Janna McLean, a Library Associate at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, is one of three recipients across the state this year to be awarded an Indiana Library Federation $1,000 Esther Schlundt Memorial Scholarship. McLean and the other recipients were honored this week at the 2024 ILF Annual Conference in Indianapolis.
According to the Indiana Library Federation, the scholarship is named in memory of Esther Schlundt, an exceptional reference librarian at Purdue University. It provides funding for one or more applicants who are entering or currently enrolled in an American Library Association accredited librarian degree program.
McLean expressed her passion for libraries, saying, “Libraries have always held a special place in my heart. Although I loved books as a child, I never considered a career as a librarian while in college because I was focused on my passion for science. After spending 29 years as a biology faculty member, I recently embarked on my ‘encore career’ as a librarian. I began by working a few hours each week at MPHPL and quickly realized how much I enjoyed the work. I currently work 30 hours a week in the Adult Services Department at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library while also pursuing my Public Librarianship/Adult Services concentration at the Indiana University Indianapolis Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. I expect to complete my education in the summer of 2025.”