Popular library app Libby is set to launch its inaugural Libby Book Awards, fondly known as the Libbys. The best books of 2023, curated by a committee of educated librarians, will be recognized in this new awards show. 

Recognizing Excellence in Diverse Categories

Libby, known for providing thousands of free ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from local libraries, has announced the finalists across 17 diverse categories. The awards encompass genres such as Best Memoir & Autobiography, Best Thriller, and Best Science Fiction, offering a broad spectrum of literary recognition.

The finalists, including notable works such as "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros and Elliot Page's memoir "Pageboy," were chosen through a rigorous selection process by over 1,700 librarians worldwide.

Jen Leitman, Libby's Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the significance of libraries in the digital age, stating, 'With the rise of digital reading and lending, libraries are more important than ever.'

Highlighting the Vital Role of Libraries in the Digital Age

Leitman highlighted the importance of librarians, stating that they understand patrons' interests better than anyone else. Librarians, interacting daily with library-goers, advise on genres and recommend titles based on past interests. They observe firsthand how communities engage with and react to these titles, emphasizing their objectivity and trustworthiness.

Leitman expressed excitement about giving a voice to these essential book community members and hopes that everyone enjoys the first Libby Award Winners list, inspiring them to explore books from their local library through Libby.

Libby's commitment to recognizing outstanding literature extends to various categories, from Best Audiobook to Best Historical Fiction. The awards showcase the teamwork of the book community and encourage readers to discover the many options at their local libraries.

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Winners will be revealed in a live broadcast on March 12. Viewers can register for the virtual ceremony, hosted by the Professional Book Nerds podcast, accessible via Zoom. Additionally, the ceremony will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook Live.

Here are some of the finalists:

Finalists for Best Adult Fiction
"Birnam Wood" by Eleanor Catton
"Let Us Descend" by Jesmyn Ward
"The Fraud" by Zadie Smith
"The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride
"Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Finalists for Best Young Adult Fiction
"The Blackwoods" by Brandy Colbert
"The Davenports" by Krystal Marquis
"Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross
"Warrior Girl Unearthed" by Angeline Boulley
"What the River Knows" by Isabel Ibañez

Finalists for Best Audiobook
"All the Sinners Bleed" by S. A. Cosby
"I Have Some Questions for You" by Rebecca Makkai
"King: A Life" by Jonathan Eig
"Poverty, By America" by Matthew Desmond
"The Secret Hours" by Mick Herron

Finalists for Best Debut Author
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Marisa Crane
Ana Reyes
Selby Wynn Schwartz
Alice Winn

Finalists for Best Memoir & Autobiography
"Doppelganger" by Naomi Klein
"How to Say Babylon" by Safiya Sinclair
"My Name is Barbra" by Barbra Streisand
"Pageboy" by Elliot Page
"You Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith

Finalists for Best Mystery
"Age of Vice" by Deepti Kapoor
"Happiness Falls" by Angie Kim
"Symphony of Secrets" by Brendan Slocumb
"The Last Devil to Die" by Richard Osman
"Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" by Jesse Q. Suanto

Finalists for Best Thriller
"All the Sinners Bleed" by S. A. Cosby
"Bright Young Women" by Jessica Knoll
"Pet" by Catherine Chidgey
"The Centre" by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi
"The Secret Hours" by Mick Herron

Finalists for Best Romance
"Ana María and the Fox" by Liana De la Rosa
"Business or Pleasure" by Rachel Lynn Solomon
"Georgie, All Along" by Kate Clayborn
"A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel" by KJ Charles
"We Could Be So Good" by Cat Sebastian

Finalists for Best Fantasy
"A Day of Fallen Night" by Samantha Shannon
"Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros
"Hell Bent" by Leigh Bardugo
"To Shape a Dragon's Breath" by Moniquill Blackgoose
"Witch King" by Martha Wells

For the full list, click here.

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