The Burnaby Public Library Board is pleased to announce the 2024 Picard Trust Awards for BIPOC library school students. The two annual library school scholarships, of $2,500 each, are aimed at strengthening diversity in the library community.

“We want to encourage and support people who are Indigenous, Black or people of colour in pursuing librarianship,” said Library Board Co-Chair Sarah Bartnik. “Burnaby is a diverse city. We want Burnaby residents to see themselves reflected in our libraries, whether that’s through the books on the shelves, the programs we offer, or the people who answer their questions.”

The Picard Trust Awards are open to Burnaby residents and current Burnaby Public Library employees who are Indigenous, Black or people of colour, and are pursuing a master’s degree in a library and information studies program. Applicants must already be accepted into a Canadian library school program in order to apply.

To apply, complete an application form. The application deadline is February 15, 2024.

“We are excited to be able to offer these awards to Burnaby residents,” said Library Board Co-Chair Mandy Yang. “We know that increasing the diversity of librarians at BPL and in the broader library community will lead to stronger library services that meet the needs of more residents.”

The Burnaby Public Library Board has funded an award for library school students since 1978, thanks to a generous donation from Marcelle Picard.

For more information, contact:

Beth Davies
Chief Librarian
604-436-5431 | beth.davies@bpl.bc.ca