Applications are now open for two grants from the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation and the American Library Association (ALA) for public libraries. The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant will provide support to a library that would like to expand its existing graphic novel services and programs. The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant will provide support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service, program, or initiative. Both awards are administered by ALA’s Gaming Round Table and the Graphic Novels & Comics Member Initiative Group. Each winning library will receive $4,000 to support initiatives that align with the objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries.  The grant will consist of the following:

• $2,000 to purchase graphic novels from the distributor-partner (current partner is The Brodart company)
• $1,000 to host a graphic novel-themed event at a library or another community location
• $1,000 to attend the ALA Annual Conference to receive the grant money. This can be used towards any of the following: conference registration, transportation, lodging and food.

In addition, from the book publishers and the Eisner Foundation, the winning libraries will also receive the graphic novels, valued at approximately $3,000. The deadline for applications is February 7, 2014. Click here for complete information on the application process and further details on eligibility.