A recent grant will help The Friends connect more readers and writers throughout the state.
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library is thrilled to be the recipient of funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). NEA Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects across the country in the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017. Included in this announcement is an Art Works award to The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library for its “Readers Meet Writers” program. The NEA received 1,728 Art Works applications and will make 1,029 grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
“The arts reflect the vision, energy, and talent of America’s artists and arts organizations,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations such as The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, in serving their communities by providing excellent and accessible arts experiences.”
Through the “Readers Meet Writers” program, The Friends will present three author tours in greater Minnesota to increase awareness of work written by Minnesota authors. The program aims to increase engagement between readers and writers in the state through innovative programming and increase access to Minnesota Book Award-winning and finalist authors.
2017 programming dates and sites include:
July 20 – Minnesota Book Award Winners, Rochester Public Library
September 7 – Prized Writers with William Kent Krueger and Danielle Sosin, Virginia Public Library
September 14 – Music Meets Minnesota Lit, Grand Rapids Public Library
September 21 – Prized Writers with Lorna Landvik and Julie Schumacher, Rochester Public Library
October 12 – Music Meets Minnesota Lit, Douglas County Public Library
October 17 – Minnesota Book Award Winners, Fergus Falls Public Library
Stay tuned for more information on The Friends’ calendar.
About The Friends’ Programming
At The Friends, we invest in libraries so that they, and the communities they serve, thrive. One way we invest is by connecting people to experiences through a range of cultural programming in libraries. For over 25 years, we have offered programs that entertain, enrich, and nourish curious minds.
Our events are always open to the public and most are free. You can make an investment in the library simply by joining us at one of our upcoming programs.