Stu Abraham Named 2023 Kay Sexton Award Recipient
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, April 4, 2023 – The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library announced today that Stu Abraham is the winner of the 2023 Kay Sexton Award for his significant contributions to and leadership in Minnesota’s literary community. The award is presented annually to an individual or organization in recognition of longstanding dedication and outstanding work in fostering books, reading, and literary activity in Minnesota and is part of the 2023 Minnesota Book Awards, presented this year by sponsor Education Minnesota.
Stu Abraham has been sales representative for numerous publishers in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest for over 40 years. According to the Kay Sexton Award panelists, “Stu is an important player in the creation of Minnesota’s literary community in a position not often acknowledged, much less honored. Stu is not your average book rep, and is so instrumental in what we have today…a staple in the community.”
Before digital platforms and online commerce, when many Minnesota publishers were just getting their feet on the ground, panelists noted that Stu was “the platform” for introducing booksellers and readers to new titles from Coffee House Press, Graywolf Press, Lerner Publishing, Hungry Mind Press, Holy Cow Press, Redleaf Press, the vast and diverse offerings from Consortium Distribution, and many others. After his early years as a rep in the Chicago area, and then as a house rep for Publishers Group West, Stu settled in the Twin Cities, supporting the efforts of booksellers such as B. Dalton, Hungry Mind, Odegard Books in both Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and others that helped Minnesota become one of the leading literary communities in the country.
Stu formed Abraham Associates in 1992, representing marquee New York houses like Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Henry Holt, along with many from across the country, including Chronicle Books, Candlewick, and Grove Press. In the days when these familiar publishing outfits were still independent, Stu was the key to their presence in Minnesota. Abraham Associates soon added additional sales reps, covering the entire Midwest for its publishers, becoming one of the preeminent rep groups in the country.
According to nominators, Stu’s contributions to the Minnesota literary community go far beyond sales. He has been an essential bridge between publishers, distributors, and bookstores large and small throughout his career. Stu has gone above and beyond in helping young booksellers establish their businesses and has helped launch the careers of many fellow book reps.
He has also served as an unofficial agent, guiding many Minnesota authors in their efforts to find a publisher, work with bookstores, and build their careers. His advocacy on behalf of authors has always been pro bono and without regard for credit. But these authors know how invaluable Stu has been in getting their books on shelves and in the hands of readers. They have been inspired by Stu’s generosity of spirit and the intellectual curiosity he has exhibited for his entire career.
Panelists praised his impact. “Stu recognizes the love of books in others, and through countless encounters across the trade, from presenting a new season of titles, to connecting a deserving author with an in-store reading, to advising young booksellers on the ins-and-outs of running a bookstore, we have all benefitted as readers.”
Abraham will be honored at the 35th annual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony at the Ordway, Tuesday, May 2. Awards will also be presented to winners in nine book categories. The Preface begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at www.thefriends.org/mnba. The event will also be livestreamed. Registration for the free livestream is also at the above address. The official hashtag for social media is #mnbookawards.
About the Minnesota Book Awards:
The Minnesota Book Awards is a year-long program of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library that connects readers and writers throughout the state with the stories of our neighbors. The process begins in the fall with book submissions and continues through winter with two rounds of judging. Winners are announced at the Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony each spring. Woven throughout the season are events that promote the authors and connect the world of Minnesota books – writers, artists, illustrators, publishers, editors, and more – to readers throughout the state. In recognition of this and its other statewide programs and services, the Library of Congress has recognized The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the state’s designated Center for the Book. For more information visit thefriends.org/mnba.
About The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library:
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library acts as a catalyst for libraries to strengthen and inspire their communities. An independent, nonprofit organization established in 1945, The Friends invests in the Saint Paul Public Library through fundraising, advocacy, and programming; as a result, our Library is a nationally-recognized leader in serving its community. The Friends also serves libraries across the country through its consulting services, Library Strategies, and promotes literacy, reading, and libraries statewide as the Library of Congress’s designated Minnesota Center for the Book. For more information, contact The Friends at 651-222-3242 or visit thefriends.org.