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 readers' hands. Together, we distribute free copies of the winning book to community members, helping spark conversation, connection, and a shared love of literature.
Reservations are recommended—but not required. Reserving your book also gives you the option to sign up for future emails so you can stay in the loop on upcoming events, book conversations, and literary happenings.
Aspen Words Literary Prize Winner Announcement
Thursday, April 23 | New York City
Watch the livestream announcement and conversation with the finalists, moderated by The New York Times Book Review writer and editor, Elisabeth Egan.
Book Distribution Party
Wednesday, June 3 | 5:00pm-6:30pm | Dunaway Community Room
Join the Library and Aspen Words as we launch this year’s Community Read with an evening of books, conversation, and community. Pick up a free copy of the featured title, meet fellow readers, connect with Library and Aspen Words staff, and learn about upcoming Community Read events.
Enjoy live music, Paradise Bakery cookies, refreshments, raffle giveaways, and plenty of time to mingle with other book lovers. Whether you're a longtime Community Read participant or joining for the first time, this is a fun way to kick off a summer of reading together.
Aspen Piano Player
Live piano music will be provided by Frank Todaro, a beloved Aspen musician whose career spans more than five decades. After settling in the Roaring Fork Valley in the early 1970s, Frank became a fixture of the local music scene, performing everywhere from Aspen restaurants to community events. Known for his jazz interpretations and American standards, Frank brings a lifetime of musical experience, storytelling, and local history to every performance.
Learn more about the Book Distribution Party.
Book Discussion with the Lit Lounge Book Club
Wednesday, July 15 | 5:30pm-6:30pm | Dunaway Community Room
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
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
2018 Aspen Words Literary Prize Ceremony
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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.