Virginia Literary Awards

The 26th Virginia Literary Awards Celebration will be celebrated on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

The annual 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.

Support the Annual Literary Awards

There are many ways for individuals and groups to attend the awards gala, from purchasing single tickets to sponsoring a table.

Table hosts and other individual sponsorships are available for the Virginia Literary Awards.

Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award

Thank you for your interest in the 2023 Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award. This year’s winner is Hans Luijten for his book Jo van Gogh-Bonger: The Woman Who Made Vincent Famous. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the annual Kotz lecture at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is cancelled on Friday, October 13. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you would like to purchase the book, please visit the Virginia Shop to order your copy of Jo van Gogh-Bonger: The Woman Who Made Vincent Famous. 

Vote for the People's Choice Awards

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 in the People’s Choice Awards. 

Voting for the 2023 People’s Choice Awards has closed. The winners will be announced at the Virginia Literary Awards on October 14, 2023.

Thank you to our sponsors to date!

Presenting Sponsor

Celebration Sponsor

Carole and Marcus Weinstein 

Award Sponsors

Table Sponsors

C. Paul Brockwell Jr. and Kevin Corn

Maya Castillo

Katherine Neville

Sandra G. Treadway and Jon Kukla

Steve and Kathy Rogers

Troutman Pepper

Virginia Humanities

Supporting Sponsors

Blue Edge Capital, LLC

Robin Baliles

Liz and Preston Bryant

Mary C. Flinn

Marc and Janna Leepson

Anna M. Moser and Peter B. Schwartz

Joseph Aaron Papa and John-Stuart Fauquet

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