Wilton Library Announces Its First Writer-In-Residence Program

WILTON, CT — Wilton Library has announced the inaugural year of The Cornerstone Writer-in-Residence Program.

The program provides an emerging or mid-career writer with financial support and office space to complete one manuscript within a 12-month period. The selected writer will receive a $30,000 stipend provided by the Wilton Library Endowment Fund. In addition to completing their manuscript, the writer-in-residence will lead a series of library programs for all ages and offer outreach visits to Wilton schools during their residency.

"We are thrilled to launch this new opportunity that gives writers essential tools that they need to meaningfully focus on their work: time, space, and funding. We believe strongly in the literary process, and in the impact that writers have on the lives of readers of all ages," said Caroline Mandler, executive director of Wilton Library in a news release.

The program is open to candidates working in any literary genre including but not limited to fiction, non-fiction, graphic novel, script, memoir, and poetry, for any audience (children, young adult, or adult). The winner will be selected by a committee that includes representatives from the library staff, Board of Trustees, and contributors to the Endowment Fund, as well as authors and publishers.

Applications are due by April 30, 2024. Application and more details are online here.

For more information, contact Caroline Mandler, executive director and Selection Committee chair at cmandler@wiltonlibrary.org.