RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – The Library of Virginia has announced that nominations are being accepted for the 2026 Virginia Literary Awards that honor excellence in fiction, nonfiction, poetry and children’s literature. The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2026. 

For nearly three decades, the Virginia Literary Awards has honored Virginia writers and celebrated their contributions to the literary landscape of the Commonwealth and the nation. Eligible books must have been written by a Virginia author or, for nonfiction books, have a Virginia-related theme. For the children’s literature award, in partnership with William & Mary Libraries, picture books and middle-grade works for reading levels up to age 12 are eligible. All books must have been published in 2025.

Virginia authors are defined as writers meeting one or more of the following qualifications: native-born Virginians, authors whose permanent residence is in Virginia, and authors who spent their formative years in Virginia and are widely identified as Virginians. Past winners include David Baldacci, Geraldine Brooks, Rita Dove, John Grisham, Barbara Kingsolver, Beth Macy and Tom Wolf.

Each award winner will receive a $2,500 monetary prize. To learn more, find submission guidelines and a nomination form at https://lvafoundation.org/nominations.

The finalists will be selected in summer 2026. The winners will be announced in fall 2026 at the Virginia Literary Awards, an annual gala celebration that has become the Library’s signature event and an eagerly anticipated cultural tradition in Richmond.

Learn more about the Virginia Literary Awards at https://www.lva.virginia.gov/events/litawards.

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ABOUT THE VIRGINIA LITERARY AWARDS 

In 1997, the Library of Virginia established its annual Virginia Literary Awards program to honor Virginia writers and celebrate their contributions to the literary landscape of our state and nation. Given to Virginia authors in the categories of fiction and poetry — and to nonfiction and children’s literature authors for works about a Virginia subject as well — the awards are presented at an annual celebration that has become the Library’s signature event and an eagerly anticipated cultural tradition in Richmond. While the main award recipients are selected by independent panels of judges, the Library also invites book lovers and readers to vote for their favorite works for the People’s Choice Awards for Fiction and Nonfiction. In addition, the Library presents its highest honor, the Patron of Letters degree, during this event. In the past, the Library has also bestowed a Literary Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize the enduring influence of an outstanding Virginia writer, with past winners including Earl Hamner, Lee Smith, Jan Karon, Tom Robbins, Charles Wright, Barbara Kingsolver, Rita Dove, John Grisham, Tom Wolfe and David Baldacci. 

ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA AND THE FOUNDATION

The Library of Virginia is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. The Library’s collections, containing more than 134 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. Our online resources draw nearly 2 million website visits per year, and our on-site records, exhibitions and events bring in thousands of visitors annually. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov. 

The Library of Virginia Foundation supports the Library of Virginia and its mission by raising private financial support, managing its endowment, and helping to bring Virginia’s history and culture to life. Learn more at lvafoundation.org.