The Newberry Library and the Pattis Family Foundation are teaming up for a new annual book award to honor published works that "transform public understanding of Chicago, its history and its people."
The award, officially called the Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award at the Newberry Library, will be presented for the first time in July 2022 and come with a $25,000 prize. Work in a range of genres, including history, biography, social sciences, poetry, drama, graphic novels and fiction, will be eligible, and the award will not be limited by discipline or time period. Nominations can be made by authors, publishers or members of the general public.
"Our goal in this partnership with the Pattis Family Foundation is to bring attention to books that reflect the Newberry's mission of supporting inquiry and learning across the humanities," said Daniel Greene, the Newberry Library's president and librarian. "The Newberry encourages all readers to use our collections and experience our programs and exhibitions. This book prize will embody the same openness and accessibility by considering a range of publications that help audiences see Chicago in new ways. We’re grateful to the Pattis Family Foundation for their vision and their generosity."
"The Pattis Family Foundation is delighted to partner with the Newberry to celebrate and honor a book annually that deepens the understanding and appreciation of Chicago, its history, and its people," said Lisa Pattis, director of the Pattis Family Foundation and Newberry trustee. "We believe the Newberry, with its commitment to advancing the collective understanding of our city and its role in the world, is ideally situated to highlight exceptional books that help us understand Chicago from unique and different vantage points. We look forward to a long and productive partnership which will draw attention to the great work of the Newberry as well as the authors receiving the awards."
During the award presentation next summer, recipients will present a lecture or participate in a discussion about their book. More information about the award can be found here.