Feb. 19, 2008

The Michigan Center for the Book today announced that it has awarded a total of $4,650 in grants to 12 libraries and other organizations throughout the state to help fund events that promote books and reading.

Those receiving grants are Engadine Public Library, Fremont Area District Library, Grand Rapids Public Library, Hillsdale Community Library, Howell Carnegie District Library, Metro Net Library Consortium, Michigan Technological University, Mount Clemens Public Library, Otsego County Library, Rochester Hills Public Library, Saginaw Valley State University and Southfield Public Library.

"Programs like these help people make a real connection with literature and hopefully inspire them to read more and explore different kinds of books," said Michigan Center for the Book Coordinator Karren Reish.  "We want to help give Michigan residents, from all corners of the state, the opportunity to experience literature in engaging ways like meeting an author, reading and discussing books as a community, celebrating Michigan's rich literary heritage."

"Our 75th anniversary celebration of the Civilian Conservation Corp will be greatly enhanced with the program made possible by a grant from the Michigan Center for the Book," said Maureen Derenzy, director of the Otsego County Library.  "Michigan author, filmmaker and songwriter Bill Jamerson both educates and entertains as he tells the story of the 'Life of a CCC Boy' in camps like our own Camp Vanderbilt.  Thank you, Michigan Center for the Book!"

Grants awarded include:

• Grand Rapids Public Library - $500 for the Celebration of the Book on Oct. 18
  
  
• Engadine Public Library - $250 for a visit from children's author Leslie Helakoski on July 27
  
  
• Fremont Area District Library - $500 for Newaygo County Reads in fall 2008
  
  
• Hillsdale Community Library - $500 for Hillsdale County Reads in April
  
  
• Howell Carnegie District Library - $500 for Livingston Reads in February through April
  
  
• Metro Net Library Consortium - $500 for Everyone's Reading The Beekeeper's Apprentice in February through April
  
  
• Michigan Technological University - $250 for the River of Words Poetry Contest in Spring 2008
  
  
• Mount Clemens Public Library - $200 for the Macomb Book Fair and Writers' Conference, which took place Feb. 9
  
  
• Otsego County Library - $250 for Celebrating the CCC in April
  
  
• Rochester Hills Public Library - $200 for Authors Live @ the Library with Mary Doria Russell on March 11
  
  
• Saginaw Valley State University - $500 for the Theodore Roethke Centennial Celebration on April 7
  
  
• Southfield Public Library - $500 for the Books & Beyond Festival on Sept. 20-21.

The Michigan Center for the Book partially funds events or projects that fulfill its goal of promoting an awareness of books, reading, literacy, authors and Michigan's rich literary heritage. The events must be free and open to the public; the sponsoring organization must be a Michigan-based nonprofit organization, library or school; and the request for funds must be no more than 50 percent of the total budget or no more than $500, whichever is less.  Funding for the grants comes from dues paid by the affiliate members of the Michigan Center for the Book.

The Michigan Center for the Book is a program of the Library of Michigan and the center's affiliates. It is also the Michigan affiliate of the National Center for the Book at the Library of Congress.  To learn more, visit http://michigan.gov/mcfb.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).