The Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award

• The award-winning author(s) will receive a prize of $25,000.
• The award will be presented at a public event at the Newberry Library and will include a lecture by or conversation with the prize winner, followed by a private reception.
• The prize winner may be invited to participate in other Newberry programs, including an engagement with its archival collection. The scope and nature of this engagement will be created to suit the award winner.

• Any book, whether fiction or nonfiction, that promotes public understanding of Chicago; titles must be available for purchase by the general public in either hardcover or bound paperback form.
• All subject areas, disciplines, and genres are eligible, including but not limited to: history, biography, the social sciences, art, architecture, poetry, drama, graphic novels, or fiction.
• Translations, textbooks, anthologies, reprints or new editions of previously published works, pamphlets, digital publications, travel guides, children’s books, or self-published works are not eligible.
• Books by current Newberry staff members and books by authors who were members of the Newberry’s staff at the time the book was written are not eligible.
• Books must bear a copyright of 2023 or 2024 to be eligible for the 2025 prize.

• Advancement of understanding of Chicago among a broad, general audience.
• Quality of writing.
• Unique perspective or pathbreaking research.
• Relevance to an issue of contemporary importance.
• Resonance with the Newberry Library’s collection strengths.
• Thoroughness of research in the discipline or subject area.

• Nominations may be made by authors, publishers, or members of the general public.
• Nominators must complete an award submission form for each book submitted.
• The Newberry will request from the publisher five copies of those books selected for further review.
• There is no cost to submit a book for the award.

The Book Prize Selection Committee will be made up of no more than three Newberry staff members and at least one but no more than two external members, all of whom have expertise in Chicago, its history, and its culture; and one ex-officio member from The Pattis Family Foundation.

The Book Prize Selection Committee may select one or more submissions as "Shortlist Award Recipients." Shortlist Award Recipients also receive a monetary award.