Carol Combs Hole provided exemplary leadership on behalf of libraries, bookmobile and outreach services throughout her 32 year career as a professional public librarian. Carol freely shared her ideas, knowledge and sense of humor with bookmobile and outreach staff. 

In 1989, Carol published The Bookmobile Songbook. The dedication states: "This book is dedicated to: The Road Warriors who daily start their engines and sally forth from public libraries everywhere to raise the library flag on new beachheads, and to Bernard Vavrek the only Library School Professor in America who cares about them." She sought to share wisdom so that the

profession would continue to grow. She retired from distinguished service to the Alachua County Library District on March 1, 2006 and died on October 1, 2007. 

Recipients receive an award valued at $1,000, which includes complimentary registration to the ABOS Annual Conference during their selected year and a $500 travel stipend. The applicant does not need to be a member of the Association of Bookmobile & Outreach Services. 

A complete nomination should include: 

• The applicant must be employed in a public library, working in bookmobile or outreach services at the time the application is submitted. 

• The completed application form and attached narrative must be received prior to the deadline printed on the form. 

• Grant recipients are not eligible to apply for the award again for five years. 

Click here to submit your 2026 Carol Hole Conference Travel Grant. 

Questions about the 2026 ABOS Awards can be directed to the ABOS Awards Committee at awards@abos-outreach.com.