Virginia Literary Awards

The 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.

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.

Also presented during the Virginia Literary Awards is the Honorary Patron of Letters Degree, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of history, library science, the literary arts or archival science.

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We are now accepting nomination submissions for the 2024 Literary Awards. Books published in 2023 qualify as submissions, assuming they meet all other criteria. Guidelines for 2024 Literary Awards nominations can be found here, and nominations may be submitted by completing the online form

Nomination submission forms for the 2024 Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award (books published in 2023) are now being accepted and can be found here; nominations will be accepted through March 15, 2024.