30 Years of Stories
The goal of the Minnesota Book Awards program is to connect readers and writers across our state. We are so pleased to kick off the 30th anniversary season of this year-long engagement program, with book submissions and judge applications now open. Finalists will be announced at the end of January, and winners are revealed at the April Awards Ceremony. Follow us on social media throughout the fall and spring to learn more about the history – and the future – of this beloved program, and for a chance to win tickets to the spring Ceremony.
A Statewide Role in Promoting Reading
In recognition of our statewide work with the Minnesota Book Awards program, the Library of Congress designated The Friends as the Center for the Book in Minnesota. The Center for the Book is a national initiative to promote reading, literacy, and libraries, with Centers in all 50 states, plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In this role, The Friends produces dynamic programs that benefit all ages and reach all corners of Minnesota.
This year for the first time, The Friends received legislative funding from the State of Minnesota through a grant to the Minnesota Department of Education to fulfill our role as Center for the Book. This means that for the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Minnesota Book Awards program, The Friends will be able to connect even more readers and writers around our state.
With that goal in mind, The Friends is currently facilitating an arts tour that’s taking Minnesota Book Award winners and finalists to libraries throughout Greater Minnesota for discussions, readings, and even some musical pairings. Visit our events page to see the line-up.