Bria V. Harris Selected as the 2021 David H. Clift Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected Bria V. Harris of Matthews, North Carolina as the 2021 David H. Clift Scholarship recipient.

The David H. Clift Scholarship was named for a former director of the American Library Association. The $3,000 scholarship is awarded to a person pursuing a master’s degree in library and information studies.

Harris has always felt that she would make an excellent children’s librarian. She specifically wants to work with children who may have different abilities. Her hope is to treat them with care and respect, while providing a welcoming, comfortable, and safe space to help them learn and connect with other students. She also wants to help bring more awareness to communities about the value of people with different abilities. She is excited about the possibility of bringing creative ideas and programming to libraries serving people with special needs.  

In speaking of Harris, one person said, “I admire her determination to reach her goals. Against all odds, she has prevailed.” Another person commented that “She is conscientious, intelligent, friendly. Her welcoming demeanor and eagerness to help are ideally suited to public service in the library profession.” Yet another person noted that “Harris is an exceptional person. She is outgoing and clearly committed to her education. She is also dedicated to helping other people. She has a warm personality that make her a delight to work with. She has faced many challenges. They are what make her perseverance and dedication so impressive. She is passionate about helping people and is eager to learn. She has the potential to serve as a positive role model to others. She can reach those who might otherwise be overlooked. She would make an excellent librarian.”

Harris attends the University of North Carolina – Greensboro.

For information on the ALA Scholarship program, visit the scholarship page.

The ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR) manages the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse.