2026 Aspen Words Literary Prize & Community Read
The Community Read, presented by Aspen Words and the Pitkin County Library, strives to celebrate literature, unite readers around a work of fiction, and ignite meaningful conversation on the vital social issues explored in each year's Aspen Words Literary Prize winning novel and those nominated.
Each year, after the Aspen Words Literary Prize is announced, Aspen Words and the Library team up to put these great stories into reader's hands. Together we distribute 230 free copies of the winning book to community members, helping spark conversation, connection, and a shared love of literature.
Aspen Words Literary Prize Livestream Party
TBA | 5:00pm-6:00pm | Dunaway Community Meeting Room
Who will win the 2026 Aspen Words Literary Prize? Join us to watch the awards ceremony in real-time!
Attendees at the Library’s viewing party will be able to delight in the evening’s most exciting aspects: a conversation with the finalist authors and the live announcement of the $35,000 prize winner.
Enjoy light refreshments, mingle, and find out who will win this year's Literary Prize as it is announced at the Morgan Library in New York City. Refreshments and snacks will be available, along with a chance to win a raffle prize! All attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for a free copy of the winning book, which will be featured in the 2026 Community Read this summer.
Stay after the prize is announced and discuss your favorite book from the 2026 Longlist.
Book Distribution Party
TBA | 5:00pm-6:00pm | Library Reading Deck
Join us for the Community Read Book Distribution Party!
Celebrate the joy of reading and community as we come together to kick off the Community Read program! Pick up a free copy of this year's featured book and connect with fellow readers. Whether you're a lifelong book lover or new to the program, this event is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a great story and share the experience with others. Enjoy light refreshments, exciting giveaways, and an evening filled with literary fun. Don’t miss out—come and be a part of the community-wide reading adventure!
Book Discussion with the Lit Lounge Book Club
TBA | 5:00pm-6:00pm | Library Reading Deck
Welcome to The Lit Lounge, a book club inspired by the thought-provoking novels associated with the local literary center, Aspen Words. Read this month's novel through the Library's collection and join other literature lovers to discuss.
For the July meeting, we will discuss the 2026 Community Read and Aspen Words Literary Prize winner.
Previous Community Read Books
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
2025 Aspen Words Literary Prize Ceremony
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
2024 Aspen Words Literary Prize Ceremony
Isabella Hammad Author Talk with Aspen Public Radio
The Haunting of Hajji Hotak and Other Stories by Jamil Jan Kochai
2023 Aspen Words Literary Prize Ceremony
Jamil Jan Kochai Author Talk with Aspen Public Radio
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
2022 Aspen Words Literary Prize Ceremony
Dawnie Walton Author Talk with Aspen Public Radio
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
2021 Aspen Words Literary Prize Ceremony
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
2020 Aspen Words Literary Prize Ceremony
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
2019 Aspen Words Literary Prize Ceremony
............................................................
Aspen Words was founded in 1976 as a literary center based in Aspen, CO. A program of the Aspen Institute, its mission is to encourage writers, inspire readers and connect people through the power of stories. The Aspen Words Literary Prize is a $35,000 annual award for an influential work of fiction that illuminates a vital contemporary issue and demonstrates the transformative power of literature on thought and culture. Open to authors of any nationality, the award is one of the largest literary prizes in the United States and one of the few focused exclusively on fiction with a social impact. The inaugural award was presented in 2018 to Mohsin Hamid for his novel Exit West.