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The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) has selected Araceli Argueta of Los Angeles, California as the recipient of the 2022 Tony B. Leisner Scholarship.

The $3,000 scholarship, named for an active ¾«¶«´«Ã½member and former member of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Council, is awarded to a library support staff member pursuing a master’s degree in library and information studies. The scholarship was established with funds donated by Leisner.

As an undergraduate student, Argueta worked in libraries and says, “helping students find books for their research or being a friendly face during times of stress, showed the immeasurable value of libraries.”

Argueta spent several years working to meet the needs of those who are affected by systemic inequality. She created workshops for youth, provided resources to help young people apply for college, and organized alongside labor union to increase worker protections. She wants to bring these experiences and expertise into the library environment.

Currently, Argueta works as a library assistant at the City of Glendale Arts & Culture – Central Library (Calif.). Argueta commented, “ I am thankful and excited to be walking this path in pursuing librarianship as a career.” It is Argueta’s hope to “advocate for the free libraries and educational spaces within communities.”

Argueta believes that libraries offer unique, educational spaces that contribute to helping change the lives of many. Argueta remarked, “Libraries are more than just a building with books and computers; [they are] true spaces of learning, collaboration and transformation.”

Argueta attends San Jose State University (Calif.).

For information on the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Scholarship program, visit our .

The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ manages the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Scholarship Clearinghouse.

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