July 27, 2007

The Michigan Center for the Book (MCFB) has announced the grant recipients for its second granting period of 2007.  Libraries in Grand Haven, Harrisville, Ironwood, Royal Oak and Walloon Lake have each received MCFB grants to support a variety of programming, including author visits, one-book events and book festivals.

"One of our primary goals at the Michigan Center for the Book is to spread a love of literature and reading," said Karren Reish, MCFB coordinator.  "The grants make it possible for libraries in many different areas of the state to enhance their public events and programs, giving a wider variety of opportunities for patrons to discover and enjoy our state's impressive literary offerings."

Grant recipients include:

• Alcona County Library (Harrisville) - $257 for the Michigan Mega Mystery events with authors Judith Guest and M.G. Kincaid, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13
   
• Crooked Tree District Library (Walloon Lake) - $234 for its Aug. 7 author event, "An Evening with Carl Behrend"
   
• Ironwood Carnegie Library - $390 for its Sept. 29 one-book event using John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath"
   
• Loutit District Library (Grand Haven) - $390 for the Aug. 18 Grand Haven Area Book Festival
   
• Royal Oak Public Library** - $500 for its Writer in Residence Program, ongoing through the remainder of 2007
  

**an affiliate of the Michigan Center for the Book

The Michigan Center for the Book is a program of the Library of Michigan and its affiliates.  It is also the Michigan affiliate of the National Center for the Book at the Library of Congress.  The Center draws from the Library of Michigan and its affiliate institutions to encourage and produce programs and resources throughout the state that promote books, reading, authors and libraries.  Programs are local and statewide.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mcfb.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents 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.