Joyce Meskis Excellence in Bookselling Scholarship

Joyce Meskis had a profound impact on the bookselling industry. Her leadership as the owner of the Tattered Cover Book Store established one of the most iconic independent bookstores. In the late 1970s she helped establish the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association and served as the first president of the board of directors. In 2007, when she was named Director of the University of Denver’s Publishing Institute, she was quoted as saying, “In my youth, I set a course to become a teacher but happily got sidetracked into the book industry. Now I can blend these two passions.” Throughout her long career Joyce Meskis inspired and mentored countless people in the bookselling and publishing industries. She was also a passionate defender of free speech and the First Amendment.

The program offers scholarships to MPIBA member bookstores to attend the FallCon Trade Show & Conference and the SpringCon Conference. These events provide valuable bookselling education, professional development, and networking opportunities.

SCHOLARSHIPS INCLUDE:

  • Airfare or other travel related expense reimbursement (mileage, car service, bus fare, etc.).
  • MPIBA will purchase a flight or reimburse expenses with proof of expense.
  • Mileage reimbursement cannot exceed cost of flight.
  • Hotel room for three nights at the conference hotel.
  • Tickets to all conference events (meals included).
  • $50 per conference day additional spending stipend.

 

QUALIFYING CRITERIA:

  • Applicants must own or work for an MPIBA member bookstore in good standing, with dues current.
  • Scholarship is not open to stores enjoying “first year free dues” membership.
  • If applicable, applicants must have store owner/manager approval to apply, and must be able to attend the show.
  • One scholarship per store per year.
  • This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships, grants, or reimbursements for the store, during the same fiscal year.