in PLA's Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) for the summer of 2019. In alignment with PLA’s strategic goal related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, III was piloted in 2017 as a pathway program to increase diversity in public librarianship. The initiative has been a tremendous success, and PLA is proud to offer III once again with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (grant RE-00-17-0129-17). Click here to view photos from the 2018 Wrap-Up Event.

Through III, PLA will sponsor paid, mentored summer internships at public libraries for 50 high school juniors and seniors. With individual guidance from a mentor, each intern will engage with multiple facets of library life, from administration to programming to user services, while also completing a connected-learning project on behalf of their host library.

In addition to identifying an appropriate intern, participating libraries must:

• Assign a staff person to serve as a mentor
• Develop a connected learning project in conjunction with the intern
• Offer approximately five hours per week of one-on-one mentoring and coaching
• Attend a June kick-off event in Chicago, Ill. and a September wrap-up event in Washington, D.C.
• Share their successes, challenges, opportunities across the III cohort, within the library, and to community stakeholders
• Comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws, including but not limited to those in the Assurances and Certifications, throughout the grant award and the intern application and selection process

The 2019 application for host libraries can be found here. All public libraries, regardless of PLA membership, are eligible. Small, rural, and tribal libraries are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Central Time on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019.

For more information, please see the program guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions. If your questions isn't addressed in the FAQ, please contact PLA at plinterns@ala.org. PLA will also host an “office hours” webinar on Monday, Jan. 14, to give interested libraries a chance to learn more and ask questions. 

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