Scholarships

Christopher J. Smail Memorial Scholarship

The Lewes Public Library’s Board of Trustees established an annual $1,000 scholarship in 2007 for graduating high school seniors. In 2011, the scholarship was renamed in memory of Christopher J. Smail, a past scholarship recipient and former Lewes Library page who tragically passed away in a car accident in November 2010.

The scholarship is a one-time grant designated to encourage higher education study by helping to defray college expenses including tuition, fees, and books. An applicant must be a Delaware resident from the greater Lewes community graduating from high school in the current school year.

A committee made up of library staff personnel may interview applicants should there be a need for further evaluation. All decisions are final. The scholarship will be paid to the recipient at the time of graduation.

Submissions for the 2026 scholarship are due on Friday, April 17, 2026.
To apply, please complete the online form below:

2026 Christopher J. Smail Memorial Scholarship Application

Please contact the library with questions at lewes.library@gmail.com

General scholarship information can be found in the “Financing Your Education” LibGuide prepared by the Delaware Division of Libraries.