Minnesota Book Awards - Call For 2025-26 Judges

While we’re on the subject of reading: If you are subscribed to this e-newsletter, you’re likely a Friend of the Library. And if you’re a Friend, it’s safe to assume you’re a fan of books and reading as well!

The Minnesota Book Awards is currently seeking reader-judges for the program’s 38th year (2025-26). Each year, more than 50 judges are involved in this evaluation process. Panels are comprised of Minnesotans from many walks of life who have interest in and aptitude for critical appraisal. Judges commonly include authors, editors, educators – and yes, librarians and Friends.

As in years past, evaluation takes place across nine genre categories: Poetry, Memoir & Creative Nonfiction, Genre Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade Literature, Children’s Literature, Novel & Short Story, General Nonfiction, and Minnesota Nonfiction.

For each category, adjudication takes place in two rounds: Preliminary and Final. Judges in both rounds will convene on Zoom – on Saturday, January 24 and Saturday, March 14, respectively.