Library of Virginia Literary Awards

The annual Library of Virginia Literary Awards honor Virginia writers and celebrate their contributions to the literary landscape of our state and nation. Given to Virginia authors in the categories of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction—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.
Make a donation in honor of the Literary Awards Celebration. Thank you!
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.
The Library also partners each year with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to present the Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award
We are now accepting nomination submissions for the 2023 Literary Awards (books published in 2022). Guidelines for nominations can be found here and may be submitted by completing the online form or may also be printed and mailed to: Library of Virginia, Attn: Office of the Librarian of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
Nomination submission forms for the 2023 Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award (books published in 2022) are now being accepted and can be found here; nominations will be accepted through March 15, 2023.
The 26th Annual Library of Virginia Awards Celebration will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.