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    Center Moriches, NY 11934

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Promoting Reading in Our Community

Maurine Rose & Carroll Gerard Donnelly Memorial Scholarship

The Maurine Rose and Carroll Gerard Donnelly Memorial Scholarship is open to high school students who have been accepted into an institution of higher learning. The scholarship is open to Center Moriches Free Public Library cardholders only.

Every year we have been able to award multiple scholarships to our local seniors.  Now, with the 2025 Scholarship Program over, we are focusing on building the scholarship fund for our 2026 graduates.

Starting September 1, the 2026 scholarship applications will be available near the thrift shelves and on the library website, FOL scholarship page.  Also, donations are gratefully accepted year-round.  If you would like to support our scholarship, please drop your donation in the FOL box near the thrift shelves or mail it to the Friends of the Library.  Always put “Attn: Scholarship” on the envelope.

Deadline for the 2027 Scholarship Application is May 15th by 5:00 pm.

Completed application packets must be mailed to or dropped off at:

Center Moriches Free Public Library
235 Main Street
Center Moriches, NY 11934
Attn: Marcie Litjens

graduation caps

Essay Criteria

  • Theme: How the library has had an impact on my life personally or educationally.
  • Typed essay no longer than 500 words.
  • Include your library card number on the essay.
  • DO NOT include your name.

An application form is available on this page.  Additional information and application forms are also available at the Library.

Scholarship Winners

2026

  • Courtney Froberg
  • Alexander Gentile
  • Delaney Mattiolo

2025

  • Caitlin Hyers
  • Trinity Lannerd

2024

  • Nicholas Gentile
  • Aaron LaDu
  • Victoria Pendzick

2023

  • Kimberly Cotrel
  • Hailey Poach
  • Amanda Shannon

2022

  • Clifford Baynon
  • Rose Hayes
  • Lilyanna Schaefer
  • Skyler Dobrie (Honorable Mention)

2021

  • Emily Fergusen
  • Alexa Salvaggio

2020

  • Jane Adams
  • Patrick Murray

About Maurine Rose & Carroll Gerard Donnelly

Maurine Rose Donnelly was a founding member of the Friends of the Center Moriches Library. She was a passionate volunteer for the FOL and was known for enriching lives by leading poetry groups and beautifying the property with a gardening club. She was employed as the Library’s publicist for many years until her retirement.

Hired in 1964, Maurine’s husband, Carroll Gerard Donnelly, was the first Library Director and oversaw the construction of the new library that is located at 235 Main Street. The library grew and thrived under his leadership until his sudden passing in 1990.

Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly’s dedication and commitment to the library has left a mark in history. Their hard work will be remembered and honored through this scholarship.