West Virginia Center for the Book

WV Center for the Book Logo The West Virginia Center for the Book was established in 2001 as an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. It is hosted by the West Virginia Library Commission in partnership with the West Virginia Humanities Council and West Virginia Culture and History. Funding for this project is provided by the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the West Virginia Library Commission.

The West Virginia Center for the Book brings the national Center’s message of the importance of books and reading to audiences statewide. The center actively works within West Virginia to highlight the unique literary heritage that abounds from the earliest story tellers to the recent novelists. The center celebrates all West Virginia writers and books related to the state. West Virginia Center for the Book sponsors book festivals, author readings and other events that celebrate books and libraries.

Current Projects
One Book One West Virginia

One Book One West Virginia is a state-wide book discussion group designed to promote dialogue among community members gathered in various locations throughout the state. Click on the heading to see the current and previous One Book One West Virginia titles.

Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence Program

The Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence Program was developed by the Department of English at Shepherd University in 1998 to celebrate and honor the work of a distinguished contemporary Appalachian writer. The Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence Program is made possible with financial support from the West Virginia Humanities Council, the West Virginia Center for the Book, and the Shepherd University Foundation.

To view and attend the upcoming in-person and virtual events featuring the 2024 Appalachian Heritage Writer in Residence Marc Harshman, click here!

Past Projects
Letters About Literature

Letters About Literature is a reading and writing competition for students in elementary, middle school, and high school. For more information, click here.