Monet R. Hardison Selected as the 2021 Mary V. Gaver Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected Monet R. Hardison of Hampstead, North Carolina as the 2021 recipient of the Mary V. Gaver Scholarship.

The $3,000 scholarship was established to honor the memory of a past ALA president and Rutgers University professor, who made many contributions to library youth services. The scholarship is awarded to a person pursuing a master’s degree in library and information studies, with a specialty in youth services.

Hardison worked as an English teacher at Heide Trask High School (Rocky Point, NC), until last year when she began working as a media specialist at the same school. She says one of her goals as a teacher is to “ensure her students have access to multifaceted books.” She believes that “the right book at the right time can forever change a child’s life.” Her hope is to be a positive role model for students where they can see and interact with a librarian who “looks similar to them.”

Her references raved about her ability to connect with students, getting to know them in a way that allows her to find materials that captivates their interests. One person commented that “she is a committed, passionate, and most importantly, student-focused lifelong educator. She has transformed the library into a welcoming multi-cultural learning center designed to ignite student’s interest in reading. She works purposefully to expose students to texts from various genres, intentionally researching and displaying texts that might appeal to student’s racial, ethnic, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religious identities.

Another person reflected, “Hardison is extremely hard-working, positive, and encouraging. She is excellent at keeping students engaged. She goes above and beyond what is expected to foster a positive atmosphere in the library. She creates inviting newsletters, displays, and experiences to get the school community involved in ‘library life.’ Her presence in the media center has been a breath of fresh air.”

Yet another person noted, “Hardison’s ability to welcome people and create a space they want to engage in is unparalleled. She is first and foremost an advocate for those she serves. She believes in her students, respects them, and is diligent in discovering their needs. She is a support system and cheerleader all on her own; always working to find the perfect resources for her students. She is incredible.”

Hardison attends the University of North Carolina – Greensboro.

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

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