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, children's literature, 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.

Nominations have closed for the 2024 Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry and Children's Literature Awards and the Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award.