Applications Open for the 2027 Eisner Library Grants

Who can apply for the 2027 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries? Libraries across North America, including Canada and Mexico, if the applying librarian or the institution is an ALA member. The American Library Association announced on October 22, 2026 that applications are open. They are being accepted by ALA's Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation.

The release says the grants were first awarded in 2014. They recognize libraries for their role in the growth of graphic literature, and they provide funds and resources for graphic novel collection development and programming. The release says the grants have gone to libraries of all types across North America. Through them, the round table and the foundation say they want to encourage public awareness of graphic literature and to honor Will Eisner. The release calls him the "Champion of the Graphic Novel," for a career it says spanned nearly eight decades, from the dawn of the comic book to digital comics.

Two grants, and what they pay for

Two grants will be awarded in 2027. One is a Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant, for libraries that want to expand an existing graphic novel collection, services, and programs. The other is a Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant, for a library starting a new graphic novel service or program.

The release says recipients receive:

• A $3,000 programming and collection development grant.
• A collection of Will Eisner's works and biographies.
• A selection of the winners of the 2027 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, which will be announced at Comic-Con International in July 2027.
• $1,000 for professional development, as a travel stipend for a library representative to attend the 2027 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. The release says the representative will receive recognition there from the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation.

The applying librarian or their institution must be an ALA member. The grants are open to libraries across North America, including Canada and Mexico. Applications are due by midnight Central Time on Sunday, January 10, 2027. The release states that deadline twice.

What the foundation and the round table said

Nancy and Carl Gropper of the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation connect the grants to Eisner's advocacy. They said: "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 grants are administered by the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of ALA. GNCRT Past-President Shauntee Burns-Simpson said: "The Eisner Grants are a powerful investment in the libraries and library workers who bring comics to life for their communities. By supporting programming, collection development, and professional development, the grants recognize the many ways comics foster literacy, creativity, and connection. We are proud to help library workers build engaging, inclusive comics collections and experiences, while also providing opportunities for them to grow their expertise and strengthen the field of comics librarianship."

Where to apply

The release says the application and information are on the Will Eisner Grants for Libraries page. An FAQ has resources and examples for writing the application. The 2027 application form is the form the release links. The round table's own site is ala.org/gncrt. For questions, the release names Tina Coleman, GNCRT staff liaison, at ccoleman@ala.org.

Will Eisner, as the foundation describes him

The release's note on the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation says the foundation fosters innovation and creativity in graphic literature, sequential art, and comics, and encourages others to build on the legacy of Will Eisner (1917-2005). It says he broke new ground in visual narrative and the language of comics, and that he created The Spirit, John Law, Lady Luck, Mr. Mystic, Uncle Sam, Blackhawk, Sheena, and others. It says he is known for 17 graphic novels and three textbooks.

The round table says it supports library staff in collection development, programming, and advocacy for graphic novels and comics. The American Library Association's own note in the release describes ALA as the oldest and largest library association in the world.

Why it matters for libraries

The release is an open call, with a date on it. A library that wants money for graphic novel programs, a set of Eisner's books, a selection of the 2027 Eisner Award winners, and travel to ALA Annual in New Orleans has until midnight Central Time on Sunday, January 10, 2027. The applying librarian or the institution has to be an ALA member. The release does not say how many libraries have won since 2014, and it does not name the 2026 recipients. What it does specify is the two purposes, Growth and Innovation, and the $3,000 plus the books and the stipend.

Sources

• American Library Association, October 22, 2026: applications announcement
• Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table: Will Eisner Grants for Libraries
• Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table: Eisner Grants FAQ
• Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table: 2027 application form
• Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table: GNCRT