FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Library Network’s Book & Author Society Announces Return of Grant Program and Welcomes Bestselling Author Marjan Kamali This September NOVI, Mich. – The Book & Author Society (BAS) is proud to share two exciting announcements with Michigan’s library community: the return of its small grant program and an upcoming “In Conversation” event featuring award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Marjan Kamali. For the first time since 2020, BAS will award one public library in Michigan a $1,000 Collection Grant intended to help launch or enhance a circulating collection. The grant is designed to increase patron engagement by supporting collections that reflect diverse community needs. Libraries are encouraged to apply with proposals ranging from expanding world language materials and graphic novel collections to enhancing digital resources such as audiobooks. Applications for the Collection Grant will open June 1, 2026, and close July 13, 2026, with the selected library notified in late July. The grant will be formally presented on September 14, 2026, during BAS’s author event featuring Marjan Kamali. Additional details, including the application link and evaluation rubric, will be shared in late May. Information and links can also be found on [ http://bookandauthor.org/ | bookandauthor.org ] . Book and Author Society Event – September 14, 2026 BAS’s September 14, 2026 author event follows the Society’s highly successful 2025 relaunch featuring author Kate Quinn, which drew more than 450 attendees. This fall, the event will be once again be held at Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center and will feature a captivating evening of conversation with Kamali. Kamali, author of the instant national bestseller The Lion Women of Tehran and the internationally acclaimed novel The Stationery Shop , has earned global recognition with her work, published in more than 25 languages. A recipient of the 2022 National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship, she will join Cathy Russ, Director of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library and Chair of the BAS Committee, for a candid discussion followed by a book signing. Just like last year, Book and Author Society and The Library Network invite area public libraries to feature one of Marjan Kamali’s books as a selection for their book clubs. Many book clubs used BAS’s in-person event last year as an outing after reading a Kate Quinn book. Even if you don’t choose to involve your book club, we would appreciate you posting one of the attached flyers after May 11. Event registration opens May 11 , with early bird tickets priced at $30 and general admission at $35 after August 17. Proceeds from ticket sales help fund BAS programming and grant opportunities for Michigan libraries. Tickets will be available at [ http://www.bookandauthor.org/ | www.bookandauthor.org ] Please visit bookandauthor.org for more information. The September event is generously sponsored by Hoopla Digital. Kelly Bennett (she/her/hers) Contract Services Coordinator The Library Network kbennett@tln.org (248) 536-3100 ext.147 Kelly Bennett (she/her/hers) Contract Services Coordinator The Library Network kbennett@tln.org (248) 536-3100 ext.147