The Library of Virginia Newsletter

February 2020 Newsletter

Library of Virginia Literary Award Nominations Due February 10

Attention authors! Nominations for the 2020 Library of Virginia Literary Awards must be submitted no later than February 10, 2020. You can fill out the submission form online but will need to send four copies of each nominated book by mail. Given to Virginia authors in the categories of fiction and poetry—and to nonfiction authors for works about a Virginia subject as well—the awards are presented at an annual gala celebration that has become the Library's signature event and an eagerly anticipated cultural tradition in Richmond.

Submissions are also being accepted for the Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award with a deadline of March 15, 2020. Instructions and a submission form can be downloaded here. The Kotz Award recognizes an outstanding book that is written primarily in response to a work (or works) of art while also showing the highest literary quality as a creative or scholarly work on its own merit. This unique award, established in 2013 by the Library of Virginia and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, is named in honor of Mary Lynn Kotz, a longtime contributing editor of ARTnews magazine and author of Rauschenberg: Art and Life, the award-winning biography of artist Robert Rauschenberg.

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Five Trailblazers Named 2020 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History

In observance of Black History Month, the Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy celebrate the achievements of five African American leaders during the eighth annual Strong Men & Women in Virginia History awards program. The program honors prominent African Americans past and present who have made noteworthy and admirable contributions to the commonwealth, the nation, and their professions.

This year's honorees are:
Marcus D. Williams | Attorney, Educator, and Musician, Fairfax County
Penny J. Franklin | Community Activist, Montgomery County
Joycelyn S. Harrison | Chemical Engineer and Inventor, Hampton
Kaci M. Easley | Government Official, Charles City County
Torrey Smith | Football Player and Philanthropist, Westmoreland County

Biographies of the honorees are displayed in an exhibition on the Library's second floor February 3rd through the 29th; featured on materials that have been sent to schools, libraries, and museums across Virginia; and included on an educational website for teachers and students. To learn more about these remarkable men and women, all of whom have used their talents and creativity to push for equality and inclusion in American society, visit our Strong Men & Women website. Further information about distinguished African Americans from Virginia can be found in the Dictionary of Virginia Biography

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We Love Our Donors!

In honor of Valentine's Day, the Library of Virginia extends a heartfelt thanks to our members and donors for their support. Thank you! Not sure what to get your Valentine this year? Consider a gift membership. Donations starting at $50 provide all the benefits that come with membership, including an annual print subscription to Broadside, our quarterly magazine; 10 percent off all purchases at the Virginia Shops; and invitations to special members-only events and programs. Whether it's time for you to renew or you want to join us for the first time, it's easy to donate. You can print and mail the form located on the Library's website, visit us online, or call Dawn Greggs at 804.692.3813.

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