Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table accepting applications for 2024 Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant

The Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is accepting applications for the 2024 Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant. These grants provide funds for newer library professionals with limited financial support to attend the upcoming 2024 ALA Annual Conference in San Diego, and recognize the value and expertise of comics librarianship. Applications for the grant are open now and the deadline to apply is April 1, 2024.

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 2024 ALA Annual Conference in San Diego. The funds may be used to reimburse 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.  Find eligibility information and application instructions online.

This year’s grants are supported through generous donations from Skybound Entertainment, which provided essential funds and support to establish the grant in 2023, and Oni Press. First introduced last year, the GNCRT Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant offers support for the professional development of library workers interested in expanding their knowledge and experience with comics collections and programming in libraries.

GNCRT Past-President Moni Barrette said: “We’re grateful for the continued support from Skybound and are thrilled to have Oni Press as a new contributor, as well. As funding for this grant continues to grow it allows GNCRT to offer professional development opportunities for library workers this year and next, as well as consider how we will be able to expand these grants to support even more recipients in the future.”

Current GNCRT President Robin Brenner added: “I was delighted to be able to meet last year's recipients and witness firsthand the impact attending ALA Annual had for both. We're so excited to be able to offer two more library workers the chance to expand their professional knowledge and comics network by attending this year's conference.”

"There are few institutions more crucial to the past, present and future of this country than libraries. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to support the ALA GNCRT in their tireless work to create new readers and spotlight diverse voices across America,” said Arune Singh, Vice President, Brand, Editorial at Skybound Entertainment. “It is important for us to show our support by increasing our financial contribution this year to ensure that even more deserving librarians can attend ALA Annual to discover the best in graphic novels, participate in programming and be celebrated for their contributions year-round to all communities.”

“Oni Press has been so fortunate to have the support of libraries across the country over the years. We’ve felt that support and community in so many big ways and being able to give back in this small way is something we’re proud and honored to do,” said Spencer Simpson, Vice President, Sales at Oni Press. “The work of libraries has never been more critical than it is at this moment and the support of the ALA GNCRT is invaluable to that work. We look forward to doing our part as publishers to be the best possible partners to librarians, creators, fans, and patrons.”

Grant applications are due April 1, 2024 and applicants must be members in good standing of both the American Library Association and the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table. For more information on the GNCRT Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant including full eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply please visit the Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant page online. Publishers and individuals interested in donating to support the GNCRT Comics Librarian Conference Travel Grant can donate directly to support this grant at ALA's Donation Portal (click on ROUND TABLES at the top and then on GNCRT on the left side).

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association 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 Discord; Twitter: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; or the GNCRT ALA Connect page.

ABOUT SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT  

Established in 2010, Skybound is a multiplatform content company that works closely with creators and their intellectual properties to create cool stuff and deliver one-of-a-kind experiences to fans. Skybound extends their stories across platforms including comics, television, film, video games, tabletop, books, digital content, audio programming, and beyond. The company is home to critically-acclaimed global franchises including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Superfight, and hit new podcast series Impact Winter. 

Led by Skybound Entertainment co-founder Robert Kirkman, Skybound Comics is an award-winning line of comics published by Image Comics and promotes a shared vision to collaborate with top and emerging talent across the comics industry. The Skybound line includes acclaimed series such as The Walking Dead, Invincible, Ultramega, Stillwater, Fire Power, and Excellence, while also delivering powerful licensed comics, including a partnership with LEGO Books. It is also home to Skybound Comet, a new line of Young Adult and Middle Grade original graphic novels published by Image Comics, launching in June 2022 with Clementine Book One, by award-winning writer/artist Tillie Walden and set in the world of The Walking Dead. Skybound has seen numerous comics series adapted for the screen, including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Super Dinosaur and Outcast, with more projects in development.   

For the most up to date information on Skybound, please visit the company on Twitter (@Skybound), YouTube (Skybound), Facebook (@SkyboundEntertainment), Instagram (@skyboundent), and at www.skybound.com.   

About Oni Press

Founded in 1997, Oni Press has a 25-year history as one of the industry’s most respected and acclaimed publishers of award-winning comic books and graphic novels with titles including Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim, K. O’Neill’s Tea Dragon Society, Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt's The Sixth Gun, Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer, Ezra Claytan Daniels' Upgrade Soul, Brenna Thummler’s Sheets trilogy, and many hundreds more. In 2019, Oni Press merged with Lion Forge Comics – the Eisner Award-winning independent comic book publisher founded by Academy Award-winning producer and entrepreneur David Steward II – to create one of the largest, independent libraries of comics content anywhere in media. The Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group now exists as a publishing subsidiary of Steward’s diversified global media company, Polarity.

The Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group publishes more than 60 original and licensed graphic novels annually, in addition to an extensive list of periodical comics.

About ALA

Established in 1876, the American Library Association (ALA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created to provide 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.