Library Spotlight: Winter 2023 Literacy Events, Applications & Awards

a large version of “little free libraries” — where passersby may leave or take a free book — in the courtyard of Triangle Park in downtown Lexington, Kentucky

Literary and literacy lovers have a lot to get excited about during the next several weeks thanks to the Library of Congress.

National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

Read this interview with the eighth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Meg Medina, then watch a recording of her January 24 inauguration.

Then, to learn more about Meg Medina and her role as the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, please visit the ambassador announcement, this Library of Congress Blog post, or one of the following research guides: Meg Medina, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Meg Medina, Embajadora Nacional de Literatura Juvenil.

Library of Congress Literacy Awards Overview

Through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program honors non-profit organizations and programs that have made outstanding contributions to increasing literacy in the United States or abroad. The awards are intended to draw public attention to the importance of literacy and the need to promote literacy and encourage reading, as well as to encourage the continuing development of innovative methods for combating illiteracy and the wide dissemination of the most effective practices.

Library of Congress Literacy Awards 2023 Applications & 2022 Awards

The 2023 Literacy Awards Application is open now through March 1. To learn more, carefully review the Literacy Awards application page, which includes links to the application form and instructions. Additionally, potential applicants are encouraged to register for and attend the 2023 Literacy Awards online information session on February 2 at 1:00 pm ET.

2022 Library of Congress Literacy Award Winners  Events & Resources

Library of Congress Literacy Awards Prizes

  • The David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000) is awarded for an outstanding and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels to an organization, based either inside or outside the United States, which has demonstrated exceptional and sustained depth in its commitment to the advancement of literacy. The organization will meet the highest standards of excellence in its operations and services.
  • The American Prize ($50,000) is awarded to an organization based in the United States for making a significant and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels in the U.S. or the national awareness of the importance of literacy.
  • The International Prize ($50,000) is awarded to an organization that is based either inside or outside the United States for their significant and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels in a country other than the U.S.
  • Successful Practices Honorees ($5,000): Each year up to 15 organizations that apply in the three major prize categories are recognized for their successful implementation of a specific literacy practice.

Library of Congress Literacy Awards Winners & Honorees 2013-2022

Since 2013, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program has awarded more than $3 million in prizes to more than 150 institutions in 38 countries.