The Library Company of Philadelphia First Book Award
This award recognizes a first-time author whose book uses the Library Company’s collections to make a significant scholarly contribution to American studies, especially by uncovering overlooked aspects of history and culture.
Funder: Library Company of Philadelphia
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Award amount not specified; honor recognizes outstanding first books in American studies.
Summary: Recognizes an author’s first published book that makes an extraordinary contribution to American studies through significant research in the Library Company’s collections.
Description
The Library Company of Philadelphia First Book Award honors an author whose first published book makes a significant contribution to American studies, with a particular focus on research conducted using the Library Company’s collections. This biennial award highlights scholarship that illuminates previously understudied aspects of American history and culture, often recovering voices and perspectives that have been overlooked or marginalized. Supported by Maria and Radclyffe Thompson, the award seeks to promote the impact of primary source research and scholarship that deepens our understanding of the American experience.
