Dublin Literary Award

The New Hampshire State Library has been a nominating library for the Dublin Literary Award since 1999.

The largest and most international prize of its kind, the Dublin Literary Award, is an international award presented annually to a novel of high literary merit written in, or translated into, English and published within a specified period of time. The New Hampshire State Library has been a nominating library since 1999. The award is sponsored by the Dublin (Ireland) City Council.

The NH Dublin Award committee announces its nominees for the Dublin Literary Award, as well as other "Dublin news" on Book Notes, the Center's blog.

The New Hampshire Dublin Award Committee is currently reviewing fictional works for the 2026 award. This award is for books first published in English  between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. If you would like to make a suggestion, or become a member of the committee, please send an email to the Chair of the NH Dublin Committee. If you are suggesting a book please include the title, author and a brief statement about why you feel the book merits consideration.

Our Definition of a Novel of High Literary Merit

Our Definition of a Novel of High Literary Merit

  • Innovative story or themes
  • Fresh perspective
  • Well developed characters
  • Well developed plot
  • Well written (quality of writing shines)
  • Suitably concluded (a poor ending can kill an otherwise excellent book)
  • Emotionally engaging
  • Intellectually engaging
  • Contains life lessons
  • Leaves a lasting impact