Applications are open for the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) Banned Books Week Grants, offered through the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund. Each year FTRF distributes grants to non-profits to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during the annual Banned Books Weeks celebration (Sept. 24 - 30, 2017). Libraries, schools, universities and community organizations are encouraged to apply. Grants are awarded at two levels: $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is May 12, 2017. Banned Books Week Grants provide a wide variety of groups with a way to use creativity and fun to shed light on seldom discussed topics. To see examples of the organizations and projects that past recipients have created, and to apply, please visit the grants page of the FTRF website http://www.ftrf.org/?page=Krug_BBW . To be eligible for a grant, organizations must not have been a recipient of an FTRF grant within the past five years. Grantees also receive an ALA 2017 Banned Books Week Promo-Kit, as well as wide promotion and recognition through FTRF. FTRF Founder Judith F. Krug was a fierce proponent of education and intellectual freedom. During Krug's lengthy career, she worked non-stop to prevent censorship and protect First Amendment rights. Librarians and intellectual freedom advocates have an opportunity to continue this work and stand up for the First Amendment by providing innovative and educational programming to highlight Banned Books Week. Visit the Freedom to Read Foundation website http://www.ftrf.org/ to learn more about past projects or to apply. Contact FTRF staff at FTRF@ala.org or 312-280-4226 with questions. ---------------------- Shannon White Library of Michigan www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan> 517.373.9489 Whites29@michigan.gov