JK Rowling to receive PEN award for literary service

New York: J.K. Rowling's latest honor isn't only for her writing. The "Harry Potter" author is to receive the PEN/Allen Foundation Literary Service Award, PEN America told The Associated Press on Monday.

Rowling will receive her award May 16 at the group's annual spring gala. Previous winners include Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie and Tim Stoppard.

PEN cited Rowling's advocacy for free expression and her founding of the charitable trust Volant, which supports multiple sclerosis research and other causes, and her nonprofit organization, Lumos, which works to reconnect institutionalized children with their families.