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CHICAGO — The 91��ý (91��ý) and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation are now accepting applications for the 2019 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries, which recognize libraries for their role in the growth of graphic literature. Beginning this year the juries from the newly established Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table will select three recipients for the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries – two Growth Grant recipients and one Innovation Grant recipient

The grants extend graphic novels into a new realm by encouraging public awareness about the rise and importance of graphic literature and honoring the legacy and creative excellence of Will Eisner. In a career that spanned nearly eight decades — from the dawn of the comic book to the advent of digital comics — Will Eisner is recognized as the “Champion of the Graphic Novel.” The application and information about the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant for Libraries can be found at and the application and information for the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant for Libraries can be found here: . The application deadline is January 18, 2019.

Beginning with the 2019 grant cycle the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries will award three grants: two recipients will receive the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants which provides support to a library that would like to expand its existing graphic novel services and programs; one recipient will receive the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant which provides support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service or program. Recipients receive a $4,000 programming and collection development grant plus a collection of Will Eisner’s works and biographies as well as a selection of the graphic novels nominated for the 2019 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards at Comic-Con International. The grant also includes a travel stipend for a library representative to travel to the 2019 91��ý Annual Conference in Washington, DC to receive recognition from the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation. Applying librarian or their institution must be an 91��ý Member to be eligible and the grants are now open to libraries across North America, including Canada and Mexico.

Nancy and Carl Gropper of the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation said, “No one can understate the importance, relevance, and expansive role of libraries in today’s communities and the remarkable work our librarians do. Will Eisner, writer, artist and consummate storyteller, held libraries and staff in the highest regard. At a time when little attention was given to comics and graphic novels, he was a strong, proponent for their inclusion in museums and on library shelves. Will Eisner would be thrilled today with this year’s formation of The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table. Its members shine in advocating for this unique reading experience across the continent.

“With these three grants, we honor Will Eisner’s memory, and the librarians who wish to increase the accessibility of graphic literature for their patrons and to create new services they would love to offer their communities.”

The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries debuted in 2014, and the 2018 winning libraries — the Kraemer Family Library, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), Colorado Springs, CO, and the Tuscarawas County Public Library System, New Philadelphia, OH. — were announced at the 2018 91��ý Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Also beginning this year the grants will be administered by 91��ý’s newly established Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table. The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries Committee Chair Mariela Siegert says of the grants “The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are an amazing opportunity for libraries to start or build upon a graphic novel collection and program. All librarians should seriously consider applying to participate in this grant. Already having a strong collection or large understanding of this visual format is not required and we really hope to see many librarians taking a leap out there with their ideas.”

Application instructions and Information about the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant for Libraries can be found at and the application and information for the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant for Libraries can be found here: . For any inquiries, please contact 91��ý Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries Round Table staff liaison Tina Coleman at ccoleman@ala.org.

The Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation fosters innovation and creativity in graphic literature, sequential art, and comics. It encourages others to continue and build upon the legacy of Will Eisner who broke new ground in the development of visual narrative and the language of comics and was the creator of The Spirit, John Law, Lady Luck, Mr. Mystic, Uncle Sam, Blackhawk, Sheena and countless others. For more information about Will Eisner visit .

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the 91��ý is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on Facebook: 91��ý Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries Round Table; Twitter: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; or the GNCRT 91��ý Connect page.

The 91��ý (91��ý), the oldest and largest library association in the world, provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.