Ohioana Library Association

The Ohioana Library is pleased to announce the finalists for the 85th annual Ohio Book Awards. First given in 1942, the awards are the second oldest state literary prizes in the nation and honor outstanding works by Ohio authors and illustrators in six categories: Fiction, Poetry, Juvenile Literature, Middle Grade Literature, Young Adult Literature, and Nonfiction. The seventh category, Book About Ohio or an Ohioan, may include books by non-Ohio authors.

Nearly every major writer from Ohio in the past 80 years has been honored, including James Thurber, Robert McCloskey, Toni Morrison, Mary Oliver, Rita Dove, Hanif Abdurraqib, Anthony Doerr, Celeste Ng, Edmund White, Virginia Hamilton, and many more.

Seven of the Ohio Book Award winners, as well as the Marvin Grant recipient, are selected by juries. The Readers’ Choice Award is determined by voters in a public online poll. Over 3,500 votes were cast for 2025's Readers’ Choice Award.

This year's finalists include literary superstars as well as debut authors. Our finalists come from all over the state and include native Ohioans and lifelong residents, as well as writers who no longer live here, but whose time in Ohio continues to be a deep influence on their writing and careers.

See the full list and learn more here: https://www.ohioana.org/programs/ohio-book-awards/

We can't wait for Gramercy Book Club’s June pick! The Bluest Eye, the first novel written by American author Toni Morrison was published in 1970. This book club program is the second of three of Morrison’s novels that Gramercy Books will be exploring in 2026 in partnership with Ohioana Library as part of a statewide initiative celebrating Morrison’s indelible impact. Poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib will facilitate the group discussion.

This event is sold out, but has many other exciting events this summer, including their August Book Club with Hasan Jeffries! See their website for details.

Eric Gnezda launches his memoir with an interview from journalist and former NPR host, Ann Fisher, readings and performances with virtuoso violinist Arkadiy Gips. His book covers his early years in Worthington through the present, including his creation of the PBS music series, Songs at the Center. Join us for stories of familiar faces and places.

In partnership with the McConnell Arts Center, Worthington Libraries, Prologue Bookshop, and the Ohioana Library, tomorrow May 21 at 7pm!

https://ci.ovationtix.com/36926/performance/11777277

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our “100 Years of Ohio Authors” program celebrating 2005! It was a wonderful event filled with writing wisdom and nostalgic stops on memory lane.

A special thank you to authors Amanda Flower and Patricia Sargeant who led the conversation. Amanda and Patricia discussed historic Ohio author Karen Harper’s multiple book series and legacy, Amanda’s inspirations and creative process writing across her own numerous book series, and how Ohio influenced these authors’ themes and stories.

As a longtime friend of the Ohioana Library, Karen Harper donated many books and materials to the collection throughout her career. Ohioana staff shared unique treasures with the virtual audience including signed books, photos and cards, promotional items throughout the decades, foreign editions of books, and even some of Harper’s books on audiocassette!

Thank you also for providing grant funding for the “100 Years of Ohio Authors” series! We are so grateful to our partners and sponsors for helping us bring programs spotlighting Ohio authors and illustrators to the community!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our “100 Years of Ohio Authors” program celebrating 1995! It was a rejuvenating and memorable evening of virtual literary fun!

A special thank you to poet and author Aimee Nezhukumatathil and Holly Brians Ragusa, President of Ohio Poetry Association, who led the conversation. Aimee and Holly discussed historic Ohio poet Mary Oliver’s works and legacy, as well as Aimee’s books, inspirations, and creative process. The evening included live poetry readings, too!

Ohioana staff shared rare items from the library's archives on camera featuring Mary Oliver including signed books, photos, and Mary’s original biographical form from 1965.

Thank you also for providing grant funding for the “100 Years of Ohio Authors” series and Ohio Poetry Association for partnering with us on this event! We are so grateful to our partners and sponsors for helping us bring programs spotlighting Ohio authors and illustrators to the community!

May is just around the corner, and it's time to get ready from the next event in our “100 Years of Ohio Authors” series sponsored by !

Celebrate the year 2005 with a program featuring historic Ohio author Karen Harper and her Amish mystery book Dark Angel. Contemporary author Amanda Flower will discuss this classic work, her new book Truffle Trouble, and writing mysteries with author Patricia Sargeant.

We hope you’ll join us for this FREE virtual event on May 5 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom! You can register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/100-years-of-ohio-authors-2005-karen-harper-and-amanda-flower-tickets-1987535167188?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Join us for the next event in our “100 Years of Ohio Authors” series sponsored by !

On June 24 at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom, we’ll explore 2015’s historic novel God Help the Child and the legacy of Toni Morrison. Contemporary author and professor Thrity Umrigar will discuss this classic work, her new book Missing Sam, and writing realistic fiction with LC Johnson, Founder and CEO of Zora’s House. You won’t want to miss this finale event in our “100 Years of Ohio Authors” series!

The event is free (with a suggested $10 donation to support our work). You can register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988120680474/preview/?aff=oddtdtcreator

We’re one week away from the next event in our “100 Years of Ohio Authors” series sponsored by !

Celebrate the year 1995—and National Poetry Month—with a program featuring historic Ohio poet Mary Oliver and her book Blue Pastures. Contemporary poet and author Aimee Nezhukumatathil will discuss this classic work, her new book Night Owl, and the art of writing poetry with Holly Brians Ragusa, President of Ohio Poetry Association.

We hope you’ll join us for this FREE virtual event on April 27 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom! You can register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/100-years-of-ohio-authors-1995-mary-oliver-and-aimee-nezhukumatathil-tickets-1986848202458?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Hi everyone! We have an important update for the "100 Years of Ohio Authors: 1995 - Mary Oliver and Aimee Nezhukumatathil" virtual event:

The start time for this program has been updated to 6:00 PM ET on Monday, April 27. The program will now begin at 6:00 PM and end at 7:00 PM.

Don't forget to register for this FREE program at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/100-years-of-ohio-authors-1995-mary-oliver-and-aimee-nezhukumatathil-tickets-1986848202458?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you virtually on April 27!

Join us for the next event in our “100 Years of Ohio Authors” series sponsored by !

On May 5 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom, we’ll investigate 2005’s historic Amish mystery Dark Angel written by Karen Harper. Contemporary author Amanda Flower will discuss this classic work, her new book Truffle Trouble, and writing mysteries with author Patricia Sargeant.

The event is free (with a suggested $10 donation to support our work). You can register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/100-years-of-ohio-authors-2005-karen-harper-and-amanda-flower-tickets-1987535167188?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true