Arizona Center for the Book
About the Arizona Center for the Book
The Arizona Center for the Book at the Arizona State Library sponsors programs that highlight the state's literary heritage and call attention to the importance of books, reading, literacy and libraries.
The Arizona Center for the Book is an affiliate of the National Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Starting in 1984, the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress began to establish affiliate centers in the 50 states. Today, there is a State Center for the Book in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Arizona Center for the Book at the Arizona State Library received its designation on January 2, 2004.
National Book Festival and Great Reads from Great Places
The Library of Congress National Book Festival is an annual literary event that brings together best-selling authors and thousands of book fans for author talks, panel discussions, broadcast specials and other activities. The Festival will be held September 3 & 4, 2022 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The Arizona Center for the Book will take its place as part of Great Reads from Great Places.
Our Great Read for 2022 is Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling.
“One girl sets out on a journey across the treacherous Arizona desert to rescue a young pilot stranded after a plane crash in this gripping story of survival, friendship, and rescue from a bestselling and award-winning author.”
Borrow a copy of Across the Desert through your local library today!
Download the Across the Desert Book Club Guide
Arizona Center for the Book Programs
Please click on any of the following links to find more information regarding the Arizona Center for the Book programs:
- Early Literacy Library Programs
- Literary Landmark
- Southwest Books of the Year
- Summer Reading Library Programs
- Writers in Residence in Libraries
Early Literacy Library Programs
Did you know that 90% of a child's brain develops by age five? The Arizona Center for the Book supports Early Literacy programs in libraries that help young children develop the skills they need to read during this foundational time for learning. By connecting with organizations like First Things First and Read On Arizona, the Arizona Center for the Book empowers parents and caregivers to be their child's first teacher and prepare children to read.
Visit your local library to learn more about early learning programs in your area.
Literary Landmark
A service of United for Libraries, a Literary Landmark™ is the designation for any special location in a community that is tied to a deceased literary figure, author or his or her work. Arizona's first Literary Landmark was dedicated in honor of author Barbara Park at the Cherokee Elementary School in Paradise Valley.
Southwest Books of the Year
Southwest Books of the Year highlights outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction that feature a southwestern setting or subject. The publication is produced by Pima County Public Library and the Arizona Center for the Book helps distribute up to 12,000 copies of the publication to public, tribal and academic libraries outside Pima County.
Summer Reading Library Programs
Informal and creative learning provided through summer library programs are more important than ever. They provide families the opportunity to stay engaged in learning even when schools are closed for summer. From curbside checkout, take and make kits, summer meals, to virtual programs and events -- libraries are meeting the diverse needs in their communities. In addition, libraries provide services in a variety of formats including virtual, in-person, and outreach programs. To learn about the creative summer programs that libraries across Arizona provide throughout the summer go to Reading Programs at Your Library page.
Writers in Residence in Libraries
The Writers in Residence program promotes writing in communities by connecting local, professional authors to serve as Writers in Residence at public libraries. Writers in Residence spend time at the library during their residency composing new works and providing education for community members.
The following libraries were awarded LSTA funds to host a Writers in Residence program:
- Chandler Public Library
- Mesa Public Library
- Pima County Public Library
- Tempe Public Library
For its 9th year, the Writers in Residence program has been aligned with the regular LSTA subgrant cycle. The following are the new guidelines and dates.
Important Dates
Grant Application Due: March 3, 2023
First Residency: Sept 1, 2023 – Nov 1, 2023
Second Residency: Feb 1, 2024 – April 1, 2024
Optional Third Residency: May 1, 2024 – July 1, 2024
Final Report Due: September 6, 2024
For more information, contact Donna Throckmorton at [email protected].
Writers in Residence in Libraries is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
