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St. Louis Literary Award Programs

For more than 50 years, the St. Louis Literary Award has honored many of the most important writers of our time and celebrated the contributions of literature in enriching our lives. The St. Louis Literary Award is among the oldest and most prestigious of literary prizes in the country.

So Many Possibilities: The Story of the St. Louis Literary Award Programs

Mission Statement

The St. Louis Literary Award annually recognizes a living writer with a substantial body of work that has enriched our literary heritage by deepening our insight into the human condition and by expanding the scope of our compassion.

Overview of Programs

  • Award Ceremony: Honors the Literary Award recipient at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Features a discussion with the author and performances related to the author’s work. Open to the public with registration. 
  • Author Craft Talk: Held at Saint Louis University and features discussions about creative processes with the Literary Award recipient. 
  • Campus Read: The Campus Read is an opportunity for Saint Louis University students, faculty and staff to read a specific work by the incoming St. Louis Literary Award recipient and take part in related activities connected to the book and author. Campus Read programs are also open to anyone in the community outside of SLU with registration. 
  • Campus Read Author Talk and Interview Series: Features discussions led by scholars, artists, and writers around the world on the work of the current award recipient. This online and in-person program is open to the public with registration. 
  • Inspired by Arts Showcase: One of several student-based competitions open to high school and college students to create a work of visual or literary art that connects with a theme from the Campus Read book. 
  • Undergraduate Writing Award: Honors undergraduate literary achievement at Saint Louis University in three genres: short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. 
  • CraftTalks: A video/audio podcast exploring the creative process and perspectives of writers, artists, educators, and other visionaries.