Today I'd like to take a moment to mention the wonder of libraries. For me, growing up in an unstable home during a turbulent time in America, the library was my sacred sanctuary. I discovered vast and enchanting worlds inside the pages of those books and I will forever be grateful to all those librarians who helped lead me down the path to the great world of literature.
You might not know this but all over the U. S. (and other countries as well) there are libraries that offer long and short term fellowships so that you, dear writer, artist, scholar, whatever you are, can do in-depth research. Many people who aren't affiliated with an academic institution are intimidated by some of these programs because they are housed in scary places like Harvard University or Yale. But fear not! If you have enough experience under your belt in the form of publications or musical compositions or whatever it is you do, you should feel more than welcome to apply as an "independent scholar" (unless, of course, the application states that you must have a PhD and you don't, so please read the application guidelines carefully!)
Below are just a couple that are offered among dozens and dozens throughout the U.S. Many of them even offer travel money and have extensive art collections. One to check out for the future (the deadline is passed at the moment) is the the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas, which annually awards over 50 fellowships to support research in all areas of the humanities, including literature, photography, film, art, the performing arts, music, and cultural history.
And to find more, just do a simple google search for "library fellowships 2013" and you are on your way. But first, before you scroll down to read about these opportunities, take a minute to watch this delightful video about one of the local libraries in my neck of the woods. It will remind you why you love libraries and why you need to keep supporting them any way you can. Enjoy!
Okay, here are a couple library fellowships for you....Happy Spring!
(LGBT) LGBT Visiting Scholars Program: Martin Duberman Visiting Scholars
Each year, The New York Public Library provides stipends for up to three Martin Duberman Visiting Scholars. The stipends support travel to New York City and related expenses to do research in the Library’s premier LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) history collections. The travel grants awarded range from $1,000 to $8,500. The program is limited to emerging scholars—those without permanent academic appointments—or those who are unaffiliated with an academic institution. Recipients must supply a written summary of their findings upon completion of their work. Interested applicants should send a 3–5 page research proposal specifying the relevant collections at the Library for their project, a draft budget and itinerary for their planned trip, a CV, and an appropriate letter of recommendation. Applications should be sent to: http://www.nypl.org/node/
Deadline is May 15th. Notice of awards will be sent beginning June 10th. If you have any questions about the program or the Library’s collections, please contact Jason Baumann, [email protected].
(CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS) Boston Public Library Children's Writer-in-Residence Program—The Associates of the Boston Public Library is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Children's Writer-in-Residence Program.
The Children's Writer-in-Residence program is intended to:
Applications are due May 15, 2012. Projects eligible for this program are fiction, non-fiction, a script, or poetry, intended for children or young adults. Illustrations may be combined with any of these formats, but are not required. The selected applicant will receive a $20,000 stipend and office space at the BPL's Central Library in Copley Square. The applicant must work a minimum of 20 hours per week at the BPL during the nine-month residency (September 4, 2012 through May 31, 2013.) To be eligible, the applicant must be a US citizen and cannot have published more than three books to-date. For further details or to apply, please download and submit the program guidelines and application form (PDF). more info here: http://www.bpl.org/general/
- Provide an emerging children's writer with the financial support and office space needed to complete one literary work
- Promote the awareness of young readers, families and teachers of the Boston Public Library and its resources, by establishing a living link between the Library and the community
- Draw attention to the importance of writers and writing in our culture, as well as the many free educational opportunities offered by the Boston Public Library
(ALL) Houghton Library Fellowships at Harvard University—Houghton Library is the principal rare book and manuscript library of Harvard College. The Library's holdings are particularly strong in the following areas: European, English, American, and South American literature, including the country's pre-eminent collection of American literary manuscripts; philosophy; religion; history of science; music; printing and graphic arts; dance; and theatre. Fellows will also have access to collections in Widener Library as well as to other libraries at the University. Preference is given to scholars whose research is closely based on materials in Houghton collections, especially when those materials are unique; fellowships are normally not granted to scholars who live within commuting distance of the library. Each fellow is expected to be in residence at Houghton for at least four weeks during the period from July 2013 through June 2014 (these do not have to be consecutive weeks), and each fellow is expected to produce a written summary of your experience working with the collection. The stipend for each fellowship is $3,000. Other than the Pantzer Fellowship, applicants need not apply for specific fellowships, as the Selection Committee would determine which fellowship is best suited to your research. For more info, go to: http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/houghton/public_programs/visiting_fellowships.cfm#awarded
(I'm not sure when the deadline is so please check the website for more info).
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