Maya Angelou Book Award

In 2020, the Kansas City Public Library established the Maya Angelou Book Award with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri State University, and Northwest Missouri State, Truman State, and Southeast Missouri State universities.

Angelou was an acclaimed, Missouri-born memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist, and the prize celebrates contemporary writers whose work demonstrates a commitment to social justice. The award alternates annually between poetry and fiction.

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Maya Angelou

2026 Award Snapshot

In 2026 the Maya Angelou Book Award will be given to a work of fiction. Poetry submissions are not eligible for the 2026 award.

Submissions open: January 1, 2026
Submissions close: April 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CDT
Announcement of winner: Fall 2026
Book tour and ceremony: Spring 2027

For Writers

Each year, one writer will win $10,000, conduct a reading tour of partner colleges, universities and libraries, and be recognized in an event hosted by the Kansas City Public Library and The Carolyn Benton Cockefair Chair in Continuing Education.

Eligibility

  • Entries must come from publishers. Authors may not submit their works independently.
  • Works with a publication date in 2025 or a scheduled publication date through November 2026 are eligible.
  • Both novels and short story collections will be considered.
  • We are currently unable to consider translations.
  • Entrants must be at least 18 years of age and reside in the United States.
  • Entrants must be available for a two-week reading tour at partnering educational institutions in Missouri. The award winner and partner institutions will collaborate on the tour schedule.
  • Entrants must not be employees of a Missouri college or university that co-sponsors this award, or an employee of the Kansas City Public Library.
  • Publishers may be asked for additional copies of titles that are selected for the short list.
  • Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. CDT on April 1, 2026. Please note that entries are not considered complete until an electronic manuscript has been received by the committee.

Partners

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