Community Read
Navigate
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT PITKIN COUNTY LIBRARY: JOIN THE LIT LOUNGE BOOK CLUB
A group inspired by the Aspen Words Literary Prize
Meeting every 3rd Tuesday at 5-6 p.m. MT
Details for the 2025 Community Read will be announced later this spring.
The Community Read, presented by Aspen Words and Pitkin County Library, strives to celebrate literature, unite readers around a work of fiction and ignite meaningful conversation on the vital social issues explored in the winner of the Aspen Words Literary Prize.
SAVE THE DATE
Aspen Words Literary Prize Ceremony Watch Party
Wednesday, April 23
4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. @ Pitkin County Library, Dunaway Room
free & open to all, register here
Who will win the 2025 Aspen Words Literary Prize? Join us to watch the awards ceremony in real-time!
Attendees will be able to delight in the evening’s most exciting aspects: a conversation with the finalist authors led by essayist, broadcaster and critic Bilal Qureshi, and the live announcement of the $35,000 prize winner.
Eat, mingle, and find out who will win this year’s Literary Prize as it is announced at the Morgan Library in New York City. Refreshments and snacks will be available, as well as a chance to win a raffle! All attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for a free copy of the winning book, which will be featured in the 2025 Community Read this summer.
Stay after the prize is announced and discuss your favorite book from the 2025 Longlist or 2025 Shortlist.
Please register so we can provide the appropriate amount of refreshments and snacks.
More 2025 events to be announced
(REVIEW PAST EVENTS BELOW)
Community Read Book Celebration and Movie Weekend: Featuring food, drinks and Hamlet
Friday, September 13
5 p.m.-8:35 p.m. @ Pitkin County Library, Dunaway Room
free & open to all, no registration required
Join us in the Dunaway Community Meeting Room to celebrate Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, winner of the 2024 Aspen Words Literary Prize. Enjoy food and drinks including wine, beer and soft drinks before screening Hamlet (1948), the production at the center of Enter Ghost. Eat, drink, and enjoy the company of other literary lovers in the community.
Saturday, September 14
2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. @ Pitkin County Library, Dunaway Room
free & open to all, no registration required
Attend a second screening of the production at the center of Enter Ghost featuring Hamlet (1996). The screening is free and open to all, seating is first come, first served. Popcorn will be available.
An evening with NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, moderated by APR’s Breeze Richardson
Wednesday, October 9
6-7 p.m. @ TACAW
free & open to all, registration TBA
Join us for a conversation with 2024 Aspen Words Literary Prize ceremony moderator, novelist and host of NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Mary Louise Kelly.
Moderator: Aspen Public Radio’s Executive Director Breeze Richardson.
This event is free and open to all, registration is requested (attendees of the Book Celebration on Friday, September 13 will have early access).
DOORS: Open at 5:30 p.m.
EVENT: Conversation 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
SEATING: General admission and available on a first come, first served basis.
Come early and purchase a drink at the TACAW bar.
Registration coming soon!
