Up to 20 outstanding teachers and librarians from around the country will be invited to join the 2023 Key West Literary Seminar, Jan. 12-15. Seminar coordinators seek a diverse group of individuals who are making positive impacts upon readers in their communities, and hope that participation in the Key West literary community will inspire fresh engagement with literature in schools and libraries.
Scholarships cover the entire $675 registration fee and offset the cost of lodging, as needed. Upon request, the seminar will also provide a letter to employers encouraging financial support for travel expenses.
Each year’s seminar explores a particular literary theme. The 40th annual event’s theme is “Singing America: A Celebration of Black Literature.” It will feature some of the most dynamic writers of our time for a celebration of contemporary black literature and African-American literary history. The seminar will take place in the Coffee Butler Amphitheater at the Truman Waterfront Park in Key West. Confirmed speakers include Hilton Als, Jericho Brown, Victor La Valle, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, Deesha Philyaw, Emily Raboteau and Kevin Young. Additional presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 2023 class of scholarship recipients will gain exposure to contemporary authors and texts; expand their professional network of teachers, librarians and writers; and may be inspired to bring new ideas to the institutions and communities they serve. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2022. More information is at kwls.org.
