You might hear books and authors described as “award-winning,” but how many book awards can you name? Did you know there are multiple awards given out each year to books written for adults, young adults, and children? Chillicothe Public Library is the place to access many of these pieces of great literature for free, and also to learn which titles have won awards in some of your favorite genres.

Some awards may be more familiar than others. Most people have heard of the Newbery Medal or the National Book Award. However, some awards are more “niche,” in that they recognize excellence within a specific genre, like the Edgar Award, which honors the best in mystery fiction, and the Hugo Award for science fiction and fantasy. Many book awards are given to both children’s and young adult titles, especially for highlighting quality representation of a cultural group. For example, the Coretta Scott King award honors outstanding books by African American authors and illustrators. A few exceptional titles have garnered multiple awards within a given year. 

Seeking out award-winning books can be an easy way to find your next great read. For example, if you loved an Audie award-winning audiobook, you may enjoy other books that earned the same honor. In that spirit, readers of all ages are encouraged to sign up for the Spring Reading Challenge this March and April. Read three books that have each won a different award to win a prize from the challenge sponsor, Picket Fence! Library staff will help you out by providing a list of some of the major awards and titles that have been honored, and by displaying award-winning titles throughout the library.

When you are at the library in March, you can also vote in the March Madness brackets, featuring the most popular books checked out in 2024 for adults, teens, and children. Vote for your favorite titles each week, then come back the next week to see which books moved on! Winners will be announced at the end of March. 

Whether it’s checking out award-winners in our collection, or voting for your favorite book of the past year, everyone wins at Chillicothe Public Library! Drop by at 430 N. Bradley Ave., call us at 309-274-2719, visit chillipld.org, or catch us on social media.