The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library is delighted to announce the continuation of a Minnesota Book Awards initiative made possible by grants from the Minnesota Department of Education - Office of State Library Services and the Minnesota Library Foundation.

Effective immediately, Minnesota libraries and affiliated nonprofit library organizations are invited to apply for funding to host an author event or series featuring Minnesota Book Awards winners or finalists. The application deadline is Friday, May 23, 2008.

Your help in sharing this exciting opportunity with libraries and affiliated organizations in your network is greatly appreciated. A total of $6,000 is available for author events occurring between now and November 30, 2008. The maximum that may be requested for funding reimbursement by any one library or affiliated organization during this funding period is $500.

The application process is easy. Contact Ann Nelson at the Friends for a application materials. The application may be returned by email, fax, or mail. Applications are currently being accepted, and priority will be given to organizations not receiving funding reimbursement through this program within the last 12 months.

Organizations are encouraged to feature finalists or winners from the most recent Book Awards, although this isn't a requirement. A listing of 20^th annual Minnesota Book Awards winners and finalists is included as the third attachment. A complete listing of winners and finalists from throughout the Book Awards' 20 year history is available on The Friends' website, www.thefriends.org.

Please let me know if you have questions regarding this opportunity. I am available as a resource to applicant organizations needing author contact info and/or programming suggestions.
Thank you for your help in spreading the word about the available funding for Minnesota Book Awards Author Events. This is a great opportunity for us to work together in promoting and honoring Minnesota authors and books throughout the state.

Ann Nelson
MN Book Awards Coordinator
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
325 Cedar Street, Suite 555
Saint Paul, MN 55101-1055
Direct: (651)366-6497
Main: (651) 222-3242
Fax: (651) 222-1988
mnbookawards@thefriends.org
www.thefriends.org