This announcement is being sent to several lists. Please excuse any duplication. The Metro-Detroit Book & Author Society is pleased to announce that the following two (2) grants are available: the Mary J. Ritter Literacy Award, and the James C. Dance Award for the Performing Arts. Information about these grants is below. The grants will be presented at the Spring 2014 Book & Author Luncheon on Monday, May 19, 2014, at Burton Manor in Livonia. The winners will receive two (2) free tickets to the Spring 2014 luncheon and must be present to receive the grant. Grant winners are required to submit a 22'' x 28" project report poster showing how the grant was used to be displayed at the Fall 2014 luncheon. Application forms with instructions and reporting requirements are attached. Applications are due on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. Completed applications should be sent by either email or U.S. mail to the address listed on the application forms. 1. Mary J. Ritter Literacy Award: $1000. This grant is awarded to assist in supporting a library or organization that promotes literacy. Libraries and literacy organizations in the metropolitan-Detroit area are eligible to apply. The award honors the late Mary J. Ritter, a past president of the Metro-Detroit Book & Author Society Board and an unwavering supporter of the society for forty years. Mrs. Ritter was a founder of the Metro-Detroit Book & Author Society and an organizer of the first Book & Author Luncheon in 1972. 2. James C. Dance Award for the Performing Arts: $1000. This grant is given to improve a library's performing arts collection, or to establish and/or expand a program that advances or celebrates any of the performing arts. Public and academic libraries in the metropolitan-Detroit area are eligible to apply. The award honors the late James C. Dance, a founder of the Metro-Detroit Book & Author Society and its Master of Ceremonies for 19 luncheons. Mr. Dance retired from the Detroit Public Library as Public Relations Coordinator. For more information, please see the application forms or the society's website: www.bookandauthor.info Laurel -- Laurel Brandt TLN Representative to the Metro-Detroit Book & Author Society Board Adult Services Reference Librarian Milford Public Library 330 Family Drive Milford, MI 48381 248-684-0845 x304 www.milfordlibrary.info lbrandt at milfordlibrary dot info