Center for the Book

Programs and resources from the NH affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

The Center for the Book at the New Hampshire State Library was established in 2003 to celebrate and promote reading, books, literacy, and the literary heritage of New Hampshire and to highlight the role that reading and libraries play in enriching the lives of the people of the Granite State.

We are the New Hampshire affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

Visit our blog, Book Notes, for the latest NH Center for the Book news.

map of New Hampshire created out of author namesOur Literary Community

The Granite State has a wealth of organizations and institutions that support reading and the literary arts in our state. Libraries, bookstores and publishers, and numerous literary organizations provide resources and events to readers throughout the state. Awards, support for new readers, book sales to support libraries, and community-wide reads are also part of our rich literary landscape.

New Hampshire Center for the Book logoProjects & Activities

Our current projects include the Ladybug Picture Book Award; serving as a nominating library for the Dublin Literary Award; coordinating the Book Bag program and participation in the National Book Festival. We are currently working with NH Humanities on a Big Read grant application for 2023. Big Read is one of (technically three of) our Past Projects.

stack of books by NH authorsOur Literary Tradition

New Hampshire has been home to novelists, poets, historians, and writers of every other type you can imagine since before we were even a state. Numerous Books About NH, both factual and fictional, have been written by many NH Authors. How much do you know about the Granite State’s Literary Heritage? Check out 20 Questions and find out.