The New York Society Library's New York City Book Awards, established in 1995, honor books of literary quality or historical importance that, in the opinion of the selection committee, evoke the spirit or enhance appreciation of New York City. The city must play an essential role beyond that of the setting. A worthy book, whether academic, literary, or popular, must be well written and engaging. It should shed some new or unusual light on New York City. As part of the Book Awards, the Library also presents the Hornblower Award. Established in 2011, this award is given to an excellent New York City-related book by a first-time author.

See the 2020 entry guidelines here.

We're pleased to announce the 2019-2020 winners:

• Cynthia Brenwall, The Central Park: Original Designs for New York’s Greatest Treasure (Harry N. Abrams)
• Matthew Goodman, The City Game: Triumph, Scandal, and a Legendary Basketball Team (Ballantine Books)
• Willie Perdomo, The Crazy Bunch (Penguin Books)
• Hugh Ryan, When Brooklyn Was Queer: A History (St. Martin’s Press)
• The Hornblower Award for a First Book: Claire Jimenez, Staten Island Stories (Johns Hopkins University Press)

More information on this year's winners can be found here; the May 5 awards ceremony is listed here.

The New York City Book Awards By Year

2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 |2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

List of All New York City Book Awards Winners