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Two Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are given annually – one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants will provide support to a libraries that would like to expand its existing graphic novel services and programs and one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant will provide support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service, program or initiative. These Grants will support two categorical grants that will encourage public awareness on the rise and importance of graphic literature, sequential art, and comics as a literary medium. 

Each winning library will receive a grant award of $4,000 to support initiatives that align with the objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries.  The grant award will consist of the following: 

  • $2,000 grant in collection development funds to purchase graphic novels,
  • $1,000 grant to host a graphic novel-themed event at a library or another community location, and
  • $1,000 grant to attend the ALA Annual Conference to receive their grant money.  This grant 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 following graphic novels, valued at approximately $3,000:

  • The Will Eisner Library: A graphic novel collection of Will Eisner’s work and biographies about Will Eisner* (comprising approximately 40 books)
  • A selection of the winning titles from the current year’s Will Eisner Awards* at Comic-Con International (comprising approximately 40 books).

* Please note that some of the titles in these collections are of a mature nature. 

Find more information about the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries, including an FAQ for grant applicants here, https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/eisner.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, January 28, 2024. Applicants must be current ALA members in good standing at the time of application (either person or organizational members.)