91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — Applications for the 2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are now being accepted by 91´«Ã½’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation. These grants recognize libraries for their role in the growth of graphic literature and awards funds and resources for graphic novel collection development and programming.

The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries have been awarded to libraries of all types across the United States and Canada. Through these grants the GNCRT and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation seek to continue to encourage public awareness about the importance of graphic literature and to honor the legacy and creative excellence of Will Eisner. For 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.”

Two Will Eisner Graphic Novel grants will be awarded in 2025: one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants which provides support to libraries that would like to expand their existing graphic novel collection, services, and programs; and one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant which provides support to a library for the initiation of a new graphic novel service or program. Recipients each receive a $3,000 programming and collection development grant, a collection of Will Eisner’s works and biographies, and a selection of the winners of the 2025 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards announced at Comic-Con International in July 2025. The grant also includes $1,000 for professional development as a travel stipend for a library representative to travel to the 2025 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA where they will receive recognition from the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation. The applying librarian or their institution must be an 91´«Ã½ Member to be eligible and the grants are open to libraries across North America, including Canada and Mexico. Applications are due by midnight on January 12, 2025.

Nancy and Carl Gropper of the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation connect the grants with Will Eisner’s comic arts and advocacy legacy: “At an early age, Will Eisner believed in the artistic and literary merit of his chosen medium, comic art. When he wasn’t creating and innovating legendary work, much of his effort was directed to advocating for the availability of comics and graphic novels free for the public to enjoy in libraries everywhere. While his strong promotion meant a great deal, it has been librarians who through the years have championed the wonders of graphic novels and comics. The important role librarians have played in the art form's growth and popularity cannot be overstated. On behalf of the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation, we express our support with these two grants and our deep gratitude for the daily work librarians accomplish during these very difficult times.”

The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are administered by the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table. GNCRT President, Shira Pilarski said of the grants, “GNCRT is thrilled to continue this wonderful program to encourage innovative and integral use of graphic novels in libraries. Research shows that comics have countless benefits for critical thinking skills, literacy development, and enjoyment of reading. In a climate of unprecedented book challenges, many of which target graphic novels, libraries are often readers' only means to access books in these formats. Thanks to the continued generosity of the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation, we are happy to help support initiatives with comics in libraries throughout North America."

The application and information about the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries can be found on the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table . Interested applicants will find resources and examples on the Eisner Grants FAQ page to help guide them through the process of writing their grant applications. The application deadline is midnight, Sunday January 12, 2025. For any inquiries, please contact 91´«Ã½ Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries Round Table staff liaison Tina Coleman at ccoleman@ala.org.

About the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation

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 (1917 – 2005), 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. Will Eisner is well known for his 17 graphic novels and three textbooks. For more information about Will Eisner visit .

About the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the 91´«Ã½ 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 ; Twitter: ; Instagram: ; or check out the GNCRT website.

About the 91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit .