The winners of the 2026 Libby Book Awards have been announced, showcasing outstanding literary achievements as selected by a panel of expert librarians across North America. The awards were unveiled during a live ceremony held in New York City on March 4, marking a significant milestone in the awards’ history by hosting its first in-person event.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/a-great-big-beautiful-life-atmosphere-sunrise-on-the-reaping-030426-c82643e955b742baa04ca3f077bd1dd5.jpg)
The Libby Book Awards honour exceptional books published in the previous calendar year, with categories spanning various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, romance, and children’s literature. This year’s event included the introduction of the Best Personal Growth category, recognising works that inspire transformation and self-improvement. Additionally, the Readers’ Choice Award made its debut, allowing the public to vote for their favourite read from the past year.
Jen Leitman, the Chief Marketing Officer at OverDrive, which operates the Libby app, commented on the award winners, stating, “The 2026 Libby Book Award winners highlight the incredible range of books, audiobooks and digital experiences that resonated with readers and libraries over the past year.” She added that the selections reflect both exceptional storytelling and the dedication of librarians committed to curating worthwhile reads for the community.
One notable winner was Rebecca Yarros, who received the title of Best Romantasy for her novel *Onyx Storm*. In her acceptance speech, Yarros expressed her gratitude towards librarians, highlighting their significant role in supporting readers and fostering community connections.
Among the winners of the 2026 Libby Book Awards are *Atmosphere* by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which took home the prize for Book of the Year in Adult Fiction. Meanwhile, *A Marriage at Sea* by Sophie Elmhirst was awarded Adult Nonfiction Book of the Year. The Young Adult Fiction category saw *Sunrise on the Reaping* by Suzanne Collins emerging victorious, further cementing her status as a prominent author in the genre.
The ceremony highlighted a range of categories and an array of talented authors. For instance, the Audiobook of the Year award went to *My Friends* by Fredrik Backman, while SenLinYu’s *Alchemised* was recognised as Debut Author of the Year. The Best Book Club Book was awarded to *Wreck* by Catherine Newman, with *Spent* by Alison Bechdel taking the prize for Best Comic/Graphic Novel.
In the realm of cookbooks, *Baking Across America* by B. Dylan Hollis emerged as the winner, showcasing the culinary talents showcased in literature. Other categories featured a rich diversity of creativity, including the Best Historical Fiction award going to *Isola* by Allegra Goodman and the Best Memoir & Autobiography awarded to *One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This* by Omar El Akkad.
Furthermore, the Best Personal Growth award was clinched by *We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life’s 20 Questions* by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle, which addresses vital life questions and offers insights for personal development. The Best Romance category recognised *These Summer Storms* by Sarah MacLean, affirming the genre’s enduring popularity among readers.
Not to be overlooked, the awards also included a vibrant selection of children’s literature. For the Best Picture Book, *Don’t Trust Fish* by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat, was awarded the title, capturing the imagination of young readers.
The live ceremony also featured prominent author appearances and the opportunity to experience recorded acceptance speeches from the winners. Those who missed the live event can catch the celebration, which was made available for viewing on March 7.
In summary, the 2026 Libby Book Awards not only celebrated remarkable literary works but also highlighted the important role that librarians play in promoting reading and enhancing access to literature. With an array of genres and formats represented, the event showcased the richness of storytelling that continues to inspire readers of all ages.