Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table Introduces Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant with funding from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment

PORTLAND, Ore. 02/17/2023 — The American Library Association Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is excited to introduce a new grant opportunity intended to support the professional development of library workers interested in expanding their knowledge and experience with comics in libraries. By providing funds to attend the upcoming 2023 ALA Annual Conference, GNCRT seeks to recognize the value and expertise of comics librarianship and provide resources for newer library professionals with limited financial support. Applications for the grant are open now and the deadline to apply is April 1, 2023.

Through the GNCRT Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant two recipients will be selected to receive reimbursement of up to $3,000 toward their attendance at the upcoming ALA's Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant page.. The funds may be used to reimburse for the cost of conference registration, travel and hotel expenses and meals during the conference. Additionally, GNCRT will provide opportunities for the grant winners to participate in sessions and network with comics publishers and their fellow GNCRT members.  ALA's Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant page.ALA's Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant page.

The funding for the first year of these grants was provided by graphic novel publishers with Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment donating a combined $6,000. GNCRT is grateful for the money provided by Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment, which provided essential support to establish the grant. Additional opportunities to support this exciting award will be available going forward.

GNCRT President Moni Barrette said: “Comics librarians have long been called upon to provide value and expertise not only within the library profession and the comics industry, but as trusted resources within their communities who know what readers want. Through their generous funding of this unprecedented comics librarian travel grant, Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment demonstrate their understanding of the role libraries and library workers play in the promotion of comics. Grateful and thrilled don’t begin to cover my excitement at the opportunity for GNCRT to provide well-earned support to our growing membership.”

“In a time when libraries are facing bad-faith challenges from across the nation and seeing their budgets cut, the teams at Skybound and Image felt it was important to financially invest in opportunities for the librarians who fight so hard for marginalized voices every day,” said Arune Singh, Director of Brand (Editorial), Skybound Entertainment. “We thank Moni Barrette and ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table for allowing this opportunity to give back to a community who have had such an incredible positive impact on all our lives and remain central figures in the fight for progress as a country.”

Matt Parkinson, VP of Sales & Publishing Planning at Image Comics, added: “We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to support graphic novel librarians and we’re eager to get more involved with the ALA’s GNCRT team to help in whatever way we can. We hope collaborating to build this grant will create a positive ripple effect for library professionals, benefit their patrons, and similarly inspire contributions from others in our industry.”

For more information on the “GNCRT Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant,” how to apply for consideration, and for comics publishers interested in financially contributing, please visit: ALA's Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant page and the GNCRT Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant application.