Washington Center for the Book
The Washington Center for the Book promotes literacy, celebrates our state’s robust literary heritage, and highlights the way libraries and reading help strengthen communities and foster civic engagement. A joint partnership between the Washington State Library and The Seattle Public Library, the Center is also the state affiliate of the Center for the Book at the U.S. Library of Congress.
Washington State Book Awards
The Washington State Book Awards are given annually to honor works of outstanding literary merit by Washington authors. An award is given based on the strength of the publication's literary merit, lasting importance and overall quality.
The awards are administered by The Seattle Public Library and the Washington Center for the Book.
Find information on how to submit books to WSBA.
2021 Washington State Book Awards
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021: WA State Book Awards: E.J. Koh And 'The Magical Language Of Others'
Join us for a conversation with E.J. Koh, winner of the 2021 Washington State Book Award for Biography and Memoir, and Zola Mumford, librarian and Washington State Book Award judge.
View 'The Magical Language of Others' video
Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021: WA State Book Awards: 'Take A Stand: Art Against Hate, A Raven Chronicles Anthology'
The Washington Center for the Book and the Washington Library Association present "Take A Stand: Art Against Hate, A Raven Chronicles Anthology."
Thursday, Dec. 15, 2021: WA State Book Awards: Jennifer Longo and 'What I Carry'
Join us for Jennifer Longo, winner of the 2021 Washington State Book Award for Young Adult Literature, in conversation with journalist Claudia Rowe.
Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022: WA State Book Awards: Jess Walter discusses 'The Cold Millions'
Jess Walter, winner of the 2021 Washington State Book Award for Fiction, discusses "The Cold Millions."
View 'The Cold Millions" video
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022: WA State Book Awards: Clyde W. Ford discusses 'Think Black'
Clyde W. Ford, winner of the 2021 Washington State Book Award for Creative Nonfiction, discusses "Think Black" in this Washington Center for the Book event.
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022: Washington State Book Awards: Jennifer Haupt
Hear selections from writers who contributed to the award-winning book “Alone Together: Love, Grief, and Comfort in the Time of COVID-19,” edited by Jennifer Haupt.
View the "Alone Together" video
Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022: WA State Book Awards: Jennifer K. Mann discusses 'The Camping Trip'
Jennifer K. Mann, winner of the 2021 Washington State Book Award for Picture Books, reads “The Camping Trip” and discusses writing and illustrating for children with Erika Miller. Recorded on Jan. 11, 2022 (not a live program).
Tuesday, Mar. 8, 2022: WA State Book Awards: Sarah Kapit
Sarah Kapit, winner of the 2021 Washington State Book Award for Books for Young Readers, reads "Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!" and discusses writing for young readers.
The Sea in Winter
The Sea in Winter by Christine Day is Washington State's featured book at the 2021 National Book Festival. Find The Sea in Winter and other books by Day at your library! Day is an enrolled citizen of the Upper Skagit tribe.