What is the Washington Center for the Book?

The Washington Center for the Book promotes literacy and a love of books, reading, and libraries. We celebrate Washington’s robust literary heritage and shine a spotlight on the contribution of reading and libraries in strengthening communities and in fostering civic engagement.

The Center is the state affiliate for the Center for the Book at the U.S. Library of Congress. There is a Center for the Book in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and Northern Marianas.

Through book discussions and other literary and humanities programs, the Center strives to broaden and deepen appreciation for literature that expands the world of the reader. The Center develops programs that appeal to a wide audience — from confirmed book lovers to those who may not yet consider books and reading basic to their lives — and works with other cultural organizations and libraries to realize its goals.

Programs at the Washington Center for the Book include the Washington State Book Awards, given for outstanding books published by Washington authors the previous year. See Washington State Book Awards for submission guidelines and a list of the most recent award winners.

Contact Information:

Washington Center for the Book
c/o Washington State Library
PO Box 42460
Olympia, WA 98504-2460

Sara Peté at the Washington State Library
[email protected]