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National Book Award Week

Get ready to dive into a week full of literary greatness as we celebrate the best books of the year during National Book Award Week!

Saturday

7–13

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENovember 7-13

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYBooks

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate National Book Award Week from Nov. 7-14! This week-long celebration has been a tradition since 1950, when it was first established by the National Book Foundation to honor outstanding literary works and their authors. Whether you're a bookworm or simply appreciate a good read, this is the perfect time to discover new books and authors, attend readings and book signings, or even participate in book clubs with fellow literature lovers. So let's all come together and celebrate the power of words during this exciting week dedicated to books!

TIMELINE

National Book Award Week Timeline

Inception of National Book Awards

The National Book Foundation established the National Book Awards to celebrate and recognize outstanding literary works.

Introduction of Category System

The National Book Awards introduced categories, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and young people's literature.

Goethe Medal for Art Spiegelman

Art Spiegelman became the first graphic novel artist to win a National Book Award, highlighting the importance of diverse literature forms.

Lifetime Achievement Award Instituted

The National Book Foundation introduced a lifetime achievement award to honor authors who have had a significant impact on the literary community.

Establishment of International Literature Award

The National Book Awards introduced the International Literature Award to recognize contributions to literature from around the world.

Digital Book Category Added

Reflecting advancements in technology, a new category for digital literature was added to the awards.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Book Award Week

Host a book club meeting

Gather your friends and family who love to read and have a book club meeting during National Book Award Week. Choose a book that has won a previous National Book Award and discuss it over some snacks and drinks.

ATTEND

Attend a book reading or signing

Check your local bookstore or library for any book readings or signings by authors who have won a National Book Award. This is a great opportunity to meet and support talented writers.

CREATE

Create a book-themed scavenger hunt

Get creative and design a scavenger hunt based on books that have won National Book Awards. Hide clues in different locations and have participants solve them to find the next clue leading to the final prize.

DONATE

Donate books to a local school or library

Celebrate National Book Award Week by giving back to your community. Donate books that have won National Book Awards to a local school or library to inspire a love for reading in others.

CREATE

Create a book-inspired menu

Get creative in the kitchen and design a menu inspired by books that have won National Book Awards. Have fun with it and try dishes from different cultures and time periods.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Book Award Week is Important

It inspires a love for reading in people of all ages

By shining a spotlight on exceptional writers and their works, National Book Award Week can inspire people of all ages to pick up a book and discover the joys of reading. It also provides a platform for promoting literacy and the importance of reading in our society.

It celebrates literature and the power of books

The National Book Award Week is a time to recognize and honor the incredible work of authors and their impact on our lives. Books have the ability to transport us to different worlds, expand our knowledge and understanding, and inspire us in countless ways.

It promotes diversity and inclusivity in literature

The National Book Award includes categories for fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and young people's literature, ensuring that a wide range of voices and perspectives are represented. This not only celebrates diversity in literature but also encourages readers to expand their reading horizons.

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